Here at Growing a Green Family we’re looking at how to save $50,000 by going green. In case you’re curious, so far we’ve managed to save $13,761.00, just by taking some basic green actions. That does leave us $36,239 left to go, but cloth diapers should cut a nice big chunk off of this figure.

Image by Flickr User simplyla

How many disposable diapers will you need?

The average newborn baby can speed through 12 diapers in a single day. Older babies and toddlers use less, but still average around 6 to 10 diaper changes a day. That’s a whopping total of 7,500-8,000 disposable diapers over 2.5 years. However, many babies are in diapers longer. Still, for the purpose of this post, we’ll assume you toilet train one of your children super fast.

How much will all these disposable diapers cost you?

It sort of depends on which diapers you use. This being a green blog, I suggest you use the least toxic disposable diapers possible. I’ll be using Seventh Generation Free and Clear Baby Diapers because they’re probably the most popular less toxic disposable diaper around.

Seventh Generation Free and Clear Baby Diapers

Below are typical diaper prices, if you buy in bulk, along with the sizes you’ll need for various baby ages – although note, the sizes are only average estimates. Some babies run bigger or smaller of course.

• Newborn diapers – up to 10 lbs – 25 cent per diaper (1 mos to 1.5 mos) – 12 diapers a day – 540 diapers = $135
• Stage 1 diapers – 8-14 lbs – 20 cent per diaper (1.5 mos to 4 mos) – 10 diapers a day – 750 diapers = $150
• Stage 2 diapers – 12-18 lbs – 25 cent per diaper (5 mos to 7 mos) – 8 diapers a day – 480 diapers = $120
• Stage 3 diapers – 16-28 lbs – 18 cent per diaper (8 mos to 23 mos) – 8 diapers a day – 3,600 diapers = $648
• Stage 4 diapers – 22-37 lbs – 32 cent per diaper (2 years+) or Stage 5 diapers – 27+ lbs – 37 cent per diaper (2 years+) depending on your kid – 5 diapers a day – 750 diapers = $255

Total diapers needed – 6,120 for one kid, 12,240 for two kids.

Total cost = $1,308 for one kid, $2,616 for two kids.

You’ll also need some Seventh Generation Chlorine Free Training Pants (55 cent per pant). We’ll assume one of your kids potty trains fast, by age 2.5 and the other not until 4. For the first child you’ll need about 5 months of training pants, along with regular diapers, or about $247 worth of training pants. For the second child, you’ll need about $1,133 worth of training pants. That’s a total of $1,380.

Total diapers + training pants for two kids = 14,749

Total costs for two kids = $3,996

Keep in mind that research shows that the average family, with two kids will go through 16,000 diapers, so there’s a good chance I underestimated price.

How many cloth diapers will you need?

Again it depends on what sort of cloth diaper you use. In this case, I’m going with ease of use, which for me, means you use all-in-one-cloth diapers or a hybrid, which are a little more expensive, but also easier than traditional pre-fold cloth diapers. Some choices include:

• GroVia
• gDiapers
• Kushies
• FuzziBunz
• Charlie Banana

Once you choose a brand, you’ll need to choose sizes and amounts. I suggest going with real sizes, not one-size-fits-all, mainly because fit can be iffy. To read more about how to choose the best cloth diapers, I suggest reading Eco-nomical Baby Guide, which has an excellent cloth diaper section, or you can simply read Cloth Diapering Myths to get started.

gBaby Bundle

Overall, say you use gDiapers with reusable inserts. You’ll need about 6-8 little gPants per size (small, medium and large). You can get the gBaby Bundle which comes with 12 tiny gPants, 6 small gPants, 80 gRefills and a swishstick for just $125. Then you’ll also need 8 gDiapers Little gPant Diaper Covers Medium ($136), gDiapers Little gPant Diaper Covers Large ($79) and 3 or so packs of reusable gDiapers Cloth Diaper Inserts ($79). Plus probably an extra 6 or so diapers along the way ($79). Total cost for the gDiaper system = $498.00.

Now, if you go with another brand, like FuzziBunz Perfect Size Diaper, you’ll need about 12 small, 12 medium and 12 large diapers. That’s a total cost of $577.

If you don’t want to work too hard, you could also go with a mega set, such as the GroVia Live Package ($349), which pretty much allows you to cloth diaper your baby for his entire childhood so long as you add 24 extra shells ($196). Charlie Banana is also easy, as they offer quick sets with 6 reusable diapers + 12 reusable inserts. Once you buy all the sets you need, it’ll be about $600.

