The Basics of Cloth Diapering

It's Real Diaper Week! People around the world are celebrating cloth diapers starting today and ending on the 21st with The Great Cloth Diaper Change! We'll be posting about different cloth diaper related topics throughout the week to help spread the cloth love.

I thought we'd kick the week off by going back to the basics of cloth diapering. Especially since I almost always hear, "I'm so overwhelmed!" by new cloth diaper users.


Types of Cloth Diapers

Simplex OS AIO

All-in-Ones (AIO)

The outer shell, insert, and inside lining are all sewn together. These are very simple to use and are good for people that might be intimidated by cloth diapers. Some AIOs feature pockets so the user can add extra inserts for more absorbency.

GroVia Hybrid Shell

All-in-Twos (AI2) or Hybrid Diapers

These are basically a cross between an AIO and a Pocket Diaper. Usually an AI2 consists of a waterproof outer shell and an absorbent insert that snaps or lays in the shell. The shell can be reused by snapping or laying in a new insert when the other insert become soiled.

Charlie Banana Pocket Diaper

Pocket Diapers

Pocket Diapers feature a pocket in the back or front of the diaper between the waterproof outer shell and inner lining. This pocket allows the user to stuff the diaper with an absorbent insert. Pocket diapers are so popular because they allow the user to customize the amount of absorbency by adding additional inserts.

EcoPosh Recycled Organic Fitted

Fitted Diapers

These diapers are not waterproof and require a cover. Although, many babies are able to use fitteds for 1-2 hours without leaks. These diapers come in a variety of styles with some featuring snap-in inserts or pockets.

Sweet Pea Prefolds

 Prefolds/Flats

These are the traditional diapers that many people are familiar with. Flats are large square pieces of fabric, usually on layer of birdseye. Prefolds are made of multiple layers of fabric with extra layers sewn in the center. These diapers are the most economical choice and require some type of fastener like a Snappi or diaper pins and a diaper cover.

Blueberry Coveralls

Diaper Covers

Diaper covers are made with a variety of materials.

• PUL diaper covers are made of the same type of material used as the waterproof layer in Pockets, AIOs and Hybrid Diapers.
• Fleece and wool diaper covers provide a breathable cover option that is water resistant.

PUL and Fleece covers can be washed with your regular diaper laundry while Wool covers need to be hand washed and lanolized.


Sized vs One Sized (OS) Cloth Diapers

• Sized diapers usually come in X Small (Newborn), Small, Medium and Large sizes with a few brands also offering X Large or larger sizes. These diapers have less bulk than OS diapers, but you will need to purchase larger sizes as your child grows.
• One Sized (OS) Cloth Diapers usually fit from 10lbs to 35lbs. OS diapers are usually adjusted by snaps on the front of the diaper or by adjustable leg elastics. These diapers are bulkier on smaller babies than sized diapers, but are more economical as you usually do not have to buy larger sizes.

Getting Started
Depending on your baby's age, we recommend at least the following diaper changes per day:

• Up to 8 weeks: 12-14 diapers per day
• 8 weeks - 3 months: 10-12 diapers per day
• 3 months - 6 months: 8-10 diapers per day
• 6 months - 1 year: 6-8 diapers per day
• Over 1 year: 5-7 diapers per day

So, to wash diapers every 2-3 days, you would need at least:

• Up to 8 weeks: 26-40 diapers
• 8 weeks - 3 months: 22-36 diapers
• 3 months - 6 months: 18-30 diapers
• 6 months - 1 year: 15 - 24 diapers
• Over 1 year: 12-21 diapers

If you're using prefolds, flats or fitteds you will also need one cover for every 2-4 diapers.

Accessories you may need:

• Wet bag or pail liner to store your dirty diapers
• Cloth friendly diaper cream
• Diaper Sprayer
• Cloth wipes & wipes solution

Because it can be so overwhelming when making the decision to use cloth diapers, we offer trial packages that allow you to try a variety of diapers and return the ones you don't like. This is a great way to step into cloth diapering without making a big commitment.