Is CDing really cheaper?

mrsdchastain

Although I do care about the environment (and that is a big, awesome point), I'm on the fence about CDing. I'm just curious is it really that much of a money saver? I read that there are certain way you have to launder them and all. Has anyone done the math on this?

beckerella

It can be significantly cheaper. There are mamas on this board that spend less than $300 on diapers from birth to potty training. Here is a calculator if you want to play around with some numbers.

As far as the laundry, you need to do it a certain way but it's not really any more difficult than regular laundry. It may take a couple of tries to find the best detergent for your water but, in the end, it's just a couple extra loads a week.

lifesadance

I've invested a total of $450 in CDs and supplies and have gotten $288 back from selling of what I'm done with = $163.51 on CDs for 16 months so far.  I use Charlie's Laundry Soap for ALL our laundry, CDs included.  It is only about $0.17 per load which from my math was cheaper than Tide, which is what I used to use.  I do about 3 loads of CD laundry per week so it's not a significant amount more water or detergent used. 

My girlfriend with a child the same age as mine is, says she estimates she has spent at least $1500 on disposables thus far.  

YES.  CLOTH DIAPERS SAVE MONEY.

numeria11

Short answer yes it is cheaper.  Longer answer, it really depends on what types of diapers you are buying, wheather you buy them new or used, how many diapers you decide you "need" in your stash, what accessories you buy, and how many kids you use them on.  Obviously if you are using them from your first kid all the way thru your 2nd or 3rd you are going to save more than using them on just one baby. 

It's just like anything else baby related, you can go all sorts of crazy and spend a fortune on all sorts of cute stuff that you dont truly need or you can just buy the bare necessities, and if you are ok buying used you can save yourself a ton of money. 

What you really NEED to start CDing is: 

18-24 diapers (assuming you are doing pockets or AIOs),

1-2 wet bags to go in a trash can,

1-2 smaller wet bags to use when you are out and about,

drying rack to hang diapers on to dry

maybe a diaper sprayer for when they are older and have icky poops,

laundry detergent (which as someone else mentioned can actually be cheaper than most commerical detergents, and you usually only use half the recommended amount anyhow on diapers). 

Optional things that you also might want: 

20-40 Cloth Wipes (another great way to save money, and if you are CDing it's actually easier than using a disposible wipe) which you can actually make out of old recieving blankets or some flannel you get at a fabric store, 

4-8 Hemp Inserts (for addes mositure absorbtion as your baby gets older and pees more, esp at night), 

Disposible Iiners (for the peanutbutter poop stage), 

a couple extra wet bags, 

a wipe warmer (assuming you are using cloth wipes and want to keep them prewetted at home),

10-20 additional diapers so that you dont have to do laundery every other day, instead you are able to do it every 3rd day. 

 

WaterLiIy

Over like 2+ years of disposable diapering, you'll spend $2000-2500

If you're smart about how you buy cloth (on sale, used, seconds etc) you can get a very decent stash for under $400. And that will last until potty training.

Yes, you have the launder them a 'certain' way, as in rinse them, wash them, rinse them again..this barely affects your water bill (in my experience). 

cozylittlecave

I did the math & as much as it seemed hard to believe, it's cheaper. Of course HOW much cheaper depends a lot on what you go with. We plan on doing mostly AIOs which are MUCH more expensive. We'll still come out cheaper- and we'll come out waaaay ahead when we have more kids (which we plan to do). Our entire 'wish list' stash would cost a little under $1000 if I bought everything brand new tomorrow. So far though, I've bought about 30 dipes that were on sale or clearance- well below my original cost estimates. Part 2 of my plan- if we get down to the line & can't afford to finish it out- we'll finish the rest with prefolds & covers (way cheap). 

kdello

lifesadance:

I've invested a total of $450 in CDs and supplies and have gotten $288 back from selling of what I'm done with = $163.51 on CDs for 16 months so far.  I use Charlie's Laundry Soap for ALL our laundry, CDs included.  It is only about $0.17 per load which from my math was cheaper than Tide, which is what I used to use.  I do about 3 loads of CD laundry per week so it's not a significant amount more water or detergent used. 

My girlfriend with a child the same age as mine is, says she estimates she has spent at least $1500 on disposables thus far.  

YES.  CLOTH DIAPERS SAVE MONEY.

This, only I use Tide (1.5 Tablespoons per load). I spent maybe $500 over a year of collecting diapers on sale here and there, and have already regained over $300 and my kid isn't even 10 months old yet.  Granted, this involved a lot of sale watching and mailing packages, but to me it was worth it.

My special laundry routine is a cold rinse, then a normal hot wash with a little Tide and a cold rinse. Nothing crazy.

It's worth it- I'm AMAZED at how much disposables cost when I have to go down that aisle at the store. Swim diapers were $11 for 10 diapers! 

 

p.s. I see your little one is 4 months old- now is a great time to start! Not too late at all, and she'd probably fit right into one-size diapers now!

simplyatomic

We were spending 20 a week on diapers and wipes. We have spend 300 on diapers and I made some wipes.

jesidz

We are CD'ing our 1 year old and our twins for $700...for three kids. Definitely cheaper but YOU have to control your shopping habits and not go with 45 of the most expensive diapers in order to keep it in check

mrsdchastain

When I mean certain, don't you have to wash them with lanolin or something?

numeria11

Not sure if you are still looking at responses but if so I will help you on your last question.  Nope they dont need Lanolin washing unless they are wool covers.  Wool covers are completely optional (we have one just to try it out, but rarely use). Most CDs are actually made of a water proof material, PUL, on the outside that can be washed regularly in soap and water and then preferably hang dried (so the water proofing doesnt come off).  The inside parts that are actually absorbant are typically made from microfiber, hemp or cotton and again these you just wash like anything else, and these you can dry. 

Wool covers are something additional some folks purchase if they have a child who is a really heavy wetter (typically just for overnights) because wool absorbs exta moisture and breaths really well without wicking the moisture onto your LOs clothing.  It sounds weird but generally you dont really wash your wool covers unless they get poopy or start to have a stink problem (which if they are properly lanolized they dont).  I would say read over the FAQ section of this board it will definitly help answer a lot of your questions. GL!