Cloth diapers: Save money and make a difference
Parents around the world are looking for ways to make life with young children easier, more sustainable, and economically beneficial.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to combine these goals is by switching to cloth diapers.
With an initial investment that pays for itself and a design that is both practical and durable, cloth diapers offer a solution that saves money and makes a positive difference for the future. In this blog, we dive into how cloth diapers impact your wallet and why they are an obvious choice for more and more families.
Cost overview: Disposable diapers vs. Cloth diapers
Disposable diapers
Total number of diapers: 6,920 diapers over three years
Average cost per diaper: €0.23
Total cost: €1,557
Cloth diapers
Initial investment: €360 (including a starter kit)
Washing costs: €169 (over three years)
Accessories (washcloths and wetbags): €64
Total cost: €593
Savings: €1,557 - €593 = €964
By choosing cloth diapers, a family can save nearly €1,000 during the diapering period – money that can be spent on what matters most to you and your family.
How is the savings possible?
Cloth diapers require a larger upfront investment but are designed to last throughout the entire diapering period – and can often be used for multiple children. Disposable diapers, on the other hand, involve a constant cost that quickly adds up with the number of diapers used per day.
What’s included in the washing cost?
The washing costs are based on:
Number of washes: 10 per month
Electricity cost: €0.23 per wash
Water cost: €0.06 per wash
Detergent: €0.18 per wash
Total cost for three years: €169
By planning washes efficiently, cloth diapers become both sustainable and economical.
The cost details are based on average Swedish household data for electricity and water in 2024, as well as market prices for eco-labeled detergents.
How is the cost of disposable diapers distributed over three years?
Diaper costs vary depending on the child’s age:
Newborn (0–3 months): 900 diapers at €0.16 each = €144
Infant (4–18 months): 2,700 diapers at €0.23 each = €621
Toddler (19–30 months): 1,800 diapers at €0.25 SEK each = €450
Note: During infancy, the total number of diapers is highest, while the cost per diaper increases during toddlerhood. This means the cost is spread over the entire period, with a gradual decrease in the number of diapers but a higher unit price towards the end.
Conclusion: Cloth diapers are a smart choice for you and your family
Choosing cloth diapers is not just about making an impact on the environment – it’s also an economic decision that can free up funds for other things that matter more to you and your family. The savings of over €1,000 is a tangible benefit, but cloth diapers are also about making small choices that lead to big differences.
With cloth diapers, you invest in a sustainable future, a healthy environment for your child, and an easier everyday life for you as a parent.
