Are you considering cloth diapers but are overwhelmed by all choices out there?
Cloth diapers may seem daunting at first. With so many styles and all kinds of diapering lingo, it’s hard to know where to begin. But most parents learn to love them once they’ve tried a few different types and brands and can’t imagine ever going back to disposables.
Our team of moms has decades of combined experience using cloth diapers. And we’ve done our research about all the latest styles and brands. We’ll cover everything you need to know to begin your cloth diapering journey, including our reviews of the best cloth diapers currently available.
- Super absorbent, soft, & durable
- Budget-friendly option
- Excellent leak protection
- Easy to use
- Slim fitting
- Contains leaks and blowouts
- Exceptionally soft and durable
- No extra prepping
- Incredibly absorbent
- Super trim
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Extra-long insert
- Incredibly soft and stylish
- Super simple to use
- Dries quickly
- Grow with your child
- Leakproof
- Breathable and comfortable
- Budget friendly
- Trim fit and durable material
- Comfortable for baby
- Easy to use
- Double leg gussets
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Extremely durable snaps
- Great absorbency
- Premium quality
- Extra waterproof layers
- One bamboo inserts per diaper
- Great value for money
Review Methodology: At Mom Loves Best, we understand the importance of providing reliable and trustworthy information when it comes to finding the best cloth diapers for your little one. Our in-depth analysis and hands-on experience with a wide range of products enable us to evaluate and compare them based on criteria such as absorbency, fit, comfort, materials, and ease of use. We conduct thorough research and use data-driven assessments to rank and measure each diaper’s performance, ensuring that our recommendations are based on solid evidence and facts. Our expert reviews consider key decision-making factors like design choices, user experience, and environmental impact, so you can trust our findings and make the best choice for your baby’s needs. With Mom Loves Best, you can feel confident that you’re getting the most accurate and reliable information on the top cloth diapers available on the market today.
The Best Cloth Diapers of 2024
Here are the top cloth diapers on the market.
OsoCozy Unbleached Prefold Cloth Diapers
Best Prefold Cloth Diapers
OsoCozy prefolds come in two sizes: Size 1 (7-15 pounds) and Size 2 (15-30 pounds), creating a better fit when folding around your baby. When your baby outgrows them, you can fold them in thirds and stuff them in your baby’s pocket diapers or lay them in a cover.
These unbleached prefolds come in a convenient 6-pack. They are made with 100% pure Indian cotton, which is fantastic because they are super soft, comfortable, and suitable for babies with even the most sensitive skin. Because they are made with natural fibers, you will need to wash them two or three times before using them. Otherwise, you’ll have absorbency issues.
Because these prefolds are so durable, they tend to have a great resale value when you’re done with your cloth diaper journey. They could also be used for other purposes around the house, like spit rags, burp cloths, changing pad covers, and cleaning rags.
Pros
- Easy to care for.
- Super absorbent, soft, and durable.
- A budget-friendly option.
- Excellent leak protection with a fastener and cover.
Cons
- Will shrink some after the first wash.
- Mastering the different folds may seem daunting to some parents.
- Can take a long time to dry.
Our Ratings
User Experience
Lil Joey All-in-One Cloth Diapers
Best Cloth Diapers for Preemies
This cloth diaper is pretty much the only one out there that will fit preemies and smaller newborns. It fits from approximately 4-12 pounds and is designed to fit well around those tiny legs. It also features a snap-down option to keep the diaper from rubbing against and irritating the umbilical cord.
These all-in-one diapers come with a double inner gusset for extra protection against leaks and blowouts. However, some parents have trouble getting the poop and stains out of these inner gussets. I ended up removing the poop stains by using Buncha Farmers Stain Stick and lots and lots of sun.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Slim fitting.
- Great at containing leaks and blowouts.
Cons
- Most babies will grow out of them fairly quickly.
- Can take a long time to dry.
