Do cloth nappies really save money? We break down the costs of disposables vs reusables — and show how much you could save by switching to cloth (hint: it’s thousands).
One of the biggest questions parents have when exploring reusable nappies is:
“Do cloth nappies actually save money?”
The short answer? Yes — and potentially *a lot*. But let’s break down the numbers and the benefits, so you can decide if cloth is worth the switch for your family.
💰 The Cost of Disposable Nappies (It Adds Up Fast)
On average, babies go through 5–7 nappies a day for the first couple of years. Over 2.5 years, that adds up to around 6,000 disposables — which costs most families between $4,000 to $7,000 depending on brand and availability.
And then there's the environmental cost... but we’ll get to that.
🌱 The Cost of Cloth Nappies
You can set up a full-time cloth system with around 25 nappies, plus a few wet bags and inserts. At My Little Gumnut, our Cloth Nappies 2.0 are designed to last from newborn through to toilet training.
Estimated cloth setup:
- 25 cloth nappies: approx $500-600
- 3–4 wet bags: approx $40-70
- Washing cost (water, electricity, detergent): approx $200–$300
Total: ~$700 – $1,000 for full-time cloth use — and that’s before council rebates or second-baby savings.
💡 Want to Save Even More?
Check out our Cloth Nappy Bundles — curated packs that save you up to 20% on your full setup. They’re perfect for parents ready to make the leap with one click.
🎉 Just Getting Started?
Try our Kick Start Bundle — a handpicked selection of essentials that lets you dip your toes into cloth without the overwhelm.
♻️ But Wait — Can You Reuse Cloth Nappies for Multiple Kids?
Absolutely. If cared for properly, cloth nappies can easily last through multiple children, significantly increasing your savings and slashing your waste.
That $1,000 investment? It might cover ALL your babies.
🧺 What About the Washing?
Cloth does require more laundry, but for most families, it adds just 3–4 loads a week. Use energy-efficient machines, wash in cold or warm water, and hang to dry when you can. The extra effort easily balances out with the financial (and eco) reward.
Need help setting up a routine? Head to our How to Use MCNs Guide.
✅ Real Talk: Will You *Definitely* Save Money?
You will — if you stick with it. Even using cloth 50% of the time can cut your nappy budget significantly. The more consistently you use them, the more you save.
Final Word
Cloth nappies aren’t just better for the planet — they can be better for your bank account too. With upfront planning, you could save over $4,000 by the time your child is toilet trained.
And that’s without even touching baby #2.