Parents all over the world are looking for ways to make life with little ones simpler, more affordable and more thoughtful. One of the easiest and most effective ways to combine those goals is to switch to cloth diapers.
With an upfront investment that pays for itself and a design that's both practical and durable, cloth diapers offer a solution that saves money and makes a positive difference for the future. Here we take a closer look at how cloth diapers affect your wallet — and why they're becoming an obvious choice for more and more families.
Cost overview: disposables vs. cloth diapers
Disposables
Total number of diapers: 6,920 diapers over three years.
Average cost per diaper: SEK 2.50.
Total cost: SEK 17,300.
Cloth diapers
Upfront investment: SEK 4,000 (including a Starter Kit).
Washing cost: SEK 1,872 (over three years).
Accessories (cloth wipes and wet bags): SEK 714.
Total cost: SEK 6,586.
Saving: SEK 17,300 − SEK 6,586 = SEK 10,714.
By choosing cloth diapers, a family can save over SEK 10,000 across the diapering period — money that can go towards what matters most to you and your family.
How is the saving possible?
Cloth diapers need a larger investment to begin with, but they're designed to last the whole diapering period — and can often be used for more than one child. Disposables, on the other hand, are a constant cost that adds up quickly with every diaper per day.
What's included in the washing cost?
The washing costs are based on:
Number of washes: 10 per month.
Electricity cost: SEK 2.50 per wash.
Water cost: SEK 0.70 per wash.
Detergent: SEK 2.00 per wash.
Total cost over three years: SEK 1,872.
By planning your washes efficiently, cloth diapers become both durable and economical.
The cost figures are drawn from average Swedish household data for electricity and water in 2024, and based on market prices for eco-labelled detergents.
How does the cost of disposables spread over three years?
Diaper costs vary depending on the child's age:
Newborn (0–3 months): 900 diapers at SEK 1.80 = SEK 1,620.
Infant (4–18 months): 2,700 diapers at SEK 2.50 = SEK 6,750.
Toddler (19–30 months): 1,800 diapers at SEK 2.80 = SEK 5,040.
A note: the total number of diapers is highest during the infant stage, while diapers during the toddler stage cost more each. So the cost is spread across the whole period, with a gradual drop in number but a higher price per diaper towards the end.
In short: cloth diapers are a smart choice for you and your family
Choosing cloth diapers isn't only about the saving — it's also a decision that can free up money for other things that mean more to you and your family. The saving of over SEK 10,000 is a concrete benefit, but cloth diapers are also about making small choices that lead to big differences.
With cloth diapers you invest in a product that lasts — and in a simpler everyday life as a parent. If you'd like to see the full picture with cost, environment and health side by side, you can read our comparison of cloth diapers vs disposables.
By Emelie, founder of Time Ahead Sweden — mum of three and curious about how we as parents can make thoughtful choices in everyday life.