How Many Cloth Diapers Do I Need?
Just starting out with cloth diapers?
How many cloth diapers do I need? What else do I need? How do I choose
the right diapers for my family? Don't worry if you feel a little
overwhelmed at first. Cloth diapering is much easier than it looks, but
with so many choices available it can feel overwhelming at first.
While cloth diapers are an investment, it is important to realize
that most experienced cloth diaperers started out trying several
different styles. One person will swear that pocket diapers are the
only way to go while another person says that fitted and wool covers
are the only logical choice. Realizing that trying different choices in
cloth diapering is part of the journey takes much of the stress out of
selecting diapers.
Keep in mind that this is supposed to be fun! Most people end up
with one system they really like and a lot of other odds and ends in
their stash. Even if you decide that simple prefolds are the way to go,
you'll soon find yourself adding a cute fitted diaper, then an all in
one, then a new kind of cover to your stash.
The good news is that used cloth diapers are highly sought after, so
if you end up hating a particular style of diaper you can sell it on a
site such as Diaperswaper.
How many cloth diapers do I need?
The number of diapers you need witll depend on the age of your baby
and how often you choose to do laundry. A newborn will go through more
diapers than a toddler. Most people choose to do laundry about every
other day. If you can afford to buy more diapers you may wish to do
laundry every 3 days. You won't want to let them go much longer than
that or odor will be a problem.
If you can't afford to buy all the diapers you need all at once, you
can start with one day's worth of diapers and then add more each
paycheck until you have the number you need. If money is really tight
you can buy Regular size prefolds for infantsand fold them down to fit.
They will be a bit bulkier, but you'll buy fewer diapers over time. You
may also be able to find good used diapers or make your own to save money.
|
Wash Daily |
Every 2 days |
Every 3 days |
| Up to 6 Mos. |
10-12 |
20-24 |
30-36 |
| 6-12 Mos. |
8-10 |
16-20 |
24-30 |
| 12-24 Mos. |
6-8 |
12-16 |
18-24 |
| Potty Learning |
2-4 |
4-8 |
6-12 |
You will need one diaper cover for about every 3-5 diapers you have.
Covers can be reused a few times by airing them out between changes
unless they are dirty. It is always a good idea to have one more cover
than you think you need. It never fails that when they are all dirty
and you are in a hurry that the one remaining cover gets dirty too!
Wool diaper covers can go several days or even a week or two between washes if they are properly
lanolized when they are washed. PUL diaper covers are easily cleaned and dry
quickly if the need to handwash one arises between loads of laundry.
Pocket diapers and all in one diapers do not need covers. You will need to
have at least 1 insert for each pocket diaper and it is a good idea to have a
few extras for night time doubling.
How do I choose?
Reading diaper reviews and talking to other cloth diaper moms and dads on forums
can help you make an informed decision. Just keep in mind that opinons
on diapers run strong! Everyone has a different idea of what is the
perfect system.
What else do I need?
You can get by with a few basic diaper accessories, or you can go
for the gusto with diaper storage systems, velour wipes, and other
goodies.
Minimum supplies:
* 2 dozen cloth wipes. You can get simple flannel wipes or choose 2
layer velour or terry wipes. You'll find them very useful for little
noses and faces too, so you may choose to buy an additional set in a
different color so you can keep them separate from your diaper wipes.
*A Diaper Pail Liner.
If you use the dry pail system a pail liner will save you hours of
scrubbing a nasty diaper pail. The liner is washable and goes in right
along with your diapers.
*Wet Bags. When you are out and about you will be very grateful for one of these
small waterproof bags.The top securely closes to keep odors in. You can
find them in drawstring, hook and loop, or zipper topped styles.
Smaller bags will hold 3-6 diapers, larger bags will hold about twice
that many.
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