Diapers on Backorder? Consider Switching to Cloth Diapers

We can’t deny that COVID-19 has touched nearly every facet of our lives. Not only has the pandemic changed the way people work and spend time with family, but it has also altered our purchasing habits. Today, parents are struggling to get disposable diapers for their children due to global supply chain disruptions. While disposable diaper shortages are a significant stressor for many families, you still have the option of switching to cloth diapers. Cloth diapers might cost more upfront, but they are better for the environment and will save you money in the long run. 

Reasons to Switch to Cloth Diapers

Supply Chain Issues with COVID-19 

Diaper supply chain issues are largely tied to labor shortage problems with manufacturing, and different parts of the world were locked down due to COVID-19. In like fashion, shipping vessels are being held up at U.S. ports due to labor shortages and more stringent inspection measures at border customs. 

These issues combined have contributed to a decrease in the number of disposable diapers available for purchase. In turn, this shortage is driving up the price of disposable diapers. 

Higher Prices for Disposable Diapers  

The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially hard for lower-income families, where parents have had to miss work to take care of their children. While diapers are critical for any household with young children, some parents simply cannot afford the recent price increases for diapers. 

From the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic to early 2021, “the price of disposable diapers rose nearly 9%.” With small children using up to 12 disposable diapers each day, this price increase is causing major problems for families already on a tight budget. 

Where Can I Get Cloth Diapers? 

Cloth diapers are available at both brick and mortar and online stores. As such, parents new to cloth diapers have many options for getting them without too much hassle. 

Major retail stores such as Wal-Mart and Target both carry cloth diapers. If unfamiliar with cloth diapers, it might not be a bad idea to purchase them in person to get the sizing right. 

It is also possible to purchase cloth diapers from dedicated e-commerce stores like Amazon. While you will likely get reasonable prices through such avenues, you might have to sacrifice product quality. 

Certain cities also have boutique cloth diaper businesses. These privately-owned companies can be an excellent resource for high-quality, organic cloth diapers. 

Will Using Cloth Diapers Save Money? 

One of the largest deterrents to purchasing cloth diapers is the initial overhead expense. Yet, even without the inflated prices of diapers during the pandemic, cloth diapers are actually more affordable in the long run than disposables. 

The prices of cloth diapers range anywhere from $2.50 to $20.00 per diaper. When families start with cloth diapers, experts recommend they purchase at least 24 diapers. That way, you can stay ahead of laundry demands and ensure your kids stay clean and comfortable. Looking at these numbers, it will cost you anywhere from $60 to $500 to get started with cloth diapers. 

With disposable diapers costing about $80 per child each month, you will quickly realize savings by switching to cloth diapers. 

The Best Way to Clean Cloth Diapers

While cloth diapers are more affordable and better for the environment than disposables, you must take proper care of them. That being said, once you switch to cloth diapers, you will be running loads of laundry every day. 

The first step in cloth diaper care is to remove the diaper from your child’s body as soon as it is soiled. Cloth diapers don’t absorb moisture as well as disposables, so you will have to be proactive in getting them removed. 

When it is time to wash cloth diapers, be sure to run them separate from other clothes. Also, it is advisable not to pack your washing machine too tight – doing so lessens the ability for the machine to work properly. It is also essential to use hot water when washing cloth diapers. 

Try Charlie’s Soap Laundry Detergent 

It’s best to use an all-natural laundry detergent to clean cloth diapers. Detergents with an abundance of chemicals can leave a film in the fabric that contributes to diaper rash.

Charlie’s Soap Natural Laundry Detergent is an excellent choice for cleaning cloth diapers. Our detergents don’t contain any dyes, brighteners, phosphates, or fragrances, so they won’t irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. 

Please Contact Us with questions about cloth diapers or Charlie’s Soap products.