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
GroVia O.N.E. Cloth Diapers
Best Cloth Diaper for Heavy Wetters
The GroVia O.N.E. includes everything you will ever need to cloth diaper your baby from birth through toddlerhood. It is designed to fit babies from 10-35 pounds and comes with snaps and a removable Velcro option. I love this feature because I preferred hook-and-loop fasteners when my little one was a newborn or when someone else was watching her, but I loved the snaps when she got old enough to remove her diapers.
This diaper is excellent for heavy wetters because it has a custom super-soaker system. It even works great as a nighttime solution for moderate wetters. It comes with small and large cotton blend soaker pads that you can easily snap together to create a double insert for optimal absorbency. The larger soaker pad has grooves that help catch all the liquids, maximizing the diaper’s leak protection.
Pros
- Exceptionally soft and durable.
- No extra prepping.
- Incredibly absorbent.
Cons
- Has a unique fit.
- Not the best diaper for thin-legged babies.
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Smart Bottoms 3.1 Organic AlO Cloth Diapers
Best Cloth Diapers for Sensitive Skin
With Smart Bottoms 3.1 organic all-in-one, you won’t have to worry about any harsh chemicals against your baby’s skin, as the inside of this diaper is made of 100 percent certified organic cotton. The organic cotton is super soft and helps prevent diaper rash, even for the most sensitive skin.
These diapers are designed to fit babies from 8-35 pounds and consist of four rows of snaps in the rise (the diaper’s “height”), allowing for a perfect fit. An extra-long insert is sewn into the diaper itself, so there’s no stuffing required — a great feature for busy parents.
You can fold this insert according to where your baby tends to soak their diapers the most. For instance, for a boy, you’ll want to fold it so there’s more padding in the front, and for a girl, you’ll want to fold it so there’s more padding in the middle.
Pros
- Trim fitting.
- Organic cotton is soft and ideal for sensitive skin.
- The insert can be folded to suit absorbency needs.
Cons
- Requires 5-6 washes before first use.
- Long sewn-in flap makes spraying off poop difficult.
Our Ratings
First-Hand Impression
Bambino Mio AIO Cloth Diapers
Best Cloth Diapers for Day Care
This stylish all-in-one diaper is just as easy to use as a disposable, making it an excellent choice to send to day care. The Miosolo is designed to fit from birth to potty training and comes in eight adorable designs. The rise snaps and hook-and-loop closure make it simple to get a good fit for your baby. It also comes with fold-back laundry tabs to protect the Velcro when it’s in the wash.
Unlike many other all-in-ones, this one features a unique tuck-in pocket where you can stuff the attached insert. I love this feature because it keeps the moisture away from your baby’s skin, and you can even add additional inserts to the pocket for more absorbency.
Pros
- Incredibly soft and stylish.
- Super simple to use.
- Dry quickly.
- Designed to keep moisture away from baby’s skin.
Cons
- Velcro may not hold up as long as snaps.
- Doesn’t have the best fit on petite babies.
Our Ratings
User Experience
Mama Koala Bamboo Cloth Diaper
Best Cloth Diapers for Any Age
Are you new to the cloth diaper world or wanting to use cloth diapers from the newborn stage? Mama Koala Bamboo cloth diapers are the way to go! These diapers work on any child. Their one-size technology means the diapers actually grow with your child.
These diapers fit babies between 8 and 35 pounds, so they can be used on your child from birth to toddlerhood. They have 3×3 rise snaps, so you can customize them to be the perfect fit for your child.
With these diapers, you don’t need to worry about leaks. They’re waterproof, breathable, soft, and comfortable. The inner dry suede cloth protects babies from moisture buildup. The elastic legs protect from leaks and messes.
One purchase comes with six diapers and three microfiber inserts, so you’ll be equipped for a few diaper changes between washes. The diapers come in a huge range of styles so that your baby will always look cute!
Finally, these diapers are super absorbent. If you double up at nighttime, you’ll have even more absorbency, so both you and your baby can sleep through the night.
Pros
- Grows with your child — works from the newborn stage to toddlerhood.
- Leakproof.
- Breathable and comfortable.
