Cloth diapering might seem confusing at first, but it’s much easier than you might imagine. 

In this article, you will have a complete guide for cloth diapering, including how to get started, which types of cloth diapers might work best for your child, the supplies you need, as well as washing instructions.

For years Granola Babies brick and mortar offered the largest selection of cloth diapers in Southern California, plus I cloth diapered each of my four kids.

I’ll be sharing with you everything I know of cloth diapering from personal experience, but also from helping thousands of families get started with cloth diapering.

Benefits of Cloth Diapering

When you choose cloth diapering, you make a great decision for your baby and the planet. 

One of the biggest benefits of cloth diapers is the less waste they create. 

Unlike disposable diapers, cloth ones don’t end up in landfills after just one use. This significant reduction in waste helps lessen the environmental impact of diapering over a couple of years your child needs them.

Another advantage is the cost savings. 

While the initial setup for cloth diapers might seem high, in the long run, you’ll spend far less than you would on disposables. ​

Think of it as an investment that pays off, giving you clean diapers for a long time without constantly buying more.

Health-wise, cloth diapers are kinder to your baby’s skin. They’re made from natural fibers like organic cotton, which is gentle and reduces the risk of diaper rashes. 

Disposable diapers, on the other hand, can contain chemicals that might irritate a baby’s sensitive skin.

Comfort and style are where cloth diapers truly shine. They come in a variety of designs and are made with soft, natural materials that keep your baby comfortable. 

The different types of cloth diapers, from pocket diapers to fitted diapers, mean you can find the best cloth diapers that offer a perfect cloth diaper fit for your baby’s body type. 

Plus, modern cloth diapers have improved with waterproof covers and absorbent inserts that make them as effective as disposables.

Cloth diapering is about personal choice. Your personal preferences guide your journey, letting you choose the type of cloth diaper that works best for you and your baby. 

Whether you’re looking for the ease of use of pocket-style diapers or the customization of a prefold diaper and cover system, there’s something for everyone. 

This beginner’s guide to diapering shows how you can start making the best decisions for your family, blending comfort, style, and responsibility into one.

When to Start Cloth Diapering

From Birth

Deciding when to start using cloth diapers can feel overwhelming for new parents. However, cloth diapering from birth is a good option if you can.

Cloth diapering a newborn might seem daunting, but it’s entirely doable with a bit of preparation. 

Newborn cloth diapers are designed to fit the tiny bodies of new babies, offering a snug fit around their legs and waist to prevent leaks. 

These diapers are made with natural materials that are soft against your baby’s skin, reducing the chance of diaper rashes. 

Using cloth diapers from the early days allows your family to adjust to cloth diapering routines right away, creating a habit that can last until potty training. 

It also maximizes your cost savings over time, as you’ll avoid the expense of disposable diapers full-time.

Personally, I found that newborn cloth diapering worked best when I used prefolds and covers. It’s a bulkier option, but they fit well and are easy to wash.

Transitioning from Disposables

For families looking to make the switch to cloth diapering after using disposables, it’s never too late to change.

Transitioning to cloth can be smooth with the right approach. 

Start by introducing cloth diapers part-time, perhaps during the day when diaper changes are more frequent and you’re awake to manage them. 

This gradual approach helps both you and your baby get used to the new routine. 

Explore different brands and kinds of cloth diapers to find what works best for your situation. 

Pocket cloth diapers are often seen as the best option for beginners due to their simplicity and similarity in shape to disposables.

Remember, washing cloth diapers isn’t as hard as it might seem. 

Establishing a simple wash routine with your washing machine and a diaper pail can make the process efficient.

Plus, investing in diaper sprayers and wet bags can significantly ease the cleanup of dirty cloth diapers. 

It’s also important to choose the right laundry detergent that’s safe for cloth diapers to maintain their absorbency and lifespan. 

Transitioning can be a positive experience, saving money and reducing waste, while also caring for your baby’s skin.

What are the Different Styles of Cloth Diapers

Prefolds and Flats

Prefolds and flats are the foundation of cloth diapering, going back to the days before disposable diapers. 

These cloth diapers are both economical and versatile, making them a favorite among cloth diaper parents. 

A prefold diaper is a rectangular piece of cloth with a thicker, absorbent center. 

