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A Guide to Diaper Funds for Baby Showers

Gift Guides
Updated:
June 12, 2024
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Welcoming a new baby into the family is such an exciting and joyful experience! 

However, it also comes with a lot of expenses, especially when it comes to essentials like diapers. 

One fantastic solution that many new parents are turning to is the diaper fund. 

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about diaper funds, from setting one up to fun ways to include them in your baby shower.

What is a Diaper Fund?

A diaper fund is a way for friends and family to contribute money towards the cost of diapers for your baby. 

Instead of buying traditional baby shower gifts, they can help you buy diapers when you need them. 

Traditionally diaper funds are used to pay for diapers, clothes, formula, childcare, or other baby necessities.

They can also be used to save and invest for the baby's future.

This is a great idea because it ensures you always have enough diapers, which are a daily necessity for your little one.

Popularity of Diaper Funds

Diaper funds are becoming more popular because they are so practical. 

Traditional baby showers often result in a lot of clothes and toys, but diapers are something you will constantly need. 

Diaper funds focus on this ongoing need, making life easier for new parents. 

Plus, it simplifies gift-giving for guests who might not know what to buy.

stork with baby

How Much to Save

Diaper costs can add up quickly, so it's helpful to plan ahead. 

On average, a single diaper costs around $0.20 to $0.30.

Considering a baby uses about 2,500 to 3,000 diapers in their first year, this can be pretty expensive.

You'll also need other supplies. Wipes are a must-have and can cost around $15 to $20 per month, or another $200 a year.

Other essentials might include diaper rash cream, which costs about $5 to $10 per tube, and baby lotion, which is around $4 to $8 per bottle.

To make sure you’re prepared, try setting a savings goal of about $900 to $1,000 for the first year.

You can also set a higher goal if you want to cover other uses, like saving for the future.

dollar signs

Monthly Diaper Expenses

Understanding the monthly cost of diapers can help you budget more effectively. 

Newborns typically go through 8 to 12 diapers a day, translating to around 240 to 360 diapers each month. 

This means you’ll likely spend between $70 and $80 per month on diapers.

Total Expected Expenses

To get a complete picture of your diaper-related expenses until your child is potty trained, let's break down the total costs. 

Most children are potty trained by the age of 2.5 to 3 years. 

Over this period, you can expect the following:

  • Diapers: Approximately 7,500 to 9,000 diapers, costing between $1,500 to $2,700.
  • Wipes: Around $450 to $720.
  • Other Essentials (Diaper Rash Cream, Baby Lotion, etc.): Approximately $150 to $300.

In total, the expected cost for diapering supplies until your child is potty trained ranges from $2,100 to $3,720. 

Diaper Fund Uses

While the main purpose of a diaper fund is to buy diapers and wipes, you can also use it for other baby supplies. 

This includes items like diaper rash cream and baby lotion. 

The flexibility of a diaper fund makes it a very practical choice for new parents.

If you use a registry, make sure to check how you can use the cash you receive. 

For example, money received through an Amazon diaper fund can be used to purchase anything on Amazon. 

Greatest Gift lets you decide how to use the funds, from depositing in your checking account, to investing in your little one’s future.

alternative uses for funds

Popular Diaper Fund Providers

Several platforms make setting up a diaper fund easy.

Greatest Gift logo

1) Greatest Gift

A modern take on the traditional diaper fund cash registry.

It’s a top-tier financial gifting platform designed to help parents kickstart their child’s financial future.

Greatest Gift continues to show parents how to save and invest for their kids.

2) Amazon

Amazon offers a simple way to set up a diaper fund through its baby registry.

 You can create a baby registry on Amazon’s website and check the box to include a diaper fund. 

However, Amazon’s diaper funds are capped at $550 in total contributions, and the money received through the diaper fund arrives as an Amazon gift card, which means you have to spend it on Amazon.

3) Target

Target offers a wide variety of gift options for their baby registry, but doesn’t have a specific diaper fund feature. 

Instead, gift givers can buy Target gift cards.

Gift cards appear as an option as soon as you add your first item to your registry.

4) Babylist

Babylist's universal baby registry is flexible but lacks features when it comes to cash gifts and diaper funds.

Instead of offering an inherent solution, Babylist let's you add a Paypal account link.

It then refers gift givers to your Paypal page where they can give you money.

The overall gifting experience is limited on Babylist, and you won’t be notified if anyone chooses to give cash.

How to Set Up a Diaper Fund

Setting up a diaper fund is easy! 

Here’s how:

  1. Choose a Platform: Pick a diaper fund or baby registry provider that suits your needs.
  2. Create an Account: Sign up and create an account on your chosen platform.
  3. Personalize Your Page: Add photos, a heartfelt message, and details about why you’re creating the fund.
  4. Share Your Fund: Share the link with friends and family through social media, email, and baby shower invitations.

Wording Tips for Your Diaper Fund Requests

Asking for contributions to a diaper fund might feel a bit tricky, but clear and polite communication can help. 

Here are some sample messages:

  1. Simple and Direct
    "We’re so excited to welcome our little one soon! Instead of traditional gifts, we’re asking for contributions to our diaper fund to help us keep our baby clean and comfortable. Your support will help us cover diaper expenses and also start a savings fund for baby’s future needs. Thank you for your love and support!"

