Cloth Diapers vs Disposables
Facts & Figures
Fast Facts
- -Average time a baby is in diapers : 2 ˝ years.
- -Average diaper changes per baby : 7,300
- -In 1955 - 100% of American babies wore cloth and 7 % experienced diaper rash.
- -In 1991 - 90 % of American babies wore disposables and 78 % experienced diaper rash.
Cloth Diapers
These figures are based upon using Gabby's (Calgary) all-in-one diapers sold at retail.
3 doz. size sm-md = $288.00
3 doz. size lg-toddler = $288.00
2 pkg. of med. liners = $ 20.00
2 pkg. of lg. liners = $ 20.00 = $ 616.00
Laundering is based on energy consumption, water, laundry products, depreciation on the washer and dryer, diaper pails etc. and is averaged per load at $.95 Cdn.
1 load every 4 days = 228 loads over 2 ˝ years = $ 217.00
Total Cost = $ 833.00
Disposables
Based on purchasing Mega size bags at $18 per bag and an average of 8 changes/day. Does not include transportation to store or costs of garbage disposal.
Small Newborn to 2 months = 488 diapers 80/bag = 6.1 bags = $ 109.80
Medium 2 months to 6 months = 976 diapers 66/bag = 14.8 bags = $ 266.40
Large 6 months to 24 months = 4,392 diapers 52/bag = 84.5 bags = $1521.00
Toddler 2 years to 2 ˝ years = 1,464 diapers 44/bag = 33.3 bags = $ 599.40
Total Cost = $ 2,496.60
Diaper Service
Based on figures from Rock-A-Dry Baby (Calgary) using contoured snap closing diapers. Diaper cover purchase and washing is the responsibility of the family.
Birth to one year. 70 diapers delivered and picked up per week. = $22.50/wk. = $1170
1 to 2 ˝ years. 40 diapers delivered and picked up per week = $16.50/wk = $1287
Total Cost = $ 2,457.00
Environmental Considerations
Click here to continue on to Environmental Issues and Conclusion