Flats, on the other hand, are single-layer cloth that can be folded in different ways to fit your baby. 

Both require a waterproof diaper cover to prevent leaks.

The beauty of prefolds and flats lies in their simplicity and adaptability. 

They can be easily adjusted for a perfect fit around your baby’s body and offer clean cloth diapers for every diaper change. 

These options are also great for line drying, cutting down on energy use. 

While they may require a bit more effort at diaper changes, their longevity, ability to wash easily, and suitability for different sizes of babies make them a great idea.

Fitted Diapers

Fitted diapers are a step up in convenience from prefolds and flats. 

Designed to fit snugly around the baby’s bum with elastic at the legs and waist, they eliminate the need for folding.

Fitted diapers come with an absorbent insert and require a waterproof cover to keep moisture in. 

They are especially loved for their contoured fit, which minimizes leaks and makes them ideal for nighttime use or for babies who are heavy wetters.

Despite being a bit pricier, their ease of use and the high level of protection they offer make them a popular option among parents. They’re also available in different sizes, ensuring a good fit as your baby grows.

Pocket Diapers

Pocket diapers are celebrated for their customizable absorbency. They feature a waterproof outer layer and a soft inner layer with a pocket for inserting an absorbent insert. 

This design allows parents to adjust the diaper’s absorbency to meet their baby’s needs, making them suitable for both day and night use.

One of the best products in the world of cloth diapers, pocket diapers are easy to use, making them a favorite for those new to cloth diapering. 

The absorbent insert is removed for laundry day, speeding up drying time. 

Pocket diapers are often available as one-size diapers, adjusting to fit your baby as they grow, offering a long way of service from the first year to potty training.

All-in-Ones (AIOs)

All-in-Ones (AIOs) are the most user-friendly cloth diapers today. 

They come with absorbent material sewn into a waterproof cover, meaning there’s no need for extra parts or pieces. 

This all-in-one design makes them as close as you can get to the convenience of a disposable while still enjoying the benefits of cloth.

AIOs are an excellent choice for cloth diapering on the go, in daycare, or for anyone looking for simplicity. 

They’re a good option for those who may be intimidated by more complex cloth diaper systems. However, they can be more expensive and take longer to dry than other types.

Hybrid Diapers

Hybrid diapers offer the ultimate flexibility by combining cloth and disposable elements. 

They consist of a waterproof cover that can hold either cloth inserts or disposable inserts. 

This versatility makes hybrids an attractive option for families who use cloth diapers at home but prefer the convenience of disposables for outings or travel.

Hybrids are a modern solution in the world of cloth diapers, catering to diverse lifestyles and personal preferences. 

They allow parents to enjoy the environmental and cost benefits of cloth while still having the convenience of disposables on rare occasions.

Each style of cloth diaper offers unique benefits, and the right cloth diapers for your family might be a combination of several types. 

Exploring different styles, wash cycles, and cloth diaper accessories can help you find the best fit for your baby’s body type and your lifestyle.

Cloth Diapering a Newborn

For newborns, cloth diaper covers and prefold diapers are among the most popular options. 

These cloth diapers work well because they’re adjustable and can be changed frequently without much hassle.

Prefolds are easy to use with a snug fit around a newborn’s small frame, and covers can be reused if not soiled, which is great for the first use and beyond.

Another great choice is all-in-one (AIO) diapers or one-size cloth diapers, designed to grow with your baby.

Also, a fitted cloth diaper, while short-lived since they are sized diapers, work really well for newborn babies.

These might be a bit bulky on a newborn but are valued for their convenience. 

How Many Diapers Needed

A newborn goes through about 10 to 12 diapers a day, so you should have a cloth diaper stash of at least 24 to 36 diapers to allow for washing every two to three days. 

This number ensures that you always have clean diapers on hand while others are being washed.

Other Supplies Needed

In addition to diapers:

• cloth wipes (around 24-36)
• wet bags for on-the-go changes (I prefer to have 2-3 of these)
• pail liners for your diaper pail at home

These accessories are essential for a smooth cloth diapering experience from the first use. 

Rash creams that are cloth diaper-safe are also important to have on hand to protect your baby’s skin.

Cloth Diapering an Older Baby

As babies grow and start eating solid foods, their diapering needs change. 

