Cloth diapers are making a comeback and they’re better than ever. But “new and improved” also means a lot of options to choose from. And with so many choices to make, the jump to cloth diapers can feel overwhelming. Here are 10 questions to ask yourself in order to simplify the start of your cloth diaper journey.

1. Why do I want to use cloth diapers?

You may already think you know the answer to this, but it is worth asking yourself again so you can be really clear about your answer. Are you cloth diapering to save money? Is your goal to be environmentally conscious? Do you prefer natural products when it comes to something that touches your baby’s skin all day? Your intention will impact many of the choices you make. Just like any other investment, know what is important to you before you start.

2. What type of cloth diapers do I want to use?

There are a few different styles to choose from. I’ve kept the following descriptions as simple as possible. 

Types of Cloth Diapers

 All-In-One (AIO)

Like the name suggests, these diapers are all one piece. That means no messing with inserts. This makes them the simplest diaper to use, but also means longer drying time in the laundry. They also tend to be the most expensive. 

Popular Brands: bumGenius Freetime, bumGenius Elementals, GroVia, Blueberry Simplex

All-In-Two (AI2) /Hybrid

These are one of the top choices for cloth diapers because they are a great balance of convenience and cost effectiveness. They include a waterproof cover and a separate insert that usually snaps in or tucks in. Although AI2 and hybrid diapers are basically the same thing, they are slightly different in that hybrid diapers can be used with disposable inserts. After each use, the diaper cover can be wiped out and reused with a clean insert. Also, using inserts allows for a variety of different choices in budget and absorbency. Make sure to use skin-friendly inserts. (Note: See question 6 for more detailed information regarding inserts v.s. liners.) This style is more economical than pocket or AIO diapers.

Popular Brands: Flip Hybrid, GroVia Hybrid

Pocket 

Pocket diapers are made up of a waterproof outer layer and an inner layer of fabric with an opening (thus creating a “pocket”). An insert is then placed inside the pocket. Because both the diaper liner and the insert are soiled, both the cover and the liner are washed after one use. Use of inserts allows for more customization of absorbency. They are fairly convenient to use and dry faster than all-in-ones. (Note: See question 6 for more detailed information regarding inserts v.s. liners.)

Popular Brands: bumGenius 4.0, FuzziBunz Elite

Traditional Cloth & Cover

Diapers can be either flat, prefold, contoured or fitted. A flat diaper is a large piece of cloth that needs to be folded. A prefold is a rectangular piece of cloth with a thick center, which still required folding. Contour diapers are shaped like an hour glass and usually need to be secured with some kind of fastener. Fitted diapers resemble disposables, except that they require a cover. They’re shaped like an hour glass with elastic around the legs and waist and built in fasteners. These could be considered all-in-two systems when used with a cover. 

Popular Brands: Thirsties Duo Wrap with Duo Hemp Prefold, OsoCozy Unbleached Prefold

Things to Consider When Choosing a Style

All-in-one diapers are convenient for use at a daycare or on-the-go, but they cost more and need longer time to dry. Pocket diapers still run slightly more expensive than other choices, they are fairly convenient and you can dry the inserts, but you also have to spend time re-stuffing the inserts. Hybrid diapers have more customizability and are more cost effective, but care providers may find them a little more intimidating. These might be the most efficient to wash because the covers dry quickly, and the liners can be put in the washing machine and most don’t need to be folded. Traditional cloth can be very cost effective, but may require additional time to fold. Consider what is important to you, whether that be spending less time doing laundry or spending less money when you are choosing your style. 

A final note: These descriptions were intentionally kept as simple as possible. If you are interested in more detailed descriptions, tutorials, or reviews of each type of diaper, YouTube can be a very helpful resource. Also, the following website has a very thorough comparison of brands: http://www.babygearlab.com/Cloth-Diaper-Reviews?n=0&sort_field=#compare

 3. What brand will I choose?

This is another decision you will want to make with your intention from question 1 in mind. Are you cloth diapering to save money? Some brands cost more than others. Are you cloth diapering for baby’s health? Choosing a brand with natural rather than synthetic options will be important. Do you want to go with the top rated brand? Or would you prefer to buy a few different brands and try them out yourself?

