Cloth diapers are becoming a popular choice of parents for their little ones. You can diaper your baby in several ways, but cloth diapers are one of the more popular choices available to environmentally concerned parents. Cloth diapers are environmentally friendly, and often cost less than disposable diapers. Several parents are not able to handle all the laundry and care of cloth diapers at home. This is where cloth diaper services come in. In this blog, we will be discussing how much the cloth diaper services cost, and whether this option is for you or not. To find out the answer, keep reading.
What is a Cloth Diaper Service?
The cloth diaper services provide professional laundry and care of cloth diapers which makes it efficient, environmentally friendly and sustainable. They provide a solution to the troubles associated with cloth diapering for parents everywhere. Based on a simple yet effective premise, these services offer families cloth diapers with laundry and disposal included.
How Does Cloth Diaper Service Work?
Cloth diaper services have made life easier for parents who do not have the time for laundry. It all starts with parents signing up for a service plan, which usually involves the delivery of pre-cut diapers at prescribed schedules and quantities accordingly. Used diapers are then thrown into a special bin to be collected by the service company for disposal. All the used diapers are professionally laundered and sanitized, to ensure a steady stream of clean and hygienic nappies for parents. Not only does this save parents lots of precious time, but it is also a way to promote sustainability because cloth diapers have longer lives than disposable options and don’t create the same waste. As such, cloth diaper services offer parents a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative.
Also Read: How To Diaper Disposal Properly
Advantages of Using a Cloth Diaper Service:
Cloth diaper service is a sustainable and eco-friendly choice. Here are the advantages of the cloth diaper service:
- Professional services take care of the laundering, making sure there is an endless supply of clean diapers.
- Parents save the trouble of having to wash and maintain cloth diapers.
- Delivery of freshly washed diapers also provides a never-ending supply.
- It is suitable for busy parents or those lacking personal laundry facilities.
- Industrial-type washers and sanitation techniques are used by cloth diaper services.
- Compared to conventional disposable diapers, it greatly reduces the total carbon footprint.
- Promotes a sense of communal responsibility for sustainability.
Average Cost of Cloth Diaper Service:
Now let’s discuss the average cost of cloth diaper service. Full-time cloth diaper services typically charge from $ 20 to $ 35 per week. The weekly supply of cloth diapers, pick up and professional laundering are all included in this price. It may be suitable for once-in-a-while use or as a complement to your cloth diapering system. The part-time services can cost from about $ 10 per week upwards, depending upon which method you choose.
Of course, these are rough guesses based on average prices. Prices will differ according to your location and the services provided by each company. Some cloth diaper services will customize a plan for you so as not to leave out any of your needs; these can be chosen according to the number and frequency of changes. Be sure to investigate and find several cloth diaper services before deciding which is best for you.
Also Read: Helpful Tips For Older Kids In Diapers – Parent Guide
Additional Charges to Consider:
While considering cloth diaper service one thing that you should keep in mind apart from the basic expense of running a cloth diaper service is that there may be other charges to consider. Some services, for instance, charge a start-up fee to offset the cost of setting up your account and providing equipment. The fee is usually between US $ 20 and $ 50. In addition, there are late fees for your missing soiled diapers. There’d also be penalties for people who call but can’t come back that day (to drop off dirty diapers), and cancellation of service on short notice. The fees are different too, so it’s important to check the contract for any cloth diaper service.
Moreover, some services also have costs to cover for add-ons like diaper cream or adding another layer of covers. These additional costs must be taken into consideration when assessing the cost of a cloth diaper service.
Also Read: How Often To Change Newborn Diaper
Factors Influencing Cloth Diaper Service Cost:
Cloth diaper services provide a green solution to the multi-use scenario, but parents must know what goes into calculating their costs. Let’s explore the key elements that influence cloth diaper service costs:
1- Cloth Diaper Types and Styles
Cloth diapers come in various types and styles, prefolds, fitted, pockets or all-in-ones. Since each type also has a different price range, these factors affect the original investment costs.
Sometimes high-quality, durable materials cost more but can be cheaper in the long run.
2- Accessories and Additional Items
In addition to these diapers themselves, accessories such as diaper covers and liners, fasteners, or wipes are also counted in the setup costs. Wet bags, diaper pails or sprayers are other items that may be bought by parents for added convenience and affect the overall cost.
3- Service Plans and Packages
Most cloth diaper services also provide a choice of different service frequencies, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. Some services will charge different rates depending on frequency, while other providers offer reduced rates for longer contracts.
4- Inclusion and Exclusion In Service Plans:
Plans are designed to include different elements of service. While some plans only include diapers, others offer different services or accessories. Each plan is unique, and it’s important to understand the value of different plans concerning a given family.