You won’t need training pants, as larger size cloth diapers double up as both diapers and trainers.

Charlie Banana cloth diapers

Other supplies you’ll need for cloth diapering:

• A few wet bags, which hold wet cloth diapers and inserts on the go, such as Itzy Ritzy Zippered Wet Bag – $36 for two.
• A bin for wet and icky diapers – same cost as the garbage can you’re using for disposables.
• Disposable inserts some of the time (maybe) when out and about or on a trip. $34+ depending on how often you use them.
• A book about how to use and care for cloth diapers. Again, I suggest Eco-nomical Baby Guide – $14.
• Water for washing and laundry soap. You can use basic, natural laundry soap and cold water. You’ll wash maybe every two days or so. I’m not figuring in this cost because you’ll also spend money on gas to go and get disposables, plus extra garbage fees to toss those disposables, so I’m guessing it all evens out.

Total diapers needed for cloth diapering – about 36, although most people collect a few more. Plus you’ll need reusable inserts – about 24 to 30. If you use disposable inserts, you’ll need more and it’ll cost more, but I suggest reusable inserts on most occasions.

Total cost of cloth diapers – it varies depending on brand, but on average about $556 plus supplies = $636.

Note that this is a high estimate in my opinion. You can easily pick up gently used all-in-ones at your local thrift store or baby consignment shop. Seriously, we’re talking $1 to $2 diapers, which would bring your costs down considerably. You can also register for cloth diapers for your baby shower.

Plus, don’t forget, cloth diapers will last through both kids. Assuming you need to replace some diapers and inserts, which you will, your total cloth diaper costs should only be around $700-$800 if you splurge and $120 – $300 if you really shop around at consignment stores. If you use basic pre-fold diapers, you’ll save too.

Here are some more cost comparisons of cloth diapers – what real parents spend, cost of cloth diapers and cost savings of cloth diapers.

Comparing costs

Overall, if you have two children, you’ll spend $3,996+ on disposable diapers. If you go with cloth you’ll spend about $300 to $636 for both kids that’s a savings of $3,360 for two kids. Even if you totally go nuts and splurge on all sorts of adorable reusable cloth diapers, plus buy brand new for both kids you’ll still save around $2,724.

Image by Flickr User IngaMun

PLUS…

Beyond cost benefits you’ll be helping the planet. Most research suggest that 250 to 500 years is a conservative guess as to how long disposable diapers will sit in the landfill after you toss them and most conventional disposable diapers are 100% gross. They’re stuffed with icky SAP, pesticides, perfume, latex, chemicals and plastic (made with non-renewable oil) and other junk.

Where we’re at right now…

• Save $3,360 by using cloth diapers
• Save $835 per kid by using to reusable baby wipes
• Save $1,612 by using homemade green cleaners
• Save $2,960 by having a less consumer Christmas
• Save $1,000 by ditching paper towels
• Save $1,354 by using cloth napkins
• Save $6,000 by switching to reusable water bottles

TOTAL SAVINGS SO FAR: $17,121.00

$ left to save: $32,879

Hey all. Today I’ve got the winners of our miYim Winnie the Pooh Organic Plush Giveaway.

In case you’ve forgotten, both winners will receive an adorable 100% organic plush of their choice (one of the choices shown above).

• Learn more about the organic miYim Disney Collection.

So, I’ve randomly picked two winners and they are…

Carolsue who says, “My favorite was (is) Pooh; my daughter’s is Tigger.”

AND

Kaylie who says, “I loved Eeyore growing up. Whenever a sibling was complaining I would mock them in the “I’ve lost my tail” voice. Hehehe, always put a smile on our faces! My kid’s favorite is Tigger. T-i-double g(uh)-er!”

Congratulations to our winners! Remember, I’ll be emailing you for more info asap, so watch your email. Thanks to everyone else who entered and big hugs to miYim for sponsoring this fabulous giveaway.

We’ve been talking a lot about how to scale down your holiday spending and keep it green – this contest will help you do both. Just in time for the holidays, you may win an adorable organic gift for your child, simply by entering this fun giveaway.

WHAT YOU CAN WIN!:

Two Growing a Green Family readers will each win their favorite Winnie the Pooh organic plush doll from the miYim My Natural Disney collection. If you win, you’ll have your choice of Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Tigger or Piglet. All are totally adorable and 100% eco-friendly.

• Learn more about the organic miYim Disney Collection.

GIVEAWAY DURATION:

This giveaway starts today, December 5, 2011 and ends on Monday, December 12, 2011. Midnight – my time (west coast time).

