5 Ways to Cloth Diaper from Birth to Potty Training for around $100

There are many reasons to cloth diaper. For both the Sisters, saving money and living frugally on one income was one of the major reasons we got started.

If you are struggling financially, or just want to do this as cheaply as possible, here are some ways you can cloth diaper from birth to potty training for around $100!

It may be helpful to read our page Cloth Diapering 101: Types of Cloth Diapers before reading further here.

In an effort to be as informative and helpful for people getting started as possible, we have included links to various retailers. This is not an endorsement of a particular store. We are just showing an example of price. There are many great retailers out there and we encourage you to support whatever retailer you choose. Prices do not include shipping, and are estimates based on current prices at the time of this writing.

Option 1: Use What You Have ~$42

The absolute cheapest way to start out cloth diapering is to use what you already have. Flannel receiving blankets make great flats, and a lot of people are willing to just give them away, or sell them for a few cents at yard sales. You can also use t-shirts and other old clothes to cut into big rectangles and use as flats. When Melissa started cloth diapering, she used receiving blankets from her first child. So we’ll say this part is ~ $0

4 Dappi nylon pull on covers in each size, newborn to large ~ $5/package of 2, total cost $40.

Both Melissa and Jeniffer have used these covers. They get the job done, but are not as reliable for long periods of time as some covers.

2 packages of diaper pins (available at local retailers like Wal-Mart)~ $1, for box of 4 pins; total cost $2

Option 2: Old School ~$70

2 dozen flats ~ $14/dozen, total cost $28.

4 Dappi nylon pull on covers in each size, newborn to large ~ $5/package of 2, total cost $40.

2 packages of diaper pins (available at local retailers like Wal-Mart)~ $1, for box of 4 pins; total cost $2

Option 3: Old School with an Upgrade ~ $86

2 dozen flats ~ $14/dozen, total cost $28.

4 one size covers, such as Flip or Rumparooz ~ $14/per cover, cost total $56

2 packages of diaper pins (available at local retailers like Wal-Mart)~ $1, for box of 4 pins; total cost $2

These modern covers would allow you to pad fold, and skip pinning. The Sisters still recommend pins, as they give a more secure fit and make it less likely your covers will get dirty.

Option 4: Econobum ~$97.90

2 Econobum kits ~ $48.95/piece, total cost $97.90

Each kit includes 3 one size covers, 12 prefolds, and 1 wetbag, so you will have 6 covers, 24 prefolds, and 2 wetbags!

The prefolds may be bulky on newborns at first, so you may wish to buy a dozen flats for trimmer diapering in the newborn stage.

Option 5: Sunbaby Diapers ~$108

1 24 pack of Sunbaby’s diapers, with 24 inserts ~ $108.

These are a one-size pocket diaper, so they should last from birth to potty training.

The Sisters have not used these personally, but have seen pictures of them on newborns and the fit looks really good!

So there you have it! Five ways to cloth diaper from birth to potty training on around $100!

You can of course mix and match from any of the above options. You can buy 1-2 dozen flats, a few covers and still have money to buy a few pocket diapers to supplement and use for sitters, family, and middle of the night changes.

The above five options cover your diapers. You may want to add some accessories (Option 4 already includes 2 wet bags).