Disposable vs Cloth Costs

Before we can calculate the costs of either system, we need to know how many diapers a child uses from birth to potty training.  The following is a chart details the average number of diapers used per day:

		Diapers/Day
0-1 M	Newborn (6-9 lbs)	11
1 M - 6M	Infant (8-14 lbs)	10
6M-9M	Infant (12-18 lbs)	10
6M-12M	Infant (16-22 lbs)	10
12-18 M	Baby (22-24 lbs)	9
18 M-2 Y	Toddler (24-26 lbs)	7
2-3 Y	Pre-Trainer (26-31 lbs)	6

Next we can determine the costs of using disposables.  I used the best price available by buying in bulk and ordering from diapers.com. 

For example, Pampers newborn has 30 diapers and costs $11.29.  That means each newborn diapers costs $11.29/30 = $0.38.  A newborn, using the table above, utilizes 11 diapers a day.  For one month, a newborn uses 11 diapers/day multiplied by 30 days equals 330 diapers.  Then we can calculate that a newborn uses $124.19 (330 diapers x $0.38).

Price per Pack	$11.29	$24.49	$24.49	$24.49	$24.49
Pampers Swaddlers Sensitive Jumbo Pk	Newborn Diapers 30ct.	SIZE 1 76 ct 8-14 lbs	SIZE 2 70 ct 12-18 lbs	SIZE 3 62 ct 16-28 lbs	SIZE 4 52 ct 22-37 lbs
Newborn (6-9 lbs)	$124.19
Infant (8-14 lbs)		$483.36
Infant (12-18 lbs)			$629.74
Infant (16-22 lbs)				$711.00
Baby (22-24 lbs)				$639.90
Toddler (24-26 lbs)				$497.70
Pre-Trainer (26-31 lbs)					$1,017.28
TOTAL COST					$4,103.17

We know that using disposables from birth to potty training costs $4,103.17.  Now lets caculate the costs of using cloth diapers.  One of the arguments against cloth is the cost of laundering the diapers.  Let’s calculate that as well.

·         DETERGENT COST: Tide Free and Gentle High Efficiency 2x Concentrated Liquid Detergent, 64-Load, 100-Ounce bottles (Pack of 4) costs $44.00.  That is $0.17 a load ($44/4 bottles/64 loads).

·         WATER/SEWER CHARGE: The typical front loader uses 25 gals of water per load.  If you look at your water bill, the average water/sewer charge is $0.005 per gallon.  One load = 25 gal x $0.005 = $.125.  If you have well water, this would be zero.

·         NATURAL GAS TO HEAT THE WASHER WATER: 20 cu.ft. of natural gas per load@ $.0015 = 3 cents/load

·         ELECTRICAL POWER TO RUN YOUR WASHER: 0.44 kwh per load @ 10.65 cents per kWh = 4.7 cents/load

·         ELECTRICAL POWER TO RUN YOUR DRYER: 5.76kwh per load @ 10.65 cents per kWh = 61 cents/load

·         WASHER DEPRECIATION: A $600 front load washer is estimated to last for 11 years. Based on 8 loads/wk x 572 wks., a washer will wash 4576 loads before having to be replaced. $600 / 4576 loads = 13 cents/load

·         DRYER DEPRECIATION: Dryer is estimated to last 13 years and dry 5408 loads. $400 / 4,680 loads = 7.4 cents/load

If we total all these costs, we find out that a load of laundry costs $1.19.  The typical cloth diaper enthusiast washes diapers every 3 days.  That equals 365 day/year divided by 3 days = 122 loads/year multiplied by 3 years = 365 loads x $1.19 = $434.25.

Now we know the laundry costs of cloth diapering to be $434.25, let’s calculate cloth diaper costs.