HOW TO ENTER:

Leave a comment on this post, telling me which Winnie the Pooh character was your favorite growing up (mine was Eeyore) and also tell me which character is your child’s favorite now.

IMPORTANT RULES:

• U.S. residents only please. Although miYim (and Growing a Green Family) love our worldwide pals, shipping is only possible in the U.S. for this giveaway.
• One entry per household please.
• On December 12, 2011, I’ll draw two random winner from all eligible entries, post the winning name here and also email the winner.
• VERY IMPORTANT! If you’re the winner, you’ll need to email me back by December 15, 2011 with your contact info. I know that’s quick, but it would be nice to get these sent out maybe in time for the holidays. If you don’t email back by the 15th, I’ll assume that you’ve changed your mind and I’ll choose another winner.
• To get your prize to you, I’ll need your full name, U.S. mailing address, valid email, and phone number. I don’t share this info with anyone but miYim. However, if you’re not comfortable giving this info to me, please do not enter.

GOOD LUCK!

Hey there all. Today I’ve got the winner of the awesome Baby Gourmet Organic Baby Food Giveaway.

In case you’ve spaced it, our winner will be receiving a very nice sampler pack of Baby Gourmet, USDA certified organic baby food. The sampler includes 15 pouches and all nine Baby Gourmet flavor taste sensations.

• Learn more about Baby Gourmet organic baby food.

Just a quick reminder, if you haven’t entered to win a great starter pack of Baby Gourmet Organic Baby Food, today is your last chance.

Baby Gourmet Organic Baby Food is a new line of USDA certified organic baby food created by mama and Baby Gourmet company founder, Jennifer Broe.

Each Baby Gourmet food item is cooked up in a kitchen, not a lab and is made healthy with:

• USDA Organic certified food
• No thickeners or fillers
• No added sugar
• No added salt
• Kosher too
• Comes in BPA-free re-sealable packaging

Enter now!

The other day I told you about a brand new organic baby food – Baby Gourmet. If you’re interested in your baby trying this organic baby food, today is your lucky day, because you may just win some if you enter our Baby Gourmet giveaway!

WHAT YOU CAN WIN!:

One Growing a Green Family reader (including one very lucky baby) will win an awesome sampler pack of Baby Gourmet, USDA certified organic baby food. The sampler includes 15 pouches and all nine Baby Gourmet flavor taste sensations.

• Learn more about Baby Gourmet organic baby food.

GIVEAWAY DURATION:

This giveaway starts today, November 4, 2011 and ends on Sunday, November 13, 2011. Midnight – my time (west coast time).

HOW TO ENTER:

Leave a comment on this post, telling me what stage your baby is at eating-wise – it’s okay if your baby hasn’t started on solids yet. AND tell me why you’re interested in feeding your baby organic food.

IMPORTANT RULES:

• U.S. and Canada residents only please. Although Baby Gourmet (and Growing a Green Family) love our worldwide pals, shipping is only possible in the U.S. and Canada for this giveaway.
• One entry per household please.
• On November 13, 2011, I’ll draw one random winner from all eligible entries, post the winner’s name here and also email the winner.
• VERY IMPORTANT! If you’re the winner, you’ll need to email me back by November 18th with your contact info. If not, I’ll assume that you’ve changed your mind, and I’ll choose another winner.
• To get your prize to you, I’ll need your full name, U.S. or Canada mailing address, valid email, and phone number. I don’t share this info with anyone but Baby Gourmet. However, if you’re not comfortable giving this info to me, please do not enter.

GOOD LUCK!

There’s a new baby food in town, and it’s not only organic, but affordable. Baby Gourmet Organic Baby Food is a new line of USDA certified organic baby food created by mama and Baby Gourmet company founder, Jennifer Broe.

*Note – stay tuned to Growing a Green Family, if you’d like to win some of this tasty organic baby food. A cool giveaway is coming up!

Each and every Baby Gourmet product begins right at home, in Jennifer’s kitchen, not in a factory or lab, so we’re talking homemade baby food goodness, only without the pots, pans and blenders or time commitment. Baby Gourmet comes in BPA-free re-sealable packaging that’s easy to serve. Squeeze some into a bowl or let your baby go pouch wild.

All Baby Gourmet baby food products have some healthy features in common, such as…

• USDA Organic certified
• No thickeners or fillers
• No added sugar
• No added salt
• Kosher

Simple Purées: for 6+ Months

Simple Pureés are the perfect first baby food and are made with the youngest babies in mind, focusing on food allergy avoidance and simple, yet healthy ingredients, plus a consistency that’s just right for young babies.

