Cloth diapers on a tight budget when you have to. I was a young mom and this is all I had to start with, as that was all I could afford. One 12 pack of flannel cloth diapers, now I think they cost around $15-$20 back then. Sounds like not a lot of money, but when your just starting out. This is alot of money to have to spend.
I already knew how to use cloth diapers when I had to change my little sister. My mom used these for her and showed me how to use the pins on the diapers. Even where to put the dirty diapers-in a pail in the bathroom.
My mom said when using cloth diapers on a tight budget is great. She didn’t need to go to the store and spend money on diapers. But she did need to wash them alot, and always hung them outside to dry.
Simple Washing Routine For Cloth diapers
- First, clean off the soiled diapers right away. Dipping them in the toilet to get the solid waste off/urine.
- Store the dirty diapers in a pail-with some vent holes to prevent mold in the bucket. I did add a capful of bleach in the bottom of the bucket with a bit of water.
- Drain out your bucket into the toilet, before prepping to wash them.
- Hot water wash and small amount of detergent. Hang to dry. Best thing for diapers-cause the sun is a natural disinfectant. So Cloth diapers on a tight budget can work.
Some things to Remember:
- Detergent: I used a baby friendly one, got to costly. Went and used the one I used on my clothes, just in a lesser dose. With a bit of bleach, used in every 3rd load only.
- Make sure full load on the washer. I used only 1/2 load setting, because I only had 9 to wash. Enough water to clean them properly.
- Need be washed every 2-3 days to prevent them from staining and wrecking from the ammonia in the diapers.
- Every time you wash diapers, also wash the diaper pail too. This is to ensure it does not get smelly and get rid of ammonia smell too. If not done, the pail does get a little slimy on the sides.
Why I Used Cloth Diapers For All My Kids
The reason why I kept using them:
- Economical-cheaper than buying disposable diapers
- I started out with these when I had my first baby.
- I always loved how my babies never had a diaper rash
- Easy for me to use, since I had previous experience
- I knew what I was putting on my baby-cause I controlled how they were washed and dried.
- They are not wasteful
So I didn’t mind having to wash diapers everyday. Since I only had 12 diapers, I had to wash diapers when I had 3 left. Cause after these were washed and dried, I would need them again. This is how I ran my day, and since I was just starting out. I didn’t have much that occupied my day. So I basically had all the time in the world to do them.
But of course, after a while washing them everyday did get tiresome. Cause I had to get them done, before I could leave the house. I would hang them up and then go for a walk, or go catch a bus.
Was harder when I had an appt. and didn’t have the time to wait for them to dry. Then I would have to use my little pack of disposable diapers I had for emergencies. Cause using cloth diapers on a tight budget saved me money, enabling me to get disposable ones for emergencies.
How I Got More Cloth Diapers on a Tight Budget
- I found a mom that was giving hers away. They were a full cloth diaper meaning, they had an outside liner and a diaper and another inside liner. Just incase baby needed extra absorbtion.
- I also found some at the Food Bank Clothing Exchange, few at a time.
- I looked in Thrift Stores for some.
- I also hand sewed my own liners out of recieving blankets.
- Saved a couple dollars each month to get another pack-eventually.
Cloth Diapers on a Tight Budget
This can be done, remember you are re-using them always. Saving you money each time you use them. You are washing them yourself and you are not throwing them away, like disposable diapers.
You don’t need to start with a whole bunch to begin with. Start with what you can, and go from there. You will be able to get more later on. Even find a better deal somewhere.
I know I found this awesome deal one time. A drug store was selling all there baby things at a low cost. I got 5 packs (12 each) for the cost of one pack, which was about $20. I couldn’t pack them all, but I found a way. I taped them all to the stroller and caught the bus and went home. People on the bus were so proud of my ingenuity on how I figured it all out. I got such a savings on them, and this was my normal brand I was already using. A win-win for sure.
So no matter how you start, it can be done. Even if you don’t like others seeing you using them. Use them only at home. Still saving you money in the long run, and better for your babies skin too. To have that break from the disposable diapers. You can be proud using cloth diapers on a tight budget. Cause your babies skin will be healthier and you save some too.