		$17.95		$21.95	$19.95	$17.95	$9.95	$48.95
		Fuzzibunz Perfect Size		Fuzzibunz One Size	bumGenius (Artist)	bumGenius	econobum (ea)	econobum (package)
0-1 M	Newborn (6-9 lbs)	X-small
1 M - 6M	Infant (8-14 lbs)			$658.50	$598.50	$538.50	$  298.50	$122.38
6M-9M	Infant (12-18 lbs)
6M-12M	Infant (16-22 lbs)	Small
12-18 M	Baby (22-24 lbs)	Medium	$484.65
18 M-2 Y	Toddler (24-26 lbs)	Medium
2-3 Y	Pre-Trainer (26-31 lbs)	Large	$323.10
	Laundry Cost		$432.89	$432.89	$432.89	$432.89	$  432.89	$432.89
	TOTAL COST		$  1,240.64	$  1,091.39	$  1,031.39	$971.39	$  731.39	$555.27
	Savings over disposables		70%	73%	75%	76%	82%	86%
	2nd Child (Only cost is laundry!)		$432.89	$432.89	$432.89	$432.89	$  432.89	$432.89
	Additional savings over disposables		89%	89%	89%	89%	89%	89%

In conclusion, the most economical cloth diapering method costs $122.38 in materials + 432.89 for laundry, which totals $555.27.  That is a 86% savings over disposables!

The Great Disposable Diaper Debate

When I first looked into cloth diapering, I automatically knew that it would be better for the environment and save money in the long run.  It just seemed absurd to me that anyone would think otherwise.

Then my sister, always playing Devil's Advocate, argued that cloth diapers cost more because you need to consider the electrical, water and sewer costs associated with laundering cloth diapers.  Then she went on to point out that the waste water run off from laundering cloth diapers is also bad for the environment.

In any case, I feel that all this is negligible and that cloth diapering is still better than disposables.  If you see my earlier blog of Cloth Diaper Savings, I prove that you still save using cloth even when you take into consideration all the laundering costs associated.

Another great resource to read is "The Great Disposable Diaper Debate" which can be found at: http://www.sustainer.org/dhm_archive/index.php?display_article=vn321diapersed

Good night all!

Try cloth diapers: RISK FREE!

Want to try cloth diapers?  Unsure if you can handle the “ick” factor.  Already using cloth diapers but want to try another brand or type?  Worried that you will spend a lot of money, and decide cloth is not for you?  We want hesitant cloth enthusiasts to at least try cloth diapering, so this program has been created just for you!!

Try cloth diapers for 30 days on us.  If you decide that cloth is not for you, simply wash and dry any used pieces and return them for store credit.  This is your opportunity to find the right cloth diapers for your baby with no risk. Please return the entire product (including free inserts) for store credit and shop our great selection of other products.

1. Applies to all cloth diapers, training pants, and diaper covers (does not include disposable products).
2. Please contact us at info@ju-jumonkey.com for a RMA# before returning your items. 
3. Customer is responsible for return shipping costs.  We strongly suggest you get Delivery Confirmation and/or Insure your package so it can be tracked. We are not responsible for return packages we do not receive. 
4. Used returns must be postmarked within 30 days of the shipping date and MUST include a copy of the RMA slip, which will be e-mailed to you.
5. All used returns MUST be clean and free of odors, pet hair, smoke, dirt, rips, tears, and stains.
6. Please understand that you will receive STORE CREDIT ONLY for returns made under the Buy & Try Program. This allows us to keep the program at 30 days and not a shorter duration.  It allows you to try various cloth diapers and decide which brand and style fits your baby best, and return the ones that don’t work. You can use the store credit to buy the diapers you do like, or purchase our other baby care items, such as, skin care products, slings/carriers, or nursing items.
7. Store credit will be for the purchase price.  Original shipping costs will not be reimbursed.
8. Usually returns are handled within a couple of days of us receiving them, but please do allow up to 2 weeks for processing.
9. Buy & Try Program does NOT apply to USED items.
10. Diaper Packages must be returned complete. If package is not complete then full retail charges as if purchased individually will apply.

Dont want store credit?  We have another option for you!!! 

Try the Buy & Try Diaper trial package.  It will only cost $20!

I remember how it felt to start cloth diapering.  Overwhelmed by all the choices, no clue where to start and scared I was gonna waste money buying the wrong thing.

The Buy and Try Cloth Diaper Trial was created just for you!  It gives you a variety of products to try RISK FREE for 30 days from date of receipt!

To participate, the program fee is $20.  A deposit of $150 is required to cover the cost of the products delivered.

