Diapers are expensive, no matter what kind you buy. Shelling out $15 or $30 for a pack of disposables probably makes you cringe. What if you never had to buy a disposable diaper again?

Parents choose to cloth diaper for many reasons, but saving money is usually at the top. It is estimated that a family will spend at least $2500 per child on disposable diapers, even using the store brand. Cloth diapers, on the other hand, cost around $200-$450 to set up a “stash” - but then you never have to buy diapers again. EVER. And if you plan on having another child, you can save even more because you can use that same stash of cloth diapers for another baby.

If you qualify for a Heiny Helpers diaper package, the savings are even greater because we will give you what you need to get started cloth diapering. Instead of buying disposables, you’ll be doing 2-3 extra loads of laundry a week. Fancy-schmancy detergents are available, but you really don’t need them. Some of the cheaper national brands work just fine (but do check out our care tips, because some detergents will ruin your diapers). Many parents save additional money by drying their diapers on a clothesline in the warmer months (and this has an added bonus of sun-bleaching the stains from your diapers!).

There are several excellent cost analyses of diapers online. We like this one because it’s so detailed.

So, go ahead, skip the diaper aisle at the store. Your baby’s college fund will thank you.