5- Regional Variations in Service Costs
Prices charged by cloth diaper services differ regionally and from country to country. Urban spaces that require sustainability will naturally bring more providers to cater for them, inviting a new and competitive relationship.
Cloth Diapers vs Disposable Diapers:
Though the front-end cost of using cloth diapers and even including a litter-box service for disposing of your child’s stools is greater than that of disposable diapers, one must also consider long-term costs. Prices vary according to brand and quantity, but usually, a parent can expect to spend US $ 70 to $ 80 per month on disposable diapers. In other words, this comes to about $ 840 – $ 960 a year.
In comparison, the cost of a cloth diaper service, including the weekly fee and any additional charges, can range from $1,000 to $1,500 per year. While cloth diaper services may seem more expensive initially, keep in mind that these costs are spread out over several years, as cloth diapers can be reused for multiple children. In the long run, cloth diaper services can save you money, especially if you plan on having more than one child.
Also Read: How To Prevent Diaper Blowouts?
Is a Diaper service the right fit for you and your family?
How do you know whether a diaper service would suit your family? Let’s find out. Here are some considerations to help you make an informed decision:
1- Environmental Concerns:
Pro:
Cloth diapers may be environmentally preferable as compared to disposables, and many commercial baby-care companies use them. Reusable cloth diapers result in less waste entering landfills.
Con:
Cloth diapers also have environmental consequences, for the washing and delivery service uses energy to operate.
2- Convenience:
Pro:
Most diaper services also deliver clean ones and collect soiled ones, sparing you the chore of washing dirty cloth diapers.
Con:
As for some families, the time factor of diaper service delivery need not be too convenient.
3- Cost:
Pro:
Of course, there is a cost for diaper services that goes on continually. However, it is not higher than or even matches the long-term expenses of disposable diapers themselves.
Con:
On top of the monthly service charges, there may be initiation or rental fees.
4- Health Considerations:
Pro:
Cloth diapers are generally breathable, and can also prevent the incidence of nappy rash.
Con:
If not washed and sanitized correctly, cloth diapers can breed bacteria which creates a hygiene problem.
Also Read: Does Diaper Rash Cream Expire? (And Can You Use It Anyway)
5- Time Commitment:
Pro:
Diaper service can also save time on laundry and diaper changes.
Con:
Disposables offer convenience, and that’s just what some families are after.
6- Space and Storage:
Pro:
Disposable diapers occupy eight times more space in landfills than cloth.
Con:
Some worry about keeping dirty diapers somewhere until the next pickup. It’s not a problem if your space is large enough.
7- Personal Preferences:
Pro:
Cloth diapers are felt by some parents to be more comfortable for their babies.
Con:
Disposables save time and trouble, which render them more alluring to others.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cloth Diaper Services:
Are cloth diaper services worth the cost?
Whether or not you find a cloth diaper service worth the cost is up to your personal needs and values. As long as convenience and environmental sustainability are among your priorities, a cloth diaper service may be well worth it. Although it is initially somewhat more expensive than disposable diapers, future savings and impact on the environment make reusables a main choice for most American families.
Can I use a cloth diaper service part-time?
Yes, most cloth diaper services have a part-time option for people like us who just want to use them at certain times (day or weekend). Those who want to give cloth diapers a try (or perhaps simply can’t afford the costs of full-time services), might consider this.
How Many Cloth Diapers Do I Need For A Cloth Diaper Service?
The number of diapers you’ll want varies with the service chosen and age. The average full-time service will deliver 70 or so diapers a week, enough to see the newborn through. But the more your baby grows, you may use fewer diapers. The best way is to consult with the cloth diaper service provider regarding an appropriate amount for your situation.
How many times can you wash a cloth diaper?
Most cloth diapers can last hundreds of washes, while their life expectancy varies depending on the material used in making them as well as maintenance and washing. In most cases, high-quality cloth diapers can be washed 150 to 300 times or more without wearing out.
Are cloth diapers hygienic?
Yes, but only with thorough washing and care can cloth diapers be made truly hygienic. If you have a good washing routine, use appropriate detergent and thoroughly dry them. It will eliminate the bacteria and protect hygiene. Careful changing and storing of soiled diapers also ensure that they remain cleaner.
Conclusion
If you want the advantages of cloth diapers without all this work, going to a cloth diaper service can be just what you are looking for. The price of cloth diapers may look a bit steep at first glance, yet these savings and other environmental considerations make the service very likely to get parents hooked. Knowing what factors affect the cost, comparing types of services available and investigating how to cut costs can allow one to find a cloth diaper service that suits both your budgetary requirements and needs.
