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Cost Comparisons (updated 1st January 2009)

Cost comparisons between disposable nappies and cloth nappies can get pretty complicated, so this is only a rough guide. While of course it's in our best interests to encourage you to use reusable nappies, we have been as accurate and fair in our costings as possible.

We did a disposable nappy and electricity price check on Tesco.com on 29th December 2008, and the reusable nappy prices are correct on our website 1st January 2009.

The figures are based on an average of 6 nappy changes a day, across an average two and a half years nappy use, (it may be considerably more frequent in the early months, and possibly less frequent in the last year), which makes 5475 nappy changes, and an average of three nappy washes per week for washable nappies.

Quick comparison

Disposable nappies = £633.00 Reusable nappies = £359.55 Saving = £273.45

That's a saving of over 43%, £2.10 a week, every week. And you will get some use from the cloth nappies for a second baby, so the savings start to increase when you have more children. Also bear in mind that there was a special offer on all branded disposables the day we did the price check, you may not always be able to buy disposables on special offer. The Tesco own brand disposables were very similar in price and in fact worked out a little more in some sizes. No allowance has been made for the cost of a plastic disposable nappy wrapper. Without any special offers, the disposables would have worked out at £949.50.

Average disposable nappy price 11.6p per nappy, on Tesco.com, 29/12/08, which includes 1/3 off all branded nappies (Pampers and Huggies) on the day of the price check. Reusable nappies are based on 20 Bumgenius birth to potty nappies, £14.75 each, washed an average of 3 times a week, no tumble drying. We chose to compare with Bumgenius as this is a popular brand at the time of writing (Jan 2009) and has recently been awarded the Mother and Baby magazine gold award for reusable nappies. See below for more details on how we made the calculations.

There are some very complex issues surrounding the comparative costings between cloth and disposable nappies, so please understand that the figures here are only a guide, you own usage may be very different, and you should take your own personal circumstances into consideration. Many parents who use cloth also use disposables from time to time (e.g. for holidays), so this needs to be taken into consideration. Please also remember, that cost comparisons aside, none of this negates the need to be aware of the landfill, waste and environment issues.

We have used a figure of a total of £64.55 for 2 and 1/2 years washing. This may vary slightly depending on how much detergent you use, how hot you wash your nappies (it is based on 60 degrees), and how you dry them ( tumble drying will raise the cost). Please see further down the page for the detailed breakdown of this estimate.

Reusable nappies systems below, examples of systems. We have used the same 5475 nappies changes as an average for the pence per change figure. The pence per change figure would be considerably lower for a second child using the same nappies, particularly in the case of two sized nappies. Prices correct on 1st January 2009.

Detailed break down of washing and drying costs. January 2009.

These figures are based on the following.

Washing Machine, A rated Bosch WFL 2450, figures from the owners manual. 4-5 kg wash uses 0.95 units of electricity. Tumble Dryer, C rated Zanussi TD4212 W, figures from the energy sticker on front of machine. 4-5 kg cotton load (dry weight), spun in an 800 to 1000 spin speed machine, dried at full heat uses 3.3 units of electricity. A load spun on a faster spin speed will dry faster and use less electricity.

Electricity prices taken from British Gas web site, based on 29th 2008 Websaver price for Yorkshire region, 10.427p per unit (Kilowatt hour). Washing detergent prices based on Tesco.com price on 29th December 2009, Tesco own brand non bio powder detergent, 45 wash size box, ½ dose per wash, at 6.6p each (13.3p per full dose). Most nappy washes are not a full washing machine load, the average nappy wash is about ½ load, so ½ detergent is the correct dose. Although the electricity prices have been calculated for a full load, modern front loading washing machines adjust the water to the load size, so the actual figures are likely to be lower than those quoted here.

The disposable nappy average price was calculated from all quoted prices for Pampers and Huggies nappies at Tesco.com, on 29th December 2008. At the time of the price check, all packs were on special offer, 1/3 off. The special offer average was 11.6p each nappy. This included Pampers Baby Dry economy packs in Maxi (58), Midi (66), and Junior (50), Maxiplus (54), Junior plus (46), Pampers Premium Active Fit economy packs in Midi (60), Maxi (50), Maxi plus (48), Junior (46), Junior plus (44), Huggies Natural Fit economy packs sizes 3 (56), 4 (46), 5 (42), Huggies Super dry economy pack size 3 (66), Pampers easy up economy Maxi (42), junior (38), all packs £5.98 (normal price £8.98) While it would have been more to our advantage to quote the full non special offer prices, this wouldn't have reflected real life, as disposable nappies are often available at discounted prices. Please note we have NOT included quantity discounts that may be available for reusable cloth nappies, as not everyone buys a full kit in one single purchase, many parents buy cloth nappies over several months.


Copyright Kim Wong 2009. Please do not replicate these figures in any form without prior permission.