Within 30 days you can return the entire order, excluding free gifts (those are yours to keep), and get your $150 deposit refunded.  The $20 program fee is not refundable, unless you decide to keep the entire order.

The 30 day trial begins the day it is delivered to your home, NOT the day you placed the order.

If you decide to keep part of the order, you will be refunded $150 less the retail price of the items you kept.  For example, if you returned everything except the baby size Snappi fastener, you would be refunded $150 - $5.75 = $144.25.

What items come in the trail package?

    * 1 Econobum: Single Pack (1 Diaper Cover/1 Prefold)

    * 1 Organic Flannelette Contour Diaper - One Size Fits All

    * 2 Diaper Covers (1 Imse Vimse diaper cover & 1 bummis)

    * 1 Snappi double pack

    * 2 Pocket Diapers (1 Fuzzibunz Perfect Size & 1 bumGenius 4.0)

    * 2 All-In-One Diapers (Imse Vimse and/or Oso Cozy depending on availability)

    * 1 Wetbag

    * FREE Hemp doubler

    * FREE Raw Silk Liner

    * FREE Flushable Liners (100+ sheets)

    * FREE Shipping

You get $200 worth of cloth diapering products for only $150. This equates to 7 complete diapers, which may be enough to diaper for 1 day.  The amount of cloth diapers needed depends on the age of your baby. Newborns go through more cloth diapers then an older baby. A good rule of thumb is 10-12 cloth diapers per day multiplied by the number of days between washes.

Notes:

• Customer is responsible for the cost of return shipping.
• Customer must follow manufacturer washing instructions.
• Customer is responsible for lost or damaged diapers/items.
• Diapers must be returned clean and odor free.
• Return of package must be postmarked within 45 days of receipt in order to receive a refund.

Happy Halloween

Promo Code! Use "halloween" at checkout to get 10% OFF your entire order.  Can be used over and over during the month of October!

Why Hemp?

Environmentally Sustainable

Unlike cotton, hemp’s  vigorous growth characteristic makes it possible to harvest without the use of harmful pesticides, herbicides, or excessive water usage. Hemp also restores nutrients to the soil, which are available to the next crop planted in rotation.

Durable

Hemp has eight times the tensile strength and four times the durability of cotton. Diapers made from hemp fabrics will last longer and stand up to rougher use than cotton.  Famous for its strength and durability, hemp has been tested to outlast cotton by a lifespan of 4 times. 

Anti-Microbial

Hemp actually repels the growth of bacteria, fungus, mold & mildew which is why you will see much less diaper rash on a baby protected by a layer of hemp.

Breathable

Hemp is more porous than cotton making it breathable and cooler to provide maximum comfort for your baby.    Due to it's porous nature, hemp is more absorbent than cotton and can breathe, so it is cool in summer and warm in winter.

Absorbent

Twice as absorbent as cotton, hemp allows for optimal absorbency without the added bulk. Hemp is the solution to bulky looking cloth diaper heiney's!

Soft

New, vigorous, and safe processing has brought soft standards of hemp equal that of cotton. In addition, hemp continues to soften with every wash!

Ju-Ju Monkey is proud to carry Hemp Babies line of fabulous hemp products at an unbeatable price.

PRE-ORDER NOW: bumGenius Artist Series: Tiny Socialite Collection by Chelsea Perry

Tiny socialite Collection by Chelsea Perry is the first set of prints from the new bumGenius Artist series

This collection of 5 prints are available in the bumGenius 4.0 prints and the bumGenius Organic prints. You can pre-order them now from Ju-Ju Monkey and they will be delivered to you mid November. The bumGenius 4.0 prints will be available in both snaps or hook and loop (like velcro).

The new Artist Series in the bumGenius 4.0 One-Size Cloth Diapers will retail for $19.95.

A limited number of Artist Series diapers will also be available in bumGenius Elemental cloth diapers, retailing for $26.95.

bumGenius Artist Series diapers should be laundered in the same manner as your solid color bumGenius diapers. The colors will not run, fade, or wick. Our print material is made in the United States to ensure reliability of the laminate layer.

bumGenius bright colors begin shipping in January 2011.

I am very excited about these diapers! They are very cute and can't see what other new designs will becoming out. 

Tell me what you think........