Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers can be reused, reducing the number of disposable diapers going to waste. Here are some quick facts about diapers in York Region: 

• On average, 6,000 disposable diapers are used by each baby in their first two years 
• In York Region, approximately 10,000 babies are born each year. This equals 60 million disposable diapers going to waste in York Region in their first two years!
• In contrast, one reusable cloth diaper replaces an estimated 235 disposable diapers, that’s 25 cloth diapers vs. 6,000 disposables 
• Cloth diapers can save families up to $2,000 per child
• An added bonus: cloth diapers come in all sorts of unique designs and patterns so you can diaper your baby in style
• Disposable diapers use 2.3 times more water in the production process than reusable diapers

What are cloth diapers?
Cloth diapers are an alternative to disposable diapers. The cloth diapers on the market now have elasticized legs and back, better protection against leaks and are fashioned with snaps or clips to fit to the size of your child. They are often made of cotton or bamboo so they are soft and breathable. You can use cloth diapers the same as disposable diapers but after use, instead of throwing them away, they can be reused after washing. 

How many cloth diapers will I need for my child?
It depends on each family and child, but it has been estimated that one child will need 25 to 30 diapers for a child’s diapering stage. There are kits and individual diapers available to buy on the market and these companies can help you determine how many cloth diapers will work best for you and your family. There are also great tips on how to use, buy, and wash your diapers from blogging parents. 

Do cloth diapers come in different sizes?
Size offerings vary by each brand and store, but many cloth diapers can be resized to grow with your child so the amount bought could last for the child’s entire diapering stage. The size(s) needed will depend on the type of cloth diapers bought and will be up to each family’s preference and needs. 

Are cloth diapers going to cost more money than disposable?
Using cloth diapers can save families up to $2000 per child. The savings depends on the brand, bulk purchasing and sales. It is also important to note that cloth diapers owned by a family can be reused by each child or can be sold to another family afterwards to recoup some of the initial costs of the diapers.

How much will washing cloth diapers increase my water and electricity use at home?
The actual cost will vary by household based on factors like time-of-day diapers are being washed (peak times cost more), washing in cold versus hot water and the type of laundry soap that is bought i.e., bulk, no name brands vs. name brands, non-bulk, sale prices, etc. Ways to save money on your water bill include waiting until you have a full load of laundry before washing, using the correct setting for small, medium and large loads, and pre-treating stains to avoid rewashing. Although cloth diapers require washing and drying, you can reduce your energy use by air drying diapers. Did you know drying diapers outdoors allows the sun to naturally kill bacteria and fight stains?

What do I do with my cloth diapers after my child no longer needs them? 
Selling or swapping cloth diapers on websites or community groups is a very common practice. Please remember to be safe and follow these tips from York Regional Police when swapping, buying or selling items online. You may also donate or sell to consignment stores (at their discretion) or you can also place any gently used, clean, dry and odourless cloth-based materials in textile collection bins to be reused or recycled if they can’t be sold. For a list of textile collection bins visit york.ca/bindicator and search ‘clothing’.