- Superb absorbency.
Cons
- As there’s only one size, there will always be some babies the diapers don’t fit.
- The snaps might come undone while your baby is active.
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
Alva Baby Swim Cloth Diapers
Best Cloth Swim Diapers
Alva swim diapers will save you loads of money if you’re a pool fanatic. These diapers come in a convenient two-pack, with three different sizes and a variety of irresistible prints. They’re so cute — there’s hardly any need for you even to bother buying swim trunks.
The diaper interior is a mesh netting fabric, which does a great job of containing messes, makes clean up easy, and is soft against your baby’s skin. The outside is made of 100% waterproof polyester PUL and includes a ton of snap options, which allows the diaper to grow with your baby. The sizes run a little small, though, so you may want to go up one size when purchasing these swim diapers.
Pros
- Budget-friendly.
- Trim fit.
- Comfortable for baby.
- Durable material.
Cons
- Snaps in the back make it difficult to put on a wiggly baby.
- Not the best fit for larger babies/toddlers.
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Best Bottom Regular/Bamboo Cloth Diaper Inserts
Best All-in-Two Cloth Diaper
Best Bottom diapers are an all-in-two system with a waterproof cover and snap-in inserts. The one-size cover fits from approximately 8 to 35 pounds, so you can get the best fit for your growing baby. The bamboo cloth inserts are thin but super absorbent, making this a trim-fitting option even for heavy wetters.
To use these diapers, all you have to do is adjust the rise settings, snap the insert into the diaper, and put it on your baby. You can even reuse the outer shell multiple times, replacing the soiled insert with a clean one.
The snap on the outer shell makes this an easy-to-use option for all caregivers, but these are also available with velcro. Oh, and did we mention that these diapers have some of the cutest gender-neutral prints around? Vibrant solids, raccoons, giraffes, barnyard animals, and our personal favorite, hedgehogs.
Pros
- Easy to use.
- Double leg gussets prevent leaks and blowouts.
- Diaper and all materials made in the USA.
- Best for heavy wetters.
Cons
- Diaper covers and inserts sold separately.
- Inserts will shrink slightly after the first wash.
- Not for big babies.
Our Ratings
First-Hand Impression
Babygoal Cloth Diapers Washable Pocket
Best Pocket Diapers
Babygoal Cloth Diapers are pocket diapers designed to fit babies from 7-33 pounds. This set comes with six microfiber inserts and four bamboo inserts. You can use either one of these inserts or double them to maximize absorbency. You can even stuff this diaper with other inserts you may have. I’ve had great luck using this as a nighttime diaper when adding a hemp insert.
The soft lining of the pocket wicks moisture away from your baby, keeping them dry and comfortable even if the inserts are soaked. This helps prevent diaper rashes as well. The outside of the diaper has snap closures and three rows of snap-downs, making it easy to adjust the diaper to your baby’s height and leg thickness.
Pros
- Extremely durable snaps.
- Customizable absorbency.
- Cute colors and prints.
Cons
- Stuffing isn’t always ideal for busy parents.
Our Ratings
User Experience
Anmababy 6 Reusable Pocket Cloth Diapers
Best Cloth Diapers for Squirmy Babies
If you have a squirmy baby, try Anmababy cloth diapers. All the inserts attach to the diaper cover using snaps. So your little one can wriggle and squirm around as much as they want, and the liners won’t budge.
On top of that, if they crawl or run or bounce all day long, you don’t need to worry about leaks. The outer shell is made of waterproof polyester with TPU. The inside is made of soft suede cloth.
Since there is one insert per diaper, you can use this for added protection overnight to keep the outer shell dry for longer. This gives your baby a more comfortable night’s sleep and less time for you to clean up in the morning!
The inserts are made with bamboo, which stays dry and is kind on your baby’s bottom.
The mega absorption qualities of the hemp mean you don’t have to wash the outer shell every time! You can reuse it a few times before it needs washing.
Pros
- Great for squirmy and active babies.
- Great value for the price.
- Bamboo inserts are breathable.
