Evi - 31 / Jan / 2025
Washable diapers and disposable: how many diapers do you need?
Curious about how many reusable diapers you actually need? And how many disposable diapers you can save by using them? Are there also middle-ground solutions? On average, from the birth of your child until they are potty trained, there are about 8,000 diaper changes! In this blog, we outline the numbers and costs for you! This way, you can easily determine which sustainable option fits your lifestyle and how we can take another step together toward planet-friendly living!
On average, between your baby’s birth and potty training, you’ll change about 8,000 diapers. The number of diapers you need depends on your child, their age, and the type of diaper you use. This can make it hard to know where to start. In this blog, we’ll explore the different age stages, the difference between cloth and disposable diapers, and break down the costs. This way, the choice becomes clearer, and you can better decide what works for you. We aim to lower the threshold to planet-friendly living!
View our full range of cloth diapers >
How many disposable diapers does a newborn need per day?
Newborn diapers are usually labeled as size 1. This is essentially the same as asking, "How many size 1 diapers do you need?" During this stage, you’ll need to change your baby’s diaper approximately every 2-4 hours. That means about 8 diapers per day in the first months. Per month, this adds up to approximately 260 diapers in size 1. Depending on the brand, quality, and sustainability, this will cost you approximately €30-100 per month.
View Moomin disposable diapers size 1 >
How many cloth diapers does a newborn need per day?
The number of cloth diapers you need per day is the same as disposable diapers. How often you wash them, how much time you have to do so, and whether you use a dryer or air dry them, will largely determine how many reusable diapers you should buy.
- Suppose you wash every 3 days. You’ll need enough reusable diapers for those 3 days (3 days x 8 diapers per day) = 24 diapers.
- On laundry day, you’ll still need diapers. Especially if you air dry them, which can take an entire extra day. Add about 8-12 diapers for this. In total, this comes to approximately 32-36 cloth diapers. Depending on the model, you may also need an equal number of inserts.
What are the monthly costs of washable diapers for a newborn?
- Specifically for newborns, these can often be used for 7-8 months, depending on your baby’s growth and birth weight. The cost for 32-36 reusable diapers is approximately €600-700 for the entire period. This amounts to about €85-90 per month.
View this size 1 cloth diaper for newborns by Cheeky Wipes >
Do Cloth Diapers Make Sense for a Newborn? Adjustable Diapers as an Alternative
"Do washable diapers make sense when your little one grows so quickly?" is a question we often hear. As mentioned above, the costs are approximately €85-90 per month. Reusable diapers are the most sustainable option, but they can be a costly investment for some. Brands like Bambooty offer diapers that are adjustable and grow with your baby, from 4kg to 16kg. During the initial months, you could opt for more sustainable disposable diapers, like those from Moomin, until your baby is ready to transition to a Bambooty washable diaper.
- Purchasing 32-36 Bambooty washable diapers provides a lifespan of approximately 18 months, depending on your baby’s growth.
- The cost for 32-36 washable diapers is €600-700 for 18 months, which equals €30-40 per month.
View Bambooty washable diapers >
How many disposable diapers does an older baby need per day?
When babies start eating solid food, they have fewer bowel movements. You only need to change their diaper 4-5 times a day. This amounts to approximately 120-150 diapers per month. The monthly cost of disposable diapers is about €30-100, depending on the brand.
How many cloth diapers does an older baby need per day?
When switching to a different size of reusable diapers, the required number depends on the washing frequency and drying time. After starting solid foods and with fewer bowel movements, you will need about 4-5 cloth diapers per day.
- Washing every 3 days requires around 12-15 diapers.
- For washing day, you’ll need an additional 4-8 diapers. In total, you’ll need approximately 16-23 diapers.
What are the monthly costs of cloth diapers for older babies?
- Depending on the type of diaper, you may also need washable or disposable liners. The total cost for reusable diapers is approximately €400-500. Disposable diapers, by comparison, cost €30-40 per month, depending on your child’s growth.
How much do cloth and disposable diapers cost per month?
Disposable diapers cost approximately €30-100 per month, depending on the brand, quality, and sustainability. Reusable diapers cost about €30-90 per month, depending on how often washing is feasible for your lifestyle, your child’s growth rate, and the size, brand, and model of washable diapers you choose. Washing costs for reusable diapers are not included. However, for families planning for more children or those with other young ones in their circle, reusable diapers can last much longer, making them a more sustainable investment.
| Reusable Diapers | Disposable Diapers | |
|---|---|---|
| Newborn | €85-90 per month | €30-100 per month |
| Older Babies (After Solids) | €30-40 per month | €30-100 per month |
If you choose a combination of disposable diapers initially and later switch to adjustable cloth diapers, you’ll start with €30-100 per month for disposable diapers and transition to €30-40 per month for reusable diapers. All these figures depend on your baby’s growth rate!
Do cloth diapers not fit your lifestyle? Looking for a sustainable alternative?
We understand that washable diapers may not suit everyone’s lifestyle or phase of life—parenting is already busy enough! Fortunately, there are more eco-friendly alternatives to disposable diapers.
- Some people opt for a combination. You might use cloth diapers at home and disposable ones at daycare, with a babysitter, or on days when things don’t go as planned.
- You could also use a disposable liner for washable diapers. Liners made from eco-friendly materials, such as bamboo, still significantly reduce disposable waste.
View our bamboo disposable liners >
- There are also disposable diapers made from more sustainable materials, such as Moomin diapers. These eco-friendly diapers and pull-ups are certified with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel and dermatologically tested. They are gentle on your baby and the planet. This way, you get the convenience of disposable diapers in a more environmentally friendly form.
View this alternative to cloth diapers: Muumi eco-friendly disposable diapers >
Would you also like to order cloth diapers, inserts, or eco-friendly disposable diapers?
Would you like to try the cloth diapers from Cheeky Wipes or Bambooty? Are you still looking for bamboo liners? Or perhaps a more sustainable disposable diaper from Muumi? Whatever product suits you best, you’ll find it in our assortment:
