How long should they last?

[cagnew]

How long do your diapers last before they can't be used (as diapers) anymore? How long do your covers last?

Just wondering what to expect

[thefreckledmama]

There's no single answer for your questions, as there is no single type of diaper or cover.

I can attest to the longevity of prefolds, swaddlebees o/s velour fitted, bummis covers, and wool covers.

I have been using my unbleached indian prefolds for 20 months. Aside from the few that have fallen victim to my MIL's overzealous bleaching, they are literally in as good of condition as when they were brand new. I wash an average of 3 times a week, so figure in the course of 20 months they've been washed at least a couple hundred times.

Our we've been using the swaddlebees for about 15 months, and besides it being ever so slightly less soft than when brand new, I don't see any real wear on it. Averages being washed 2x a week.

My bummis (super whisper wrap) covers have held up reasonably well. Although the velcro is a little fuzzy looking, it still holds the same as when they were new. These are also washed 2-3 times a week.

As for my wool covers (a few I made, an Aristocrats, a couple LanaCare, and a Babyology), I've noticed the most wear on these, only because my toddler is probably the hardest on these. As far as wear and tear, it's really only massive pilling, which I get around to shaving every so often. If she would have been wearing something over them all summer, they probably would have very little wear and tear. I am starting to notice some light staining just from being used for as long as they have, and is really more from the fact that I'm afraid to scrub them up too much because I accidentally felted a cover when I really went after the stains.

[octobermom]

I have some diapers and covers going on baby #2 soon and lasted pretty much the entire CD time with my first so over 4 years.

Deanna

[Ola_]

I think it really depends on the diaper. From testimonials I've heard it seems that prefolds, Mother Ease diapers, and FuzziBunz last very well. Also as a general rule diapers with snaps will be more durable than those with velcro closures.

[Gabes Mommy]

It really does depend on the diaper. Prefolds and flats should last the longest. Snaps usually last longer than aplix, but elastic varies.

[HeatherB]

The diaper, how frequently you wash, how you wash, etc., are all factors.

Prefolds are definitely great for longevity. Bummis covers, as well. Cotton and elastic tend to go for me, eventually, but generally after a year of hard use. I think that's a short life span and is due to our washing routine. There are some brands and some diapers whose elastic wears out more quickly than others. For instance, I have a Swaddlebees pocket whose elastic is completely gone, while others I bought at the same time are fine.

[broodymama]

I have some Fuzzibunz, prefolds and fitteds that are on kid #3 right now. There have been a few where the elastic gave out, snaps broke or they got holey but for the most part I've been really happy with them. The medium Fuzzi Bunz that DD2 is wearing now have been in use every day since December 2004.

[Ruthla]

I can honestly say that, in my entire diapering career, the only diapers that wore out were the ones that were used when I got them- the ones FIL had saved from DH and SILs were babies and then used as cleaning rags for a few decades! I washed diapers every other day when I had two in cloth, and twice a week when I had one in cloth.

I exclusively used flats and prefolds with the girls (off and on with disposables). I had some cheap gerber vinyl pull on pants wear out, but for the most part, the covers were worn out when they were outgrown, or they were still in good shape to give away when they were outgrown. I never once needed to replace covers before needing the next size. I don't know what would have happened to the stuff they used if I put them on a 3rd baby because I gave away all the baby stuff when I got divorced.

With DS, I used cloth from 20 months old until potty training. Most of his initial covers were hand-me-downs, and the rest I sewed myself. Some of his diapers were the cheapie prefolds I'd bought when he was born to use as burp cloths, the rest I sewed myself. All diapers and covers were in usable condition when he outgrew them or stopped needing diapers.

[octobermom]

FWIW the brands of diapers I used (really used not jsut used for a month and sold off or such) and these were bought new..
baby textiles bleached prefolds (these actually eventually died in the wash after about 24 months)
indian cotton prefolds (still going strong used over 3.5 years)
Tiny tots fitted eventually died lasted around a year
Fuzzi bunz - great condition still used for around 2 years
bummi SWW needed rewaterproofing about every 4-5 months but still going strong
dappi/bummi nylon still strong
MEAF the best good as new
Nicky cotton- great
dappi wraps (lasted about 4 months before velcro gave out
Proraps - never worked

Deanna