Cloth diapering is known for its environmental and money saving benefits, yet it has become a major industry for those that prefer organic and natural products (read: expensive). While these are earth friendly products, they often negate the money saving factor. It is true that disposable diapering can cost as much as $3000 per child. I read an article in which cloth diapering was advertised as doable for around $1000. Yikes! Keep in mind that disposable costs are distributed over two or three years, while cloth diapering is mostly an up front cost. It is a wonderful way to save money in the long run, for sure, but it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to get started-and you can still be earth friendly.

So how can you put your kids in cloth diapers on a budget? Consider what you will need: diapers/liners, covers, pins or Snappis, and a pail.

Diapers: The only area in which to splurge, this is the most important part of your investment. The best quality diapers are called Chinese Diaper Service Quality, or Chinese DSQs. These cost, with shipping, around $35-$40 for a dozen (depending on size). You’ll need between one and two dozen per child in a smaller size to start, and later will add the same number in a larger size. For the nature lovers, they are available unbleached for the same price. As liners, double diapering works wonderfully at night. It is also cheap and easy to buy a few yards of flannel and fashion them into liners. To care for diapers and liners couldn’t be easier-throw them in the wash with detergent and bleach or baking soda-that’s it!

Covers: This is where the expense in cloth diapers seems to come from. While I don’t doubt that the FuzziBunz and other washable diaper covers are very nice, I couldn’t afford to spend $17 per cover on ten covers in multiple sizes. Your best bet for cost and quality are wool diaper covers. If you can knit, they are super easy to make yourself and free patterns are available online. If not, find an aunt, grandma, or mother-in-law who is itching to help you. You could even learn to knit, giving yourself an outlet for all those nesting instincts. Using websites like Knitpicks.com, even the nicest and softest 100% wool will run approximately $5 a pair to make wool covers. Wool covers can also be found fairly inexpensively on Ebay. Care is easy-every few weeks, handwash with Ivory soap (less than $1) and re-lanolize with some Lansinoh ($8 for a tube that lasts forever.)

Pins/Snappis: Cheap. Easy.

Pail: Nothing special needed here. No diaper genie or pail with fancy gizmos. A $5 garbage can will suit the purpose perfectly-I use a 30 quart can and it holds plenty. (Just remember to wash at least every other day and clean out the pail when you do.)

There you go! Cloth diapering for those of us that are un-rich, and still environmentally responsible. Make your own flushable wipes out of Viva paper towels and your mission is complete!

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