Other things to consider: Do you prefer snaps or velcro? (Velcro tends to wear out faster.) Some brands offer both and some don’t. Do you plan to line dry your diapers or do you need the convenience of being able to dry them in the dryer? Each brand is different. For example: FuzziBunz Elite pocket diapers can be run through the dryer on low heat whereas bumGenius 4.0 pocket diaper covers must be line-dried (the inserts can be run through the dryer). 

For a thorough comparison of brands, visit this website: http://www.babygearlab.com/Cloth-Diaper-Reviews?n=0&sort_field=#compare 

4. What size do I need?

Most come in a “one size fits all” style but some don’t so be aware of what you are buying. 

Some systems are designed specifically for newborns. These will only fit your baby for a short time. Others use snaps or other mechanisms to make the diaper customizable as the baby grows. Some diaper styles and brands are bulkier than others, and may not be practical on an infant. It can be helpful to read reviews from other users on the brands of diapers you are considering.

If you’re cloth diapering to save money, you may not want to over-invest in newborn size diapers as your baby may outgrow them before they can pay for themselves. Some families choose disposable diapers to get through the first weeks with baby and then switch to cloth. Other families may use one style for newborns and switch styles as the child grows. Be clear on what your goals for cloth diapering are and make the decision that’s best for your family.

5. How many diapers do I need?

Most sources recommend having at least twelve diapers. How many you will need depends on a variety of things. For example, how often will you do laundry? If you do laundry every day, you will need fewer diapers than if you wash them every 2-3 days. Also, how old is your child? Older children tend to use fewer diapers during the day than newborns. Will you use diapers exclusively or use some disposables? Will you travel with cloth diapers and how will that affect your needs?

If your intention is to be economical, start small. You can always add more diapers. Also, if you are using a hybrid system, you may only need a few covers with a larger number of inserts, since you can reuse the cover. 

6. What other accessories do I need to get started?

Liners – If you’re using hybrids or traditional diapers, you may use a liner to help wick the moisture away from baby’s skin. You may also use a liner to protect diapers when baby poops. It can make cleanup easier to rinse out a liner (or use a flushable liner) than trying to rinse out a whole diaper.

Inserts – Inserts are the part of the diaper that holds the moisture. Microfiber can be used inside pocket diapers but it can’t touch baby’s skin. Other inserts for pocket or cloth diapers include bamboo, hemp, minky, or organic cotton. 

Laundry detergent – It’s important to use laundry detergent that is safe for cloth diapers. Some laundry detergents can leave a residue that builds up on diapers and inhibits absorbency. The best ranked brand I’ve found is Charlie’s Soap, and can be purchased on Amazon.

Diaper pail liner – A reusable pail liner can be thrown in the washing machine with the diapers and makes transporting from the diaper pail to the laundry easy. They can be purchased on Amazon. 

Travel wet bag – If you’ll be using cloth diapers when you’re not at home, it can be helpful to have a bag to put soiled diapers in. Like the pail liner, it can be thrown in the wash with the diapers and makes diapering on the go a breeze. 

Diaper cream – Some diaper creams can ruin the absorbency of cloth diapers by building up on the cloth. It’s important to choose a brand that is safe for use with cloth diapers. Popular brands include Earth Mama Angel Baby Bottom Balm or California Baby, both available on Amazon.

Drying rack – If you don’t have a clothes line available, you’ll want to have a plan for where to hang diapers that need to be line dried. A simple fold-up drying rack can be easy and convenient, and can be found at Walmart.

7. How much money do you want to spend?

When you figure out your budget, it’s important to consider how much you want to invest, and remember to include the additional cost of accessories, not just diapers. It can be easy to get carried away with purchasing diapers and accessories, so know how much you want to spend before you start. If you’re not worried about cost, you may want to try a few different diaper styles and brands and accessories to see what you like best. If you’re trying to be budget-conscious, you may want to do some research ahead of time and know exactly what you want before you buy.

8. What do I need to do before using my diapers?

Read the instructions for each type of diaper. Every brand is different. Most need to be washed in hot water before they can be used. Some inserts need to be washed multiple times to maximize their absorbency.

