Getting Started with Cloth Diapers

What are all these types of diapers?
How do I choose?
What about one-size diapers?
How many do I need?
Can I really save money?

What are all these types of diapers?

My assessment of the cloth diaper marketplace is that there are four main diapering "systems":

Option A, prefolds, is the most economical way to go. And really, every cloth diaperer should have at least some prefold diapers- they provide a foundation to build on, plus they can be used as inserts for pocket diapers, as doublers in any kind of cloth diaper, and as burp cloths. Prefolds are the most durable cloth diapers - as long as you get Diaper Service Quality prefolds, they will last through 8 children plus make good cleaning rags for another 10 years! Also, cloth diaper covers have come a long way from 20-30 years ago, so you no longer have to use pins with your prefold diapers, just fold into a rectangle, lay in the cover, and fasten the cover around baby. Or you can fasten the diaper around your baby with a Snappi and they will work in any type of diaper cover. Using a Snappi will help contain blowouts in newborns.

Option B, pocket diapers, is, in my opinion, the biggest innovation in cloth diapering in the last 20 years. Pocket diapers are responsible for a resurgence in using cloth as the general public discovers them! They consist of an outer layer of waterproof material and an inner layer of microfleece or suedecloth, which keeps baby feeling dry and helps prevent diaper rash. In between those layers you stuff whatever material you wish, to customize the level of absorbency you need. They're so easy to use, and easy to wash! AND they're generally adorable. It is more expensive to use pocket diapers exclusively, so some people use a combination of systems, using prefolds and covers at home, and reserving their pocket diapers for going out, or for daddy, grandparents, babysitters, etc. Keep in mind, though, that even with a complete stash of 24 pocket diapers in three different sizes, you're still spending about half as much as you would in disposables! (see cost comparison below)

Option C, fitted diapers, is a nice compromise between prefolds and pocket diapers. Fitted diapers include elastic and a fastener (either snaps or velcro - no pins or Snappi needed) and do require a separate diaper cover. They are very comfortable for baby, and provide the best protection against leaks and blowouts, if they fit well and include the right amount of absorbency for your child. Fitted diapers also offer the option of using highly breathable diaper covers of fleece or wool.

Option D, all-in-ones, is the most convenient to use, but you have to make sure to find an all-in-one diaper that washes and rinses completely, and has enough absorbency for your child without taking too long to dry. Of all the all-in-one cloth diapers we've tested, we've only found one that fits that criteria - the bumGenius Organic Cotton One-size All-in-one.

How do I choose?

What will work best for you depends on your priorities.

Are you using cloth diapers primarily as a way to save money? Then prefolds and covers are your best bet. Many people have asked if the diapers available at places like Walmart will work just as well. Based on the experience of everyone I know who has tried both, it will be worth your money many times over to get good quality diapers and covers. Yes, Bummis diaper covers cost more than plastic pants. They also last longer and are more comfortable for your child. When looking at prefold diapers at big box stores, the most important thing to watch out for is anything that says "polyester padding" - the biggest farce in the diapering world. It makes your diapers look like diapers, but they absorb, well, like fishnet.

If you want to be kind to the environment and your child, but still want and quick and easy diaper changes, go with Pocket Diapers or All-in-ones. Pocket diapers are a little more complex than a true All-in-one diaper, but many parents opt for pockets because they wash and rinse better and dry faster.

If you don't mind a longer drying time and having two pieces to put on at each diaper change, but you want to absolutely minimize blow outs, then go for fitted diapers and covers.

If you are committed to only using all-natural fabrics, you'll be happiest with fitteds (or prefolds) and wool covers.

How do you choose which brand?  Each brand is shaped slightly differently, just like different brands of clothes.  It may take a little trial and error to find your favorite, so I recommend starting with several brands that look interesting, one or two diapers of each, to see what fits your child best.  Or contact me to talk about your child's age and shape and I can recommend what will most likely work best.

Some people want to choose just one type of diaper to keep things simple.  Some people want to use a little of everything, just to keep diaper changes fun (and because believe it or not, using cloth diapers can become addictive!). Only you know which kind of person you are.  :-)  Although I can also tell you that I first started out wanting just prefolds and covers, all in white.  By the end of my cloth diapering years, I was a "one of everything and as colorful as possible" type!  But I hope this gives you an idea of where you want to start.

So what do I recommend?  What do most people do?

What about one-size diapers?

One-size diapers are a great addition to the marketplace. So, if they're so wonderful, why would anyone use anything else?

The answer involves how many children you want to use the diapers for. Most one-size cloth diapers, used from about 10 lbs through potty training (for most children), are pretty much "used up" or worn out after 2-3 years of constant use on one child. So if you're only planning on one child, or this is likely your last child, then one-size diapers are a perfect choice. If, however, you want to use the same diapers on multiple children, then I recommend getting sized (small, medium, large) diapers. They're simpler to use, and while it costs more upfront to buy the different sizes, you'll come out even in the long run.

Even if you're primarily using sized diapers, it can be helpful to try a few one-size diapers. If you have more than one child in diapers, these can be a lifesaver in the diaper bag, able to be used on whichever child needs extra changes. Or if your child doesn't fit perfectly into any size (for example if your baby is extremely long and lean, or very chubby and shorter) you may find the adjustability of one-size diapers to be just what you need. And some of them, like Blueberry Minky, will be your favorite diapers so you'll be thrilled that they grow with your child!

How many will I need?

How many cloth diapers you need depends on how often you plan to wash diapers. A few people wash every day, most wash every 2 or 3 days. Keep in mind, diapers should not go more than 3 days without washing. The longer soiled diapers sit, the harder it is to wash out odors and stains. Also keep in mind that the more diapers you have, the longer they will last, since they will be washed less often. For example, if 2 dozen diapers will last for 2-3 years of continuous use, then 1 dozen diapers (washed twice as often) could be expected to last 1 to 1 1/2 years. Here are the numbers we recommend, to wash every 2-3 days:

Option A: Prefolds and Covers

Option B: Pocket Diapers

Option C: Fitteds

Can I really save money?

To truly compare costs, take a look at not only what you will spend, but when you will need to spend it. The chart below shows month by month, what you would expect to spend using various types of diapers. These figures do not include accessories, like wipes and a diaper pail, that you would need with either cloth or disposables. You can save even more money by using washable wipes and wet bags. The chart covers 2.5 years in diapers, which is about average or even optimistic. (Cloth-diapered babies statistically potty train up to 1 year earlier than disposable-diapered babies.)

Now that you have an idea about what kind of diapers you want, be sure to thoroughly read our page about washing cloth diapers before you get started.

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