- You don’t need to wash the outer shell as often.
Cons
- May not fit babies with thick and chunky thighs.
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
Thirsties Natural All-in-One Cloth Diaper
Best Cloth Diapers for Beginners
Cloth diapering doesn’t get much easier than the Thirsties one-size all-in-one hook and loop. With the ease of this diaper, you’ll be able to get your friends and family on board with cloth diapering in no time! They are even great to use at nighttime and simple enough for the babysitter to use.
These diapers are designed to fit babies from 8-40 pounds, so you’ll be able to use them pretty much throughout your entire cloth diaper journey. The inner soaker is sewn in, making it convenient and stress-free for those new to cloth diapering.
The insert is comprised of organic cotton, which absorbs well for most babies. If this material isn’t enough for your heavy wetter, there is a pocket inside the diaper where you can stuff another insert of your choice.
Pros
- Goes on in one easy step.
- No folding or stuffing required.
- Trim fit.
- Multifarious designs to choose from.
Cons
- Not the best fit for babies with chunky thighs.
- Doesn’t dry easily compared to other brands.
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Kanga Care AIO Cloth Diapers
Best All-in-One Cloth Diapers
Kanga Care is an all-in-one system designed to fit babies from 4-12 pounds. These diapers are available in various colors and prints and come with a great closure system, making it easier for parents to get a good fit around their baby’s waist and legs.
These diapers are ready to go because the inserts are sewn in, making them a hassle-free option for busy parents and caregivers. All you have to do is fold the flaps the way you want them and put them on. Adjust the insert to accommodate where your baby tends to soak their diaper the most.
Pros
- Properly gusseted for leak protection.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Sewn-in inserts save you time and stress.
- Waterproof to prevent leaks and eliminate the need for additional covers.
Cons
- Hard to get a good fit for newborns.
Our Ratings
First-Hand Impression
Wegreeco Washable Baby Cloth Pocket Diapers
Best Bamboo Cloth Diapers
We love how these cloth diapers grow with our babies! These are a one-size-fits-all design, fitting from approximately 8 to 35 pounds. This set has six cloth diapers, six bamboo liners, and one wet bag.
Its micro-suede interior keeps your baby from wetness, and it has four layers of inserts. These inserts are easy to use and can be stuffed into any of your pocket diapers. It comes with multifarious designs to choose from, accommodating all genders.
Pros
- Grows with your child.
- Trim fitting.
- Great for sensitive skin.
- Various designs to choose from.
Cons
- Folding can be challenging for some parents.
- Covers sold separately.
Our Ratings
User Experience
Alva Baby One Size Cloth Diapers
Best Inexpensive Cloth Diapers
This bundle of Alva Baby diapers comes with 6 pocket diapers and 12 microfiber inserts, making it an excellent deal. These diapers are designed to fit babies ranging from 6.6 to 33 pounds, so you can use them from birth up until potty training.
The interior suede cloth does an excellent job at wicking moisture away from your baby’s skin, which is fantastic because even if the inserts are drenched, your baby will be dry. This helps prevent diaper rashes as well.
Because these are pocket diapers, you can stuff them with any insert you choose, should the microfiber ones they come with not be absorbent enough for your heavy wetter. Even if you do use other inserts, this is still a great deal.
Pros
- Gets the job done while being affordable.
- Comes with a one-year warranty.
- You can customize absorbency.
Cons
- Stuffing pockets isn’t always ideal for busy parents.
- Not a great fit for babies with skinny legs.
Our Ratings
Personal Perspective
Disana Wool Overpant Cloth Diaper Covers
Best Overnight Cloth Diapers
These overpants are made of 100 percent organic soft merino wool and feature a high knitted waistband to help prevent leaks and keep your baby’s tummy warm. This natural fiber doesn’t just make an ideal nighttime diaper cover — it’s also great for babies with sensitive skin.
Disana overpants come in 11 colors and 4 sizes, designed to fit your child from 3 months to size 3T. This wide size range is great, as you can continue to avoid leaks with your stubborn toddler who wants nothing to do with potty training.