Yummy Combos: for 7+ months

More experienced eaters can move on to stage two’s exciting flavor palate, such as wholesome fruits and veggies paired with cinnamon and vanilla. All Yummy Combos include multiple ingredients, gently cooked and puréed to a perfect consistency.

Tasty Textures: for 8+ Months

By eight months, your baby is ready for different textures, so all the Tasty Texture stage baby foods are based on more substantial family recipes, adapted for your baby, with zero sugar or salt added.

Where to buy:

Baby Gourmet is now available at Walmart stores nationwide and retails for an affordable $1.74 per pouch. That’s a killer deal on organic baby food!

Learn more:

• Visit the Baby Gourmet website
• Join Baby Gourmet on Facebook
• Friend Baby Gourmet on Twitter

Lat week the nonprofit Ecology Center at the consumer-friendly site, www.HealthyStuff.org released the latest findings on toxic chemicals in children’s car seats, and the news is way less than good. May car seats were found to be safe, which is a perk, because it shows that car seat manufacturers can make non-toxic car seats. However, of all the 2011 car seats tested, a full 60% tested positive for one or more of the following substances: bromine (associated with brominated flame retardants); chlorine (indicating the presence of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC and plasticizers); lead; other heavy metals and allergens.

It’s hard to be picky as a parent, because you simply cannot slack on car seats. If you’ve got a child who is riding around in your car, then you 100% need a car seat. Still, this is frustrating, because you also don’t want your child exposed to more toxins than necessary. According to this new research, car seat chemicals are particularly bad because your child spends so much time in his seat, plus, kids are hot little pumpkins. As your child heats up, his body heat may help speed up the time in which dangerous substances heat up, which then releases the substances, exposing your child to them in a more extensive way.

What would be best is if car seat manufactuers and the govenrment would hop on board the chemical safety train. As Andy Igrejas, Director of the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families coalition, puts it:

“This study is yet another example of how our country’s major chemicals law — the Toxic Substance Control Act of 1976 — is flawed and fails to protect children from hazardous chemicals. Databases such as HealthyStuff.org can provide consumers with valuable information, but reforming our federal regulatory system so that harmful chemicals don’t end up on the market in the first place is long overdue.”

But, what can parents do until then? Well, buy a more safely rated car seat of course. The HealthyStuff car seat ratings make it easier to find a safer, less toxic car seat. The best car seat list on the HealthyStuff contains plenty of seats which do not contain PVC or Lead and do not use brominated flame retardants. What I’d also do, is cross-check car seats on the less toxic list with a consumer site that tests car seat function and all-around quality, such as Consumer Reports. You want a less toxic car seat that’s also got the features and ease-of-use you require. Oh, and when you use the car seat ratings, pay attention to little things like color. I noticed that many of the car seats listed as safe, for the most part, aren’t in rainbow bright colors – I’m guessing certain colors need chemicals to make them more colorful, hence the rating.

Below is a list of some of the safest, least toxic seats tested at HealthyStuff…

• Graco Turbo Booster Seat in Anders

   

  http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Graco-Turbo-Booster-Seat-in-Anders.jpg
  la

• Graco SnugRide 35 Infant Car Seat - Laguna Bay

   

  http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Graco-SnugRide-35-Infant-Car-Seat-Laguna-Bay.jpg
  la

• Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seat - Limonata

   

  http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Chicco-KeyFit-Infant-Car-Seat-Limonata.jpg
  la

• Combi Shuttle 33 Infant Car Seat - Cranberry Noche

   

  http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Combi-Shuttle-33-Infant-Car-Seat-Cranberry-Noche.jpg
  la

• Graco Snugride 35 Infant Car Seat in flint, or gray

   

  http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Graco-Snugride-35-Infant-Car-Seat-in-flint-or-gray.jpg
  la

• Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat - Cubes

   

  http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Chicco-KeyFit-30-Infant-Car-Seat-Cubes.jpg
  la

• Graco SnugRide 30 Infant Car Seat - Mirabella

   

  http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Graco-SnugRide-30-Infant-Car-Seat-Mirabella.jpg
  la

• Flex-Loc Infant Car Seat - All Star

   

  http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Flex-Loc-Infant-Car-Seat-All-Star.jpg
  la

• Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat - Extreme

   

  http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Chicco-KeyFit-30-Infant-Car-Seat-Extreme.jpg
  la