It’s also a good idea to know how to wash your soiled diapers before you start using them. Most diapers are run through a cold rinse cycle, then washed on a hot cycle in the deepest setting your machine has, then run through an extra rinse. It’s important to familiarize yourself with YOUR diapers, because they are all different.

9. How will I set up the diapering area?

Where will you store clean diapers? They take up slightly more space than disposables, so you will need to have space that is accessible from your changing area to keep them in.

Where will you put dirty diapers? You’ll want to have your lined diaper pail nearby so you can reach it.

10. How will I handle poopy diapers?

If you’re exclusively breastfeeding, you can throw poopy diapers right into the washing machine because breastmilk poop is water soluble. However, as soon as your baby is consuming anything other than breastmilk, you will want to rinse any solids into the toilet. 

There are attachment hoses/sprayers available that can be hooked up to your toilet to spray diapers directly into the toilet. If this isn’t possible for you, you can also purchase flushable diaper liners. They are available through Amazon. 

 

Conclusion

Honestly, I never expected to be a cloth diaper mama. I was curious, dipped my toe in the water, and then cannonballed in. And I’ve never looked back. There are some awesome benefits to using cloth diapers, and with the right preparation it can be a great experience for both babies and families. 

 

So God Made a Mother book by Leslie Means

If you liked this, you'll love our book, SO GOD MADE A MOTHER available now!

Order Now

Check out our new Keepsake Companion Journal that pairs with our So God Made a Mother book!

Order Now
So God Made a Mother's Story Keepsake Journal

Megan Launchbaugh

Megan is a Nebraska native who is still trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up. She spent eight years working in the education field before studying to become a Licensed Massage Therapist. Most recently she has begun exploring stay-at-home-mommyhood while raising her two daughters in a blended family with her amazing husband. She loves taking pictures, ordering books from Amazon, wishing she could play the guitar, and planning what she will go back to school for next. She blogs about authenticity and raising authentic children and, when she isn't cleaning up toys or folding laundry, she can be found writing in her own little corners of the Internet. Keeper of the Snacks: Mommyhood Unedited http://www.keeperofthesnacks.wordpress.com/ Connect with Megan: Facebook http://www.facebook.com/keeperofthesnacks Twitter @keeperofsnacks

Our Kids Need Us as Much as We Need Them

In: Kids, Motherhood
Little boy sitting on bench with dog nearby, color photo

During a moment of sadness last week, my lively and joyful toddler voluntarily sat with me on the couch, holding hands and snuggling for a good hour. This brought comfort and happiness to the situation. At that moment, I realized sometimes our kids need us, sometimes we need them, and sometimes we need each other at the same time. Kids need us. From the moment they enter the world, infants express their needs through tiny (or loud) cries. Toddlers need lots of cuddling as their brains try to comprehend black, white, and all the colors of the expanding world around...

Keep Reading

Your Kids Don’t Need More Things, They Need More You

In: Faith, Kids, Motherhood
Mother and young girl smiling together at home

He reached for my hand and then looked up. His sweet smile and lingering gaze flooded my weary heart with much-needed peace. “Thank you for taking me to the library, Mommy! It’s like we’re on a date! I like it when it’s just the two of us.” We entered the library, hand in hand, and headed toward the LEGO table. As I began gathering books nearby, I was surprised to feel my son’s arms around me. He gave me a quick squeeze and a kiss with an “I love you, Mommy” before returning to his LEGO—three separate times. My typically...

Keep Reading

This Time In the Passenger Seat is Precious

In: Kids, Motherhood, Teen
Teen driver with parent in passenger seat

When you’re parenting preteens and teens, it sometimes feels like you are an unpaid Uber driver. It can be a thankless job. During busy seasons, I spend 80 percent of my evenings driving, parking, dropping off, picking up, sitting in traffic, running errands, waiting in drive-thru lines. I say things like buckle your seat belt, turn that music down a little bit, take your trash inside, stop yelling—we are in the car, keep your hands to yourself, don’t make me turn this car around, get your feet off the back of the seat, this car is not a trash can,...