As with any wool cover, proper care is critical to maintaining its quality. But don’t be frazzled; wool covers are quite easy to care for. The covers must be lanolized before their first use and about once a month with regular use to prevent absorbency issues. However, they only have to be washed every so often due to their antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Pros
- All-natural and breathable.
- Excellent leak protection.
- Great for overnight, heavy wetters, and babies with sensitive skin.
- Can be reused multiple times between washes.
Cons
- They need to be worn over a prefold or fitted diaper, so they can be bulky.
- Requires lanolization.
- Takes a long time to dry.
Our Ratings
Community Feedback
Reasons to Consider Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers are often thought to be a thing of the past, but with how much they have evolved in the past few years, more parents are choosing cloth today. Here are five reasons why many moms and dads are considering cloth for their babies.
- Easy on the wallet: Stop throwing away your money with disposables and save big with cloth diapers. You could easily pocket over $1,300 with cloth if you plan to reuse them for multiple children and even more if you resell them after you’re done.
- Healthier for baby: Cloth diapers lack the harmful chemicals that most disposable diapers are filled with. These chemicals can lead to health problems like diaper rashes, endocrine disruption, and potentially even cancer.
- Better for the environment: 27.4 billion disposable diapers end up in U.S. landfills each year, and they will stay there for over 500 years until they degrade. By using cloth diapers, you can help reduce landfill waste, protect waterways, and save resources.
- Promotes early potty training: Because cloth diapers don’t have those absorbent chemical polymers, your child will be able to feel the wetness against their skin, giving them an incentive to begin using the potty.
- Your baby will look adorable: The cuteness factor of cloth will have you hooked in no time. With all the designs and prints cloth diapers come in, your baby will look stylish for any occasion.
Different Types of Cloth Diapers
Before you whip out your credit card and log in to Amazon, you’ll need to be able to decipher the cloth diaper jargon so you don’t end up purchasing the wrong thing.
These are the seven most popular types of cloth diapers, and we’ve included the pros and cons of each. Keep in mind that many moms opt to use more than one kind of cloth diaper. After all, you don’t enter a war with only one weapon at your disposal.
Prefolds
These are what a lot of people think of when they think of cloth diapers. They are rectangular cotton diapers divided into three sections, with the middle being the most absorbent. Fold them into thirds and lay them inside a diaper cover, or get creative with your origami folds and secure it with a Snappi or diaper pin. Prefolds also work well as burp cloths, changing pads, and cleaning rags.
Pros
- Extremely cost effective.
- Easy to care for.
- Versatile.
Cons
- Need pins or a Snappi to fasten.
- Requires a cover.
- Folding can be a deterrent for some parents.
Flats
These are probably what your grandma used when she diapered her babies. Flats are a square or single rectangular layer of cotton you can fold in many different ways around your baby. They hold in messes well when used with a cloth diaper cover.
Pros
- Cost-effective.
- Trim.
- Dry quickly.
Cons
- Needs pins or a Snappi.
- Requires a cover.
- More difficult for others to change baby.
Covers
An outer waterproof layer covers an inner absorbent diaper such as a prefold, flat, or fitted diaper. Some parents even use these over disposable diapers to prevent nighttime leaks. Diaper covers are available in a wide variety of styles and fabrics, such as wool, fleece, or PUL (Polyester Urethane Laminate).
Pros
- Can be reused multiple times before washing.
- Only need a few to complete your diaper stash.
- Excellent leak protection.
- Snap or velcro closures.
Cons
- Sold separately from absorbent diapers.
- Some options are bulky.
AIO (All-in-one)
All-in-one diapers go on in one simple step and are the closest to disposables in form and function. AIO’s are a one-piece system that includes all diaper components: a waterproof exterior, absorbent interior, elastic around the waist and legs, and closure mechanism.
Pros
- No stuffing or folding involved.
- No separate cover required.
- Day care friendly.
- Snap or velcro closures.
