Diapers are one of those baby decisions that don’t seem like a big deal until you’re in it. You’ve got the crib set up, the stroller picked, the tiny onesies folded. Then suddenly you’re standing in the baby aisle wondering, do I go disposable? Do I try cloth? Or maybe a little of both?
There isn’t one right answer, but knowing the trade-offs with cost, convenience, and mess makes it easier to land on what works for your family.
The Basics
Disposable diapers: The one-and-done option. Put it on, take it off, throw it away.
Cloth diapers: Washable and reusable. They come in a few styles like prefolds, pocket diapers, and all-in-ones.
Price Comparison
Money talks, and diapers eat up a big chunk of it.
Disposable diapers: Babies go through around 2,500 to 3,000 diapers in the first year. That’s roughly $70 to $80 a month, or $800 to $1,000 a year depending on the brand. By the time potty training hits around 2.5 years, you’re looking at $2,000 to $2,500 total.
Cloth diapers: A starter stash of 20 to 30 cloth diapers runs $300 to $600 upfront. Add in laundry costs like water, detergent, and electricity, and you’ll spend another $200 to $300 a year. Over 2.5 years the total usually lands between $1,000 and $1,200. If you save them for baby number two, the savings really stack up.
On paper, cloth is cheaper in the long run. But the upfront cost and laundry time can be tough at first.
Disposable Diapers: Pros and Cons
Pros
- No extra work, just toss them out.
- Easy to grab at any store or online.
- Great for travel or daycare since they’re the default option.
- Very absorbent, which can mean fewer leaks at night.
Cons
- More expensive over time.
- Big environmental impact, with each baby contributing about a ton of diaper waste by potty training.
- Can cause diaper rash if left on too long.
Cloth Diapers: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Cheaper long-term, especially if you use them for more than one child.
- Much less waste going into landfills.
- Softer materials that can be gentler on skin.
- You can adjust absorbency and fit with inserts.
- And yes, the prints are really cute.
Cons
- More money upfront.
- Lots of extra laundry, usually two or three loads a week.
- Steeper learning curve with fit, inserts, and wash routines.
- Not always daycare friendly.
- Can leak if they’re not put on just right.
The Hybrid Approach
Plenty of parents split the difference. Cloth at home, disposables for nights out, travel, or daycare. It saves money and waste but doesn’t leave you buried in laundry every single day.
Cloth Diaper Brands to Check Out
If you want to give cloth a try, these brands are often recommended by parents:
- GroVia
- BumGenius
- Thirsties
- AlvaBaby
- Econobum
- Charlie Banana
Each has its own system and price point, so it’s worth sampling a few before you commit to a full stash.
ALVABABY Baby Cloth Diaper 6 Pack with 12 Inserts
- 6 pack with 12 inserts
- One size adjustable
- Washable and reusable
- Pocket diaper style
- Budget-friendly
AlvaBaby is a popular budget-friendly cloth diaper option. This starter pack includes everything you need to try cloth diapering without breaking the bank. Great for testing if cloth works for your family.
Charlie Banana Cloth Diapers - One Size Adjustable
- One size adjustable
- Washable and reusable
- Includes absorbent insert
- Cute prints available
- Eco-friendly
Charlie Banana offers stylish, adjustable cloth diapers that grow with your baby. Known for their fun prints and reliable performance, they're a favorite among cloth diaper parents.
My Take
I wanted to be a cloth diaper mom. I loved the idea of the savings, the eco-friendliness, and honestly some of those prints are adorable. But once my baby was here, I realized I just didn’t have the energy or time to keep up with the extra laundry. We ended up going with Coterie for disposables, and they’ve worked really well for us. Soft, absorbent, and they keep my sanity intact.
Coterie Size 2 Diaper, 31 Count
- Ultra-soft materials
- Highly absorbent
- Hypoallergenic
- Premium quality
- Leak protection
Coterie diapers are my go-to disposables. They're incredibly soft, absorbent, and have kept my baby comfortable without any rashes. Yes, they're pricier than drugstore brands, but the quality and peace of mind are worth it for us.
At the end of the day, the best diaper is the one that keeps your baby comfortable and you from feeling overwhelmed.
Diapering Options
Coterie Size 2 Diaper, 31 Count
Premium disposables that keep my baby comfortable and my sanity intact.
ALVABABY Baby Cloth Diaper 6 Pack with 12 Inserts
Affordable cloth diaper starter pack perfect for trying the cloth route.
Charlie Banana Cloth Diapers - One Size Adjustable
Adjustable cloth diapers with cute prints and reliable performance.