I love to recycle. Just recently, we went thru our closet again in efforts to make space. Most of the clothes will hopefully be worn again. However, there were a lot of t-shirts and such that wasn't of quality to give away -most everything i've worn around the house has paint on it! I had been planning to make cloth diapers anyways - so this was a perfect project to use up those old shirts.
Just an idea of the savings that can be had with cloth diapers - if you replace just one pamper a day with a cloth one, in a years time, you've saved right at 100 dollars. That's amazing, isn't it? (the diapers we're using now cost 26 cents, but it could be more or less depending on the size and brand and quantity purchased) That 100 dollars might not sound like a huge savings over a years time, but if you multiply that by the number of diapers you use a day, say, 10 a day, you're now looking at a sizable savings! If you keep your kid in diapers long enough, you can probably convince your husband that you have saved enough to buy a large flock of sheep. lol.
Just an idea of the savings that can be had with cloth diapers - if you replace just one pamper a day with a cloth one, in a years time, you've saved right at 100 dollars. That's amazing, isn't it? (the diapers we're using now cost 26 cents, but it could be more or less depending on the size and brand and quantity purchased) That 100 dollars might not sound like a huge savings over a years time, but if you multiply that by the number of diapers you use a day, say, 10 a day, you're now looking at a sizable savings! If you keep your kid in diapers long enough, you can probably convince your husband that you have saved enough to buy a large flock of sheep. lol.Of course, you do have the laundering with the cloth diapers, but it is simple, and much easier than I expected. I just rinse them out in the laundry sink. I have diluted laundry detergent in a pump bottle and if the diaper is dirty, a bar of natural soap gets them sparkly white again. (it's only gross if it's some other kid's diaper..lol) I wring them out and hang them on a hanger to dry, and just throw them in the dryer the next time the dryer is running. (we don't have to deduct any cleaning expenses from the savings now :) it's very minimal)
Buying cloth diapers can require an up front investment. but it will pay off in the long run. Initially, I purchased just 6 cloth diapers at a price of 94.00 - (some were up to 17.00 each) The price of making diapers is pennies on the dollar compared to buying them, especially if you have a stash of old t-shirts that can be used. I bought 100% cotton flannel for the inside of the diaper and cotton wash cloths for the inserts, and spent less than 10 dollars for 14 diapers! These cotton diapers are not waterproof, so do need to be covered. We are using wool covers.
Even if you don't feel comfortable with sewing, you can still use cloth diapers and save big! That is, if you have a use for cloth diapers.
I'll be sharing the link to the pattern i used along with some diaper sewing tips in an upcoming post.
Posts
Tonya,
ReplyDeleteThose are beautiful! A great way to save some wear and tear on the mother ship. They have to feel so much better on the bum too...
Sherry
These are great! A great way to recycle old clothes, plus better for Wyatt too. Can't wait to see the pattern!
ReplyDelete