Cons
- Can take a long time to dry.
- Damage to one part of the diaper renders the entire thing unusable.
AI2 (All-in-Two)
All-in-twos consist of an outer waterproof shell and a removable inner absorbent layer that is typically snapped in and sits right against your baby’s skin. A soiled insert can be changed out, and the outer shell can be wiped down and reused a few times before washing.
Pros
- Super simple.
- Dries quickly.
- Can use the cover with other inserts if necessary.
- Snap or Velcro closures.
Cons
- Matching inserts with covers adds time to laundry.
- Don’t have a stay-dry feeling.
Fitteds
Fitted diapers are absorbent fabric diapers that have elastic around the waist and legs and come with closures.
In other words, they are just like an all-in-one diaper, minus the built-in outer waterproof cover.
Pros
- Super absorbent.
- Great at containing leaks and blowouts.
- No pins or folding required.
- Snap or Velcro closures.
Cons
- Needs a cover.
- Don’t wick moisture away from the skin.
Pockets
Pocket diapers are a two-part system consisting of an outer waterproof shell with a sewn-in pocket plus absorbent inserts to be stuffed into the pocket. Most of the time, pockets are sold with inserts, but if they are sold separately, you can always just use prefolds, flats, or even microfiber towels to “stuff” your pockets.
Pros
- Adjustable absorbency.
- Velcro and snap closures.
- Stay-dry layer between inserts and your baby’s skin.
- Pre-stuffed diapers are easy for other caregivers to use.
Cons
- You must change the entire diaper after each use.
- Have to remove the soiled insert before washing.
- Stuffing pockets can be time-consuming.
How to Choose the Best Cloth Diapers
Once you’ve decided which type and materials you prefer, you’ll need to start asking yourself some other questions to find the right diaper for you and your baby.
Price
Cloth diaper prices can range from $5 to $35 per piece. If you’re on a super tight budget, you will want to stick to the inexpensive options, but if you have extra money to spare, it’s always nice to splurge on high-quality diapers or exclusive prints.
Snaps or Velcro (Hook & Loop)
Snaps are more durable and help prevent your baby from taking their diaper off when they get older, but they can be difficult for people with arthritis and confusing for caregivers. On the other hand, Velcro is an excellent option for alternative caregivers but may not last throughout your entire cloth diaper journey.
Sizes
You will need to decide if you want to invest in a newborn stash or not. Some people forgo this and use disposable diapers until their baby is big enough to fit into the one-size diapers (OS). Typically, newborn diapers (NB) range in size from 6-14 pounds, and one-size diapers will fit from 8-35 pounds. Some diapers, such as Applecheeks and Thirsties Duo Wraps, have several size range options to cover a broader size range compared to OS diapers.
Best Fabrics for Cloth Diapers
When picking out cloth diapers, there are several synthetic and natural options to choose from, each with its own unique features, pros, and cons.
Synthetics (microfiber, suedecloth, microfleece)
If your cloth diapers aren’t 100 percent wool, hemp, or cotton, then they’re produced from human-made polyester-type fabrics that wick away moisture. Microfiber is often used to make inserts for pocket diapers, while suedecloth and microfleece are favorites for the inner layers of pockets, all-in-ones, and fitted diapers.
Pros
- Durable.
- Stay-dry quality.
- Tend to be less expensive.
Cons
- Petroleum-based.
- Harder to get clean than natural fibers.
- Could be irritating when used directly against baby’s skin.
Cotton
Cotton is one of the most commonly used natural fibers in cloth diapers. It’s very absorbent, easy to care for, and soft against your baby’s skin. To guarantee that your cotton diapers are GMO and pesticide-free, be sure to check for organic certification.
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin.
- Easy to keep clean.
- Baby can feel wetness, promoting early potty training.
Cons
- Requires extra prepping.
- Not as absorbent as hemp or bamboo.
Bamboo
Bamboo is another natural fabric that’s hot in the cloth diaper world. While bamboo plants are sustainable and grow quickly without pesticides and fertilizers, converting bamboo into fabric for a diaper is often harsh and requires chemicals.
