Does using cloth diapers save money in 2023?

It will be cheaper to purchase and wash cloth diapers compared to using disposable diapers on a child. The cloth diapers have a higher initial cost, but already in the first year you have brought home the profit. It can be nice as a parent to find good alternatives when everyday life becomes more expensive. Below, we have calculated what you can save by choosing cloth nappies. Keep in mind that there is money to be saved just by changing a few diapers per day, or being early in introducing the potty.

How much does it cost to use cloth diapers?

We have calculated a recommended purchase for full-time cloth diapers, 8 diaper shells with 24 more pairs of inserts. As well as water, electricity and detergent to wash the nappies every three days.

• The 1st year will be the most expensive as the purchase price of the diapers ends up here, SEK 4122
• 2nd year SEK 706 only cost of laundry
• 3rd year SEK 706

For three years of use, the total cost is SEK 5,535 for one child. If you choose to tumble dry the laundry, a cost of SEK 1,432/year is added

To answer the question of whether cloth diapers are cheaper than disposable diapers, we calculate an average price of SEK 3 per disposable diaper. If you pay for garbage collection, a cost of approx. SEK 1,000/year is added

• 1st year SEK 6570
• 2nd year SEK 6570
• 3rd year SEK 6570

For three years of using disposable diapers, the cost is SEK 19,710 for a child.

Many diapers can be bought in bulk or with discounts, but you have to drop to a price below SEK 0.9 per diaper for it to be more economical than cloth diapers.

Another way to reduce costs when changing nappies is to use cloth washcloths. They are easily washed together with the cloth diapers or the family's underwear. Use a mesh bag with coarse holes for storage before washing, then you can easily put the whole bag in and keep the washcloths under control in the machine.

the calculation is based on average prices in area 3 in 2022 and 6 nappy changes per day.