• S1 by Safety 1st onBoard35 Air Infant Car Seat - McKenna

   

  http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/S1-by-Safety-1st-onBoard35-Air-Infant-Car-Seat-McKenna.jpg
  la

• Britax Chaperone Infant Car Seat in Cowmooflage

   

  http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Britax-Chaperone-Infant-Car-Seat-in-Cowmooflage.jpg
  la

• Graco SnugRide 35 Infant Car Seat - Hathaway

   

  http://www.growingagreenfamily.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Graco-SnugRide-35-Infant-Car-Seat-Hathaway.jpg
  la

• Graco Turbo Booster Seat in Anders
• Graco SnugRide 35 Infant Car Seat in Laguna Bay
• Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seat – Limonata
• Combi Shuttle 33 Infant Car Seat – Cranberry Noche
• Graco SnugRide 35 Infant Car Seat in Gray
• Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat – Cubes
• Graco SnugRide 30 Infant Car Seat – Mirabella
• Baby Trend Flex-Loc Infant Car Seat – All Star
• Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat – Extreme
• S1 by Safety 1st onBoard35 Air Infant Car Seat – McKenna
• Britax Chaperone Infant Car Seat in Cowmooflage
• Graco SnugRide 35 Infant Car Seat – Hathaway

+ See the entire HealthyStuff safe and not-so-safe car seat listings.

Lead image via www.HealthyStuff.org.

Soon, I’ve got some reviews coming up – Ice Pop Joy and Lifefactory 22-Ounce Beverage Bottle. Today, however, I’m running behind, so here are some links to keep you busy…

I’m loving – Night Owl Paper Goods’ new brightly colored designs (shown above). They’ve always had cute designs, but the new brighter colors really make these sustainable greeting cards pop.

Emo link – USA Today is running the world’s most depressing series – Saving Childhood. This series, all week, is covering issues like early puberty due to chemicals, consumerism, kids and nature and more. I’ve been following the series, because this is what parents should be focused on, but it is kind of making me want to grab Cedar, and all the other kids I can carry and move to a cave in the middle of nowhere.

I’ve been considering a patio garden this year, but have been a little lazy about it. Hopefully, this affordable, small space gardening piece at Mother Earth News will motivate me… maybe.

The INSANELY stupid link o’ the week – plastic companies are now suing reusable bag makers. Really?

Super, extra, ick-factor scary – All the Stuff You Don’t Want to Eat…But You Do Anyway. By scary, I mean beaver’s anal glands in vanilla ice cream. Ugh… P.S. the organic ice cream we buy is 100% beaver’s anal gland free!

The second season of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution is kicking off tonight. I don’t love much current TV, but I do love this show, so I’m excited. Sadly, since we don’t have cable, I’m going to have to wait until tomorrow. Hopefully the show will be on the Internet by then.

Homemade, on the cheap, mac n’ cheese for kiddos (and adults). Cedar just recently decided that mac n’ cheese is an okay dish to eat, so I was happy to see a homemade version. This recipe looks super easy and would make a nice side dish – remember to use organic ingredients though.

CUTE! Hello Hanna ‘Yum Yum Bakery’ Eco Sticker Book.

A little off topic but… Why B**ch Isn’t a Selling Point. This post isn’t so much green, but being an avid blog reader, I don’t love when I run across blogs that use a mean attitude to sell said blog. I don’t think it’s so bad to be nice; you know?

What are you reading and loving this week?

Toddler gifts are fun to choose because at this age your little one is curious about everything – i.e. it’s hard to choose the wrong gift. Following are some excellent toddler green gifts, that are eco-friendly and at just $25 or less, won’t break the bank.

1. Sugar Booger Bath Time Learning Shapes Lady Bug – toxic free bath toys that stick to the tub.
2. Soopsori Ecowooden Giraffe with Cart and Dominoes
3. I Love My Planet – Organic & Rubberwood Pop Up Lion

• 100% Recycled 5×7 Wall Cards – beautiful and helpful for little ones learning their numbers.

1. Rubberwood Recycling Truck
2. Green Start Book Towers: Little Learning Books – Made from 98% Recycled Materials
3. ImagiPLAY Number Snail

• Green Start Floor Puzzle: Under the Sea (Green Start Giant Floor Puzzles)

• Organic Cotton Dog Plush Doll in Recycled Gift Box
• Boon Bath Toy Combo Pack Splat and Water Bugs
• Fair Trade Small Kylo Natural Kangaroo + Baby Roo
• Green Toys Tool Set
• Recycled Forest Friends Block Puzzle
• Organic Foundling Bunny