  2. Friendly and Casual
    "Hi everyone! Baby is on the way, and we’re prepping like crazy. If you’d like to help out, consider contributing to our diaper fund. Diapers are always in demand, and we’d really appreciate it. Thanks a ton!"

  3. Formal and Polite
    "Dear friends and family, as we prepare for the arrival of our precious baby, we kindly ask for contributions to our diaper fund in lieu of traditional gifts. Your generosity will help ensure we have the essentials we need. Thank you for your support and kindness."

  4. Playful and Fun
    "Guess what? We’re having a baby! Instead of showering us with clothes and toys, help us stock up on diapers by contributing to our diaper fund. Let’s keep those diaper changes flowing smoothly!"

  5. Heartfelt and Emotional
    "As we prepare for this new chapter, we’re asking for your help with one of the biggest essentials: diapers. Your contribution to our diaper fund would mean the world to us. Thank you for being a part of our journey."

  6. Rhyming and Cute
    "Diapers and wipes and little baby clothes, these are the things our new baby needs most. Instead of a gift, if you’re so kind, please contribute to our diaper fund, and peace of mind we will find!"

  7. Modern and Tech-Savvy
    "We’re gearing up for baby with all the latest gadgets, but diapers remain a must! If you’d like to support us, please consider contributing to our diaper fund. Thanks for being awesome!"
    Give

  8. Casual and Friendly
    "Hey everyone! We’re getting ready for baby [Name], and we’d love your help. Instead of the usual baby gifts, consider chipping in to our diaper fund. Any extra will go towards college savings or future needs. Thanks so much!"

  9. Saving for the Future
    "Our hearts are full as we prepare for our new baby! We’re setting up a diaper fund and would appreciate your support. Contributions will go towards both diaper expenses and a savings account for our little one’s future. Thank you for being part of our journey!"

In general, it's best to share what the diaper fund gifts will be used for.

Many parents set up diaper funds for more than just paying for diapers.

Other Ways to Get Diapers at a Baby Shower

There are also other fun and creative ways to get diapers at a baby shower. 

Here are some of our favorites:

  1. Diaper Raffles: Ask guests to bring a pack of diapers to enter a raffle for a prize. For each pack of diapers they bring, they receive a raffle ticket. At the end of the shower, draw a ticket and award a prize to the lucky winner.

  2. Diaper Cakes: Instead of asking for gifts, organize a diaper cake decoration contest. Have each guest or group of guests bring a beautifully arranged "cake" made of diapers. The guests vote on the best looking cake.

  3. Diaper Subscription Services Instead of asking for diapers, encourage guests to contribute to a diaper subscription service. These services deliver diapers to your doorstep on a regular basis, ensuring you never run out. You can add a subscription to your baby registry or provide information on how guests can contribute to one.

These methods not only help you stock up on diapers but also add a fun element to the baby shower.

Fun Ways to Give Diapers as Gifts

Diapers don’t have to be a boring gift. Here are some fun and creative ways to present them:

  • Diaper Cakes: Arrange diapers into a tiered cake shape and decorate with ribbons and small baby items.
  • Diaper Bouquets: Make a bouquet that looks like flowers using diapers.
  • Personalized Gift Baskets: Create a basket with diapers, wipes, and other baby essentials, wrapped beautifully.
  • Personal Messages on Diapers: Write a cute or funny note on each diaper in a pack and give it as a gift. Mom and dad could use a laugh in those late night diaper changes.

Unique packaging and presentation can make a practical gift feel special and thoughtful.

Tips for Managing a Diaper Fund

Once your diaper fund is set up and contributions start coming in, here are some tips for managing it:

  • Set the Money Aside
    Make sure the money received is set aside specifically for its intended purpose and doesn’t get mixed with regular spending or other wants. This helps in maintaining transparency and ensuring the funds are used appropriately.

  • Say Thank You
    Always show your appreciation by sending thank-you notes or small tokens of gratitude. This can strengthen relationships and encourage future support.

  • Put the Cash in a High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA)
    Place the diaper fund money in a HYSA to earn some interest until you need it. Withdraw as much as you need each month. This ensures the money grows a bit while it's not being used.

  • Share Fund Goals
    If the diaper fund is also being used for other things, like setting up a college fund, let contributors know. They might be more inclined to give if they know their contributions support long-term goals.

  • Track Contributions
    Keep a detailed record of who contributed and how much. This helps you stay organized and makes it easier to send thank-you notes, and reciprocate the generosity when the time comes.

Uses for Leftover Funds

If you have leftover funds after covering diaper expenses, consider these options:

  • Start a Savings Account:
    Set up a savings account for your child’s future needs, such as education.

  • Other Baby Essentials:
    Use the remaining money to buy clothes, toys, or nursery items.

  • Future Needs:
    Save the leftover funds for future expenses like baby food, medical bills, or childcare.

Summary

Diaper funds offer a practical and flexible solution for new parents dealing with the cost of diapers.

By setting up a diaper fund, you can ensure you’re well-prepared for your baby’s arrival and make the process easier for your friends and family.

Consider incorporating a diaper fund into your baby shower plans and enjoy the peace of mind it brings.

Congratulations on your growing family, and best wishes on your parenting journey!

About Greatest Gift

Greatest Gift is the financial gifting platform for children's long term savings.

Send and receive monetary gifts for children's long term savings.

Discover great ways to save and invest for children.
Learn More

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