Thanks to Catherine for this Frugal Baby Tip!

An average diaper lasts about 200 washings. I've been thinking lately
about the usage differences between using a prefold system and
something like the Mother-ease diapers - in terms of numbers of
wearings you would get out of each diaper.

A prefold diaper needs to be washed 2-3 times prior to use - you now
have about 197 washes left. If you only wash one time after each use -
you are getting about 197 wearings out of each diaper. That means
three dozen prefold diapers will last 7,092 wearings or about 39
months (3 years, 3 months). The majority of children will be trained
before this time.

If you need to wash your diapers 5-10 times prior to use, as you do
with the Mother-ease diapers - you now only have about 190-195 washes
left. If you have to wash your diaper 2-3 times after each use to get
them properly clean - you are now only getting 64-98 wearings out of
each diaper. That means three dozen diapers will last 2,304- 3,528
wearings or about 10-16 months. You will probably eventually have to
replace your diapers, unless you have a baby who trains very early.

I figured out the above on the assumption of 10-12 diaper changes for
baby's first 4 weeks, 8-10 diaper changes from months 1-5, 8 diaper
changes from months 5-12, 6 diaper changes from months 12-18, 5 diaper
changes from months 18-30. If you change your baby's diapers less
often, or start using cloth when your baby is older your diapers may
last longer - but I thought it was something for those who are
cost-conscious to consider...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FRUGAL BABY TIPS
Taking care of baby (and mom!) needs naturally, doesn't have to cost a
whole lot of money! Money-saving tips on diapering, diaper washing,
safety, slings and baby carriers, toys, clothing, nursing, menstrual
needs, traveling with kids and more! If you have Frugal Baby Tips to
share, we want to hear them!
http://frugalbabytips.blogspot.com/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~