Pros
- Antibacterial.
- More absorbent than cotton.
- Super soft.
Cons
- Environmental friendliness of processing is questionable.
- Take a long time to dry.
Hemp
Hemp is a natural fiber grown without the use of pesticides and chemicals. While super absorbent, it tends to absorb slowly, so it’s often paired with another porous fiber to make an insert, such as a hemp/cotton blend.
Pros
- Thin but super absorbent.
- Durable.
- Antibacterial.
Cons
- Takes longer to dry.
- Higher cost.
Wool
While wool can be a good choice for “all-natural” covers due to its antimicrobial and absorbent nature, it does raise concerns about both the ethics and sustainability of the product. Common practices within the wool industry include castration, tail-docking, and ear-punching sheep. Industrial wool farming is also energy-inefficient, land- and water-intensive, and highly pollutive.
Pros
- Breathable.
- Anti-bacterial and odor resistant.
- Only needs to be washed when soiled or smelly.
Cons
- Requires a special wash routine.
- Not environmentally sustainable.
- Comes from a violent and unethical industry.
- Not vegan-friendly.
How Many Cloth Diapers Will I Need?
How many diapers you will need will depend on your budget and how often you’re able to do laundry. Some moms choose to do diaper laundry every day, while others go up to a week without washing.
In general, a newborn goes through about 12-18 diapers a day, an infant will go through about 8-10, and a toddler will go through about 6-8.
Based on these numbers, most moms invest in approximately 24-36 cloth diapers for their little ones. But don’t be surprised if you find yourself buying more because you just can’t resist all those cute prints.
What Else Do I Need to Cloth Diaper?
To make your life easier and your cloth diaper journey more successful, you may want to consider investing in the following:
- Diaper pail with liners to store your dirty diapers.
- Wet bags for dirty diaper storage when you’re on the go or for day care.
- Cloth wipes to save you even more money.
- Spray bottle to wet down your wipes at the changing station.
- Diaper sprayer to rinse off formula or solid poop.
- Diaper cream that is cloth diaper safe, such as Grandma Els or Boudreaux’s Butt Paste.
Cloth Diapering FAQs
Still have questions? Here are some answers to help you understand the basics and be successful at cloth diapering.
How Often Do I Need to Change Cloth Diapers?
It’s best to change your baby’s diaper as soon as they soil it or get it wet, but on average, you should be changing your baby’s cloth diaper about every two hours during the day. At night, let your baby sleep and just change them when they wake up.
What Do I Do with the Poop?
If your baby is exclusively breastfed (EBF), there is no reason to rinse off the poop before throwing your diapers in the washing machine, as EBF is water-soluble. Just make sure you do a pre-rinse cycle before the main wash. If your baby is formula-fed or has started on solids, you’ll want to rinse any poop off beforehand by simply plopping it into the toilet, dunking and swishing, or using a cloth diaper sprayer that hooks right up to your toilet.
How Do I Wash My Cloth Diapers?
How you wash your cloth diapers will depend on what type of washing machine you have, if you have hard or soft water, and if you’re using plant-based or synthetic detergent. You may have to do a little experimenting first to find out what works for you, but here are three basic steps of all wash routines:
- Dry the diapers on a line or in a machine.
- Run the main wash with detergent on the heavy setting.
- Run a pre-rinse or short cycle so that your main wash isn’t full of soiled water.
Which Laundry Detergent Should I Use?
Surprisingly, many eco-friendly and cloth-diaper-specific detergents do not have enough cleaning power to clean your cloth diapers properly. Some recommended synthetic detergents include Tide Powder, Gain, and Purex, and some eco-friendly options include Seventh Generation Ultra Power Plus, Kirkland Environmentally Friendly, and Ecover. Check out the Fluff Love University detergent index for even more options.
Do I Need to Prep My New Diapers?
