Cost Analysis Between Nappy Options
Every parent has their own reasons for choosing the nappy they do. Each of us have different considerations and priorities, such as cost, sustainability, absorption and fit. Today, I wanted to explore a cost analysis between mainstream disposables, eco disposables, modern cloth nappies and our nappy service so you can easily compare your options without feeling overwhelmed.
Costing can be tricky to work out so, for the purpose of this analysis I have compared each option over 2.5 years until your child is toilet trained which equates to approximately 5000 nappy changes:
Option 1: Washing Your Own Modern Cloth Nappies
You can purchase enough nappies to use full time for around $500. Then you have to add the cost of laundering at home. This cost will vary depending on your electricity supplier, washing machine, temperature of the water and chosen detergent. The approximate cost per year would range from $100 - $300 (for laundering and washing powder). So, washing modern cloth nappies yourself will cost you between $750 - $1250. That's between $0.15 - $0.25 per nappy change. For this cost you get:
✓ No stinky red bins
✓ No contribution to landfill
✓ Control over what sits against your baby’s skin
✓ Considerably less carbon emissions in production
✗ You have to do the work
✗ Some carbon emissions in laundering
Option 2: Huggies Disposable Nappies
Huggies come in a huge range of sizes and styles and can be purchased on sale quite often. For this comparison I have simply looked at the Coles website, they sell the full range of Huggies nappies and always have a few styles on sale. I’ve averaged out the cost, which works out to be $0.40 per nappy change. For this cost you get:
✓ No hard work
✗ 5000 nappies contributed to landfill
✗ 500 years in landfill
✗ Toxic chemicals against your baby’s skin
✗ Huge carbon emissions in production
✗ Stinky and full red bins
Option 3: Ecoriginals Eco Disposable Nappies
These nappies are available to purchase for $16.95 in 5 different sizes. Each size varies slightly in the quantity of nappies included. I have averaged out the cost per nappy. This equates to $0.61 per nappy change. For this cost you get:
✓ 20 years in landfill rather than 500
✓ Control over what sits against your baby’s skin
✓ No hard work
✗ 5000 nappies contributed to landfill
✗ Huge carbon emissions in production
✗ Stinky and full red bins
Option 4: Little Eco Baby Nappy Service
If you were to subscribe to the Full Time Service Package, the weekly cost is $37.00. This works out to be $0.74 per nappy change. For this cost you get:
✓ No stinky red bins
✓ No contribution to landfill
✓ Control over what sits against your baby’s skin
✓ No hard work
✓ 100% solar powered = Minimal carbon emissions in laundering
✓ Considerably less carbon emissions in production
I totally understand that for most of us, finances are a pretty big consideration. But when you are choosing the nappies you put on your baby, I really urge you to not let price dictate your decision. Cheapest is not always best. Ditching disposables means big positive impacts for the health of your baby and the restoration of our environment.
Ultimately, I hope by breaking down each nappying option for you, I’ve simplified things so you’re able to make an informed choice that sits well within your family's values.
Happy nappy changes x
Further Reading:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/zanran_storage/www.crdc.com.au/ContentPages/44777470.pdf
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