Pocket diapers and fitted diapers become more favorable because they offer better absorbency for older babies who wet more. 

These styles, paired with waterproof PUL covers, are effective at containing wet diapers and solid waste.

For babies on the move, one-size cloth diapers that adjust in size can be a perfect fit, accommodating growth from infancy through potty training. 

Wool covers are another excellent option for overnight use, providing breathability and extra leak protection.

As your baby grows, the number of diapers needed daily might decrease slightly, but having a stash of around 20 to 24 diapers is still advisable. 

This allows for a comfortable rotation, ensuring that you’re not washing diapers too frequently and that your diapers last longer.

For an older baby, you may need larger wet bags and pail liners to accommodate the bigger diaper size and increased solid waste. 

Diaper inserts can boost absorbency, especially for nighttime use or heavy wetters. It’s also a good time to assess water hardness and adjust your wash routine accordingly to maintain clean cloth diapers.

As your baby grows, you might find that certain styles and brands work better than others. 

It’s all about adjusting your stash and supplies to meet your baby’s changing needs. 

Cloth diapering, from the newborn stage to toddlerhood, can be a rewarding journey, offering both environmental and financial benefits.

Cloth Diapering a Toddler

For active toddlers, pocket diapers and all-in-one (AIO) diapers are the best options. 

These styles offer durability and ease of use, which are essential as toddlers move and explore. 

Pocket diapers are particularly favored for their customizable absorbency; you can add more diaper inserts as needed for nap time or overnight use. 

One-size cloth diapers that adjust in size are also a great choice, as they can grow with your toddler until potty training.

As toddlers typically need fewer diaper changes throughout the day, you might find the number of diapers required decreases. 

Planning for potty training, you might need around 15-20 cloth diapers on hand. This reduction accounts for the fact that older children don’t wet as often, but when they do, it’s usually more volume, hence the need for diapers with good absorbency.

When cloth diapering a toddler, consider introducing training pants as part of the potty training transition.

These resemble underwear but offer the absorbency of a diaper, perfect for accidents. 

You’ll also need to manage heavier wetting, so having enough absorbent inserts and wool covers for nighttime can help prevent leaks. 

Wet pail systems are a thing of the past, I do no at all recommend doing a wet pail system.

Stick to a dry pail system even for toddler dirty diapers before washing, and use disposable liners especially when dealing with solid waste.

Best Cloth Diapering Washing Routine

Before you use cloth diapers for the first time, it’s crucial to prep them. 

Pre-wash new diapers with cold water, especially those made from natural fibers like organic cotton, to remove natural oils and improve their absorbency. 

You’ll do one prep wash cycle and then your regular wash cycle, so just two total wash cycles with a small amount of laundry detergent. 

I recommend checking the manufacturer’s instructions for specific prep guidance, as different brands and materials might have unique requirements.

The right washing routine is vital for keeping your cloth diapers clean and maintaining their lifespan. 

Use a laundry detergent that’s safe for cloth diapers, free of fabric softeners, and effective in your water hardness level. 

Use hot water for the main wash cycle to thoroughly clean the diapers. 

I recommend an extra cold rinse after washing.

Drying your cloth diapers efficiently can extend their life and ensure they’re ready for the next use. 

Line drying is the best method for cloth diaper covers and pocket diapers, as it’s gentle on the elastic and PUL covers, preventing wear from high heat. 

However, inserts and prefolds made from natural fibers can be tumble-dried on low or medium heat to fluff up the fibers and maintain their absorbency. 

Always check the care labels on your diapers for specific drying instructions.

A solid washing routine not only keeps your cloth diapers in the best condition but also helps prevent diaper rashes by ensuring diapers are thoroughly cleaned and free from irritants. 

By following these basic steps, you’ll ensure your cloth diapering experience is successful, from the toddler years through potty training.

How to Handle Poop with Cloth Diapers

The type of feeding can greatly influence the handling of solid waste in cloth diapers. 

For breastfed newborns, their stools are water-soluble and generally don’t require pre-rinsing before washing.

However, formula-fed babies produce firmer stools that may need to be removed before laundering. 

In both cases, using a diaper liner can simplify the cleanup process, as it catches the solid waste and can be disposed of or washed separately.

