Switching from Disposable Diapers to Cloth
I Switched to Cloth Diapers to Save Money (My Honest First Impression)
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Disposable diapers are getting ridiculously expensive… and honestly, I hit a point where I had to at least try something different.
I’m completely brand new to cloth diapering. And if I’m being honest, every time I looked into it before, it felt overwhelming. There’s so much information out there different types, wash routines, inserts, systems… it was information overload, and I always ended up saying, “I don't think this is for me.” or "Maybe later."
But with the cost of everything going up lately: gas, groceries, just life in general; I started looking for ways to cut expenses where I could.
On top of that, we’re in the middle of potty training, which means I feel like I’m going through even more diapers right now. I’m constantly putting Callie on the potty, but still using diapers in between… and they go FAST.
A box of Pampers from Sam’s Club is around $50, and I’ve even noticed recently that it feels like they’re putting fewer diapers in the box now, since they redesigned them.
So here I am finally giving cloth diapering a real try.
Not because I have it all figured out… but because I’m ready to learn.
My Honest Thoughts Before Trying Cloth Diapers
I’ll be honest… I didn’t always have a positive view of cloth diapering.
Part of that came from what I’d see in Facebook mom groups. A new mom would ask a simple question about disposable diapers or desperately looking for spare diapers from other moms because they didn't get paid yet, and there was almost always at least one comment saying something like, “Just switch to cloth diapers.”
And it didn’t always come across as helpful; sometimes it felt a little snarky… kind of like when people get preachy about being vegan.
It made cloth diapering feel less approachable, and a little intimidating.
Instead of thinking, “Oh, maybe I could try that,”
I’d think, “Yeah… that’s not for me.”
But now that I’m actually trying it for myself, I’m realizing it doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing or complicated.
You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to do it 100% of the time.
You can just… try it.
My Cloth Diaper Setup
🚼How many do I need?
- Newborns:36
- Infants: 24
- Toddlers: 20
Here’s everything I’m currently using:
🧺 Cloth Diapers
I went with pocket-style cloth diapers. They’re adjustable and grow with baby, which makes them a more budget-friendly option long term. After getting them, they remind me of being just like her swim diaper.
- I bought 2 packs of babygoal reusable cloth diapers, there was a discount at the time if you bought 2 or more. [Check price on Amazon]
- I also bought a pack of TDIAPERS cloth diapers, there was a good sale on these and I really wanted try them out. [Check current price on Amazon]
🌿 Bamboo Diaper Liners
👜 Wet/Dry Bags
I hang these on my cabinet and toss dirty diapers in throughout the day. They help contain smells and keep everything organized. The front pouch is for the inserts (pee pad) the main pouch is for the diaper itself. I also bought a wet/dry bag for my car and James's car so we can continue to use them when out of the house. Both the babygoal diaper packs I bought, came with a wet/dry bag. I also bought a couple extra ALVABABY wet/dry bags for travel. [Check price here on Amazon]
🧺 Storage Basket
I keep clean diapers and liners together so everything is easy to grab during changes. To prep ahead of time, I just place a clean insert in the diaper and then place a bamboo liner to line the inside of the dialer, fold them up, and keep them in a storage organizer bin ready to go.
Why I Decided to Try Cloth Diapers
Disposable diaper costs are adding up FAST
Prices are rising (and quantities seem to be shrinking)
We’re potty training = going through more diapers than ever
I wanted to find a way to save money long-term
Less waste (bonus)
I like having control over what touches my baby’s skin
Why I Waited So Long
Honestly, the biggest reason I didn’t try cloth diapers sooner?
👉 It felt overwhelming.
Every time I researched it, I’d go down a rabbit hole of:
Different diaper types
Complicated wash routines
Conflicting advice
And instead of feeling more informed, I felt more confused. I thought about doing this when she was younger but with explosive baby poops, being an over stimulated and in postpartum, I didn't feel confident enough to figure it out at the time. Quite frankly, I don't think I would've handled it well.
So if you’re reading this and feel the same way, you’re not alone.
I’m figuring this out as a complete beginner, keeping it as simple and realistic as possible.
My Honest First Impressions
I was honestly a little nervous going into this… but here’s what I’ve noticed so far:
👍 What I Love
They are SO cute (this surprised me 😂)
I’ll be saving money in the long run
No last-minute diaper runs, as long as I keep up on laundry.
The system feels easier than I expected.
🤔 What I’m Still Figuring Out
Getting the wash routine just right.
How often I want to do laundry
What works best when we’re out of the house
My Simple Cloth Diaper Routine (So Far)
I’m keeping this as simple as possible:
Daily:
If she just has a pee diaper, I rinse it out in the bathroom sink with a little dish soap.
Dirty diapers go straight into the wet bag, used inserts in the front pouch.
Use liners for easy cleanup. The liners seem to help really well!
Every 2–3 days:
Presoak, if needed.
Wash with detergent
Dry
That’s it. No overcomplicating it (because I know I won’t stick to it if I do).
Will I Fully Switch to Cloth Diapers?
Honestly… I’m not putting that pressure on myself.
Right now my plan is:
Cloth diapers as much as possible.
I'll still carry some disposables when we’re out, or having a rough day.
And I think that balance is what’s going to make this sustainable long-term.
Just to Be Clear…
I want to say this upfront, I’m not trying to be preachy at all.
And I will never judge you if you choose to stick with disposable diapers.
I get it. It’s convenient, it’s familiar, and honestly… I didn’t think cloth diapering was for me either.
This is just something I’m trying because I’m looking for ways to save money and be a little more mindful with what we use day to day.
That’s it. No pressure, no “right way,” no expectations.
At the end of the day, we’re all just doing what works best for our families; and that’s what matters most.
Final Thoughts
I might regret this… or I might end up loving it.
But either way, I’m glad I’m trying something that could save money and reduce waste for my family.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by cloth diapering like I did, this is your sign that you don’t have to do it perfectly you just have to start.
I’ll definitely be sharing updates as I go, because I’m learning right alongside you.
Check out this post if your interested in learning about getting into growing your own food at home.
👉🏼 Here
Sources:
https://www.grovia.com/pages/how-many-cloth-diapers
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