How you prep your diaper will depend on what fabrics they consist of. While most diapers require only one or two washes before use, others (such as organic cotton) require up to five to eight washes before their first use. You can always opt out of some of these extra washes; however, the diaper’s absorbency may not be up to par until then.
My Baby Has a Rash. What Should I Do?
If your baby has a diaper rash, you’ll want to be sure to change them more frequently and give them plenty of diaper-free time. Use a diaper cream that is safe for cloth, and consider adding fleece liners to their diapers to help keep the wetness away from their skin. You may also need to try switching detergents or washing your cloth diapers a few times. If your baby’s rash is a yeast rash, you will need to do a bleach soak on all your diapers.
Why Do My Cloth Diapers Stink?
If your diapers constantly stink like ammonia, you might be dealing with some buildup of bacteria or urine residue. You will need to start tweaking your wash routine to get your diapers clean and prevent the smell from returning. If that doesn’t work, you may need to go back to square one by stripping and bleaching your diapers.
Why Are My Cloth Diapers Leaking?
If your cloth diapers are leaking, you may be dealing with a simple fit or absorbency issue, or you could have a pesky repelling issue on your hands. Make sure your baby’s diaper fits snugly around their waist and legs but not so tight that it’s causing compression leaks. If the fit is good, try adjusting the amount and placement of absorbency. If your diapers are leaking but the inserts aren’t soaked, repelling is probably your issue. This is often due to improper care.
What is Stripping and When Do I Need to Do This?
Stripping is the process of removing mineral and oil buildup from your cloth diapers. While it’s a great tool to help rejuvenate your diapers, you should only do it when necessary, as it is not a gentle process. You may need to strip your diapers if they’ve repeatedly been washed in untreated hard water, if they’ve been repelling, or if they’ve been washed with a detergent that contains a fabric softener.
How Can I Travel with Cloth Diapers?
Don’t be afraid to travel with your cloth diapers. All you need is a wet bag or two to store your dirty diapers and wipes until you get home. If you’re going on a long trip, you’ll only want to take your cloth diapers if you have plenty of storage space and access to a laundry facility and cloth-safe detergent. You could even consider using a diaper service while you’re away.
Are Cloth Diapers Worth the Trouble?
Whether cloth diapers are worth the trouble really depends on your lifestyle, values, and personal preference.
They require more initial investment and frequent washing, but they can be more cost-effective in the long run and are often considered more environmentally friendly than disposable diapers.
What Percentage of Moms Use Cloth Diapers?
As of my knowledge, cut-off in September 2021, there are no exact statistics on the percentage of moms using cloth diapers globally, as this can vary greatly by region and demographics.
But the state of the world, paired with the push to be more green, has created a rise in cloth diapers again.
Is Bamboo or Cotton Better In Cloth Diapers?
Both materials have their merits. Cotton is durable and easy to care for, while bamboo is extremely soft and more absorbent than cotton.
Bamboo also has natural antimicrobial properties and is gentler on the baby’s skin. But bamboo diapers generally require more care in washing and may not last as long as cotton.
What Is a Major Disadvantage of Using Cloth Diapers?
A major disadvantage of cloth diapers is the time and effort required for cleaning. Unlike disposables, cloth diapers need to be washed and dried, which can be time-consuming.
They also require an upfront investment, which can be more expensive than disposables.
Which Cloth Diaper Brand Is the Best?
The Bottom Line
Our top pick for the best cloth diapers on the market right now are the OsoCozy prefolds. We love these prefolds because we feel they are the best bang for your buck. When money is tight, we liked using these and being able to reuse the covers multiple times. We also found them to be super handy for use as spit rags, burp cloths, and changing pad liners.
We love that these are unbleached and made of 100% pure cotton because it makes them so soft. Our babies were super comfortable in them.
The folding did seem daunting at first, but with a little practice, we quickly became pros. And when our baby “outgrew” the sizes, we would simply tri-fold them and place them in the covers like a diaper liner, and they worked just as well.
But remember, no matter which types or brands you go with, by choosing cloth diapers, you’re doing your best for your baby, the environment, and your wallet.