Keep Reading

So God Made My Daughter a Wrestler

In: Kids, Motherhood
Young female wrestler wearing mouth guard and wrestling singlet

God made my girl a wrestler. Gosh, those are words I would never have thought I would say or be so insanely proud to share with you. But I am. I know with 100 percent certainty and overwhelming pride that God made my girl a wrestler. But it’s been a journey. Probably one that started in the spring of 2010 when I was pregnant with my first baby and having the 20-week anatomy ultrasound. I remember hearing the word “girl” and squealing. I was over the moon excited—all I could think about were hair bows and cute outfits. And so...

Keep Reading

A Big Family Can Mean Big Feelings

In: Faith, Kids, Motherhood
Family with many kids holding hands on beach

I’m a mother of six. Some are biological, and some are adopted. I homeschool most of them. I’m a “trauma momma” with my own mental health struggles. My husband and I together are raising children who have their own mental illnesses and special needs. Not all of them, but many of them. I battle thoughts of anxiety and OCD daily. I exercise, eat decently, take meds and supplements, yet I still have to go to battle. The new year has started slow and steady. Our younger kids who are going to public school are doing great in their classes and...

Keep Reading

You May Be a Big Brother, but You’ll Always Be My Baby

In: Kids, Motherhood
Mother with young son, color photo

It seems like yesterday we were bringing you home from the hospital. Back then, we were new parents, clueless but full of love—a love that words can hardly explain. I can vividly recall holding you in my arms, rocking you in the cutest nursery, and singing sweet lullabies, just like yesterday. I can picture those times when you were teeny-tiny, doing tummy time, and how proud I was of you for lifting your head. And oh, the happiness on your face when “Baby Shark” played over and over—that song always made you smile! We made sure to capture your growth...

Keep Reading

“It Looks and Tastes Like Candy.” Mom Shares Warning about THC Gummies All Parents Need to Hear

In: Kids, Living, Teen
Hand holding bottle of THC gummies

What Aimee Larsen first thought was a stomach bug turned out to be something much more terrifying for her young son. Her 9-year-old woke up one day last week seeming “lethargic, barely able to stand or speak,” his mom shared in a Facebook post. At first, she assumed he had a virus, but something about his behavior just didn’t seem right. She called an ambulance and asked her older sons if their brother might have gotten into something, like cough syrup or another over-the-counter medicine. Their answer? “Yeah, THC gummies.” THC gummies are an edible form of cannabis that contain...

Keep Reading

My Child with Special Needs Made His Own Way in His Own Time

In: Kids, Motherhood
Mother holding child's hand walking across street

I want to tell you the story of a little boy who came to live with me when he was three years old. Some of you may find this story familiar in your own life. Your little boy or girl may have grown inside you and shares your DNA or maybe they came into your life much older than three. This little boy, this special child, my precious gift has special needs. Just five short years ago, he was a bit mean and angry, he said few understandable words, and there was a lot about this world he didn’t understand. Unless...

Keep Reading

Dear Daughter as You Grow into Yourself

In: Kids, Motherhood, Tween
Girl in hat and dress-up clothes, color photo

My daughter, I watched you stand in front of the mirror, turning your body left and right. Your skirt was too big and your top on backward. Your bright blue eyeshadow reached your eyebrows and bold red blush went up to your ears. You didn’t care. I watched you marvel at your body, feeling completely at ease in your skin. You turned and admired yourself with pride. You don’t see imperfections. You don’t see things you are lacking. You see goodness. You see strength. RELATED: Daughter, When You Look in the Mirror, This is What I Hope You See I’m...

Keep Reading

Organized Sports Aren’t Everything

In: Kids, Motherhood
Young girl with Alpaca, color photo

Today I watched my little girl walk an alpaca. His name is Captain. Captain is her favorite. He’s my favorite too. I met his owner on Instagram of all places. She thought I was in college; I thought she was a middle-aged woman. Turns out, she is in high school, and I am a middle-aged woman. This random meeting led to a blessing. We call it “llama lessons.” We take llama lessons every other week. It’s an hour away on the cutest hobby farm. Our “teacher” is Flora, who boards her llamas at the alpaca farm. She wants to teach...

Keep Reading