Once a baby starts on solid foods, the nature of their waste changes, necessitating different cleaning methods.

Solid waste should be disposed of in the toilet to reduce the risk of bacterial growth and odors in your cloth diaper stash. 

At this stage, many parents find a diaper sprayer attached to the toilet invaluable for rinsing off soiled prefolds and diaper inserts. 

Diaper sprayers offer a hands-free way to rinse diapers directly into the toilet, while the dunk and swish method is a more traditional, albeit messier, technique. 

Cloth diaper liners are a great tool for managing poop. Available in both disposable and reusable options, liners protect the diaper from being directly soiled, making cleanup easier. 

Both methods aim to remove solid waste before placing diapers in a diaper pail or laundry bag.

Cloth Diapering with Disposables

Another form of a hybrid method, combining cloth diaper covers with disposable inserts, offers versatility and convenience, particularly when traveling, during overnight use, or for daycare. 

This approach allows parents to maintain the benefits of cloth diapering while enjoying the convenience of disposables when cloth diapers may not be practical. 

For instance, disposable inserts can be used on trips where laundry facilities are unavailable, providing an easier cleanup method without sacrificing the comfort and fit of cloth diaper covers.

Hybrid diapering provides the flexibility to choose the best diapering method for different situations without fully committing to one type.

It combines the environmental benefits of cloth diapering with the convenience of disposables, especially in settings where cloth diapers might not be feasible. 

Additionally, this method can reduce environmental impact compared to exclusively using disposable diapers, as cloth covers can be reused multiple times with different inserts.

When choosing between disposable inserts and eco-friendly disposables, consider your lifestyle, diapering needs, and environmental priorities. 

Disposable inserts are ideal for parents who prefer the fit and style of cloth diapers but want the convenience of disposables occasionally. 

For those looking to minimize their environmental footprint, eco-friendly disposables offer a guilt-free convenience without the commitment to cloth diapering full-time. 

Regardless of the choice, both options provide a practical solution for parents navigating the complexities of diapering through different stages of their child’s development.

Using Cloth Wipes

Cloth wipes offer numerous advantages over their disposable counterparts, notably in areas of cost, environmental impact, and skin health. 

By opting for reusable wipes, parents can significantly reduce the number of diapers and wipes contributing to landfill waste, making cloth wipes a more eco-friendly choice. 

Economically, they represent a one-time purchase that can be used throughout the first year of a baby’s life and beyond, potentially for a second child, offering considerable savings over time. 

Also, cloth wipes can be gentler on a baby’s bum, especially when wet with just water or a mild, natural solution, thus reducing exposure to the chemicals and fragrances found in many disposable wipes.

Using cloth wipes is straightforward. Before first use, it’s recommended to wash cloth diapers and wipes to increase their absorbency. 

For wetting, parents can either pre-moisten wipes with water or a homemade solution and store them in a sealed container, or use a spray bottle to wet cloth wipes as needed. 

After use, cloth wipes can be stored in a diaper pail or laundry bag alongside soiled prefolds and washed on laundry day, following the same basic steps used for cloth diapers.

For those interested in DIY cloth wipes, choosing the right fabric is key. 

Natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, flannel, or cloth diaper fabric remnants are excellent choices for their softness, absorbency, and durability. 

Making cloth wipes involves cutting the fabric into squares and, if desired, sewing the edges to prevent fraying.

This DIY approach not only allows for customization in terms of size and fabric but also further enhances the cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits of using cloth wipes.

Takeaways for Cloth Diapers for Beginners

Cloth diapering is a manageable and rewarding practice that benefits both your baby and the environment. 

Starting from birth, it allows for substantial cost savings and reduced waste compared to disposables. 

With various styles like prefolds, fitteds, pocket diapers, AIOs, and hybrids, you can find the right fit for your baby’s needs and your lifestyle. 

Proper washing and handling of cloth diapers ensure their longevity and effectiveness. 

Transitioning from disposables is straightforward, and using cloth wipes enhances the eco-friendly aspect of cloth diapering. 

Ultimately, cloth diapering is a personal choice that offers flexibility, comfort, and sustainability.

Continue with: 9 Ways to Help Your Teething Baby Sleep (from a Mom of 4)