Cloth Diapers For Newborns: Cost And Benefits

Newborns go through 10-15 diaper changes per day, which means that parents need to have a stash of 24-36 cloth diapers to avoid daily washing. The upfront cost of cloth diapers is around $280 for 24-30 diapers, which is significantly lower than the average of $500 that families spend on disposable diapers in the first year. Cloth diapers are also more environmentally friendly, as they can be reused and passed down to future children.

Cost of newborn cloth diapers vs disposable diapers

Newborns go through 10-12 diaper changes per day, which means they need at least 24 diapers every two days. It is recommended to have 36 diapers to extend the lifespan of each diaper and reduce the number of washes.

Disposable diapers cost anywhere from $0.20 to $0.30 each, which means parents spend around $2 to $3 per day on diapers. This adds up to $870 per year.

Cloth diapers cost around $2 to $21 each. If you plan on buying 25 diapers for each size your child will need, you could spend between $700 and $2,100 on 100 diapers. The upfront cost of cloth diapers and accessories can range from $390 to $1,250.

Cost comparison

A typical family can spend between $2,000 and $3,000 per baby for two years on disposable diapers, while cloth diapers and accessories cost about $800 to $1,000 if you wash them yourself. Cloth diapers require a significant upfront investment of $390 to $1,250, but this is still less than the $870 per year that many parents spend on disposable diapers.

Other considerations

Disposable diapers are more convenient, especially when on the move, as they can be easily tossed into the nearest garbage can. They are also highly absorbent and familiar to most caregivers. However, they can be expensive and contribute to waste in landfills. Cloth diapers, on the other hand, may have a smaller environmental footprint, produce less waste, and be made of softer and more breathable fabric. However, they require more laundry and electricity and water usage, and many daycare centers do not accept them.

How many newborn cloth diapers do you need?

The number of cloth diapers you need for your newborn depends on several factors, including your baby's needs, your laundry habits, and the type of cloth diapers you use. Here are some guidelines and recommendations to help you determine how many cloth diapers you should have for your newborn:

Newborn Diaper Changes

Newborns typically require frequent diaper changes, with an average of 10 to 12 diaper changes per day. Some sources suggest that newborns may need a diaper change as often as every two hours or even more frequently, depending on their age and development. Therefore, it is essential to have a sufficient number of cloth diapers to keep up with these changes.

Recommended Number of Cloth Diapers

Most sources recommend having a minimum of 24 cloth diapers for newborns to ensure you don't run out between laundry days. However, others suggest having 30 to 36 cloth diapers for newborns to provide a comfortable buffer and reduce the need for daily laundry. This number can vary depending on how often you plan to wash your cloth diapers and your baby's specific needs.

Laundry Considerations

The frequency of laundry is an important factor in determining the number of cloth diapers you need. It is generally recommended to wash cloth diapers every two to three days to prevent stains, odours, and excessive wear on the diapers. Therefore, having enough diapers to last through this period is crucial. If you plan to wash every two days, having 24 to 30 diapers is a good starting point.

Types of Cloth Diapers

The type of cloth diapers you use can also impact the recommended number. For example, if you use a one-size diapering system, you may need 40 to 50 diapers to last through your child's diapering years. With a smaller stash, you may need to repair or replace diapers more frequently due to excessive wear. Additionally, some cloth diaper systems require washing only the absorbent part after each use, so you may need fewer covers.

Building a Stash

Building a cloth diaper stash can be costly upfront, but it offers several benefits. Having enough cloth diapers to last between washings and rotating them regularly will reduce the need for daily laundry, extending the lifespan of your diapers. It is essential to consider your baby's needs, your laundry habits, and your budget when building your cloth diaper stash.

In summary, the number of cloth diapers you need for your newborn can vary depending on various factors. A good starting point is to have at least 24 cloth diapers for newborns, but consider increasing this number to 30 to 36 or more if you want to reduce the frequency of laundry or if your newborn has higher diaper change requirements.

How often should you wash newborn cloth diapers?

It is recommended to wash cloth diapers every one to two days. It is best not to wait longer than three days, as this may cause mildew stains and require extra wash cycles. The more often you wash, the fewer diapers you will need in your stash.

How to Wash Cloth Diapers

First, remove any solid waste from the diaper. Breastfed babies' poop is water-soluble, so these diapers can go straight into the diaper pail. Formula-fed babies' diapers will need to be scraped or sprayed to remove solid waste before storing.

Second, place the dirty diapers into a pail or bag until you are ready to wash them. It is recommended to keep the diapers damp until washing, as this will help to remove the waste.

Third, wash the diapers. Start with a cold rinse cycle with no detergent, then run a hot wash cycle with a cloth-friendly detergent, and finish with a final rinse cycle.

Finally, air-dry the diapers. Line drying outside in the sun is the best option, as it sanitizes the diapers and reduces staining. If you cannot dry them outside, you can hang them inside or use a dryer on a low setting.

Newborns go through 10-15 diaper changes per day, so you will need a stash of at least 24-36 diapers to wash every two days. If you want to wash every day, you will need around 16-24 diapers.

Cost of Cloth Diapers

While the initial cost of cloth diapers can be high, they are more cost-effective than disposable diapers in the long run. The average baby uses 2,200 diapers in their first year, costing around $770 for disposable diapers and can liners. In comparison, cloth diapers, even the most costly, have a lifetime cost of under $800.

How long do newborn cloth diapers last?

The duration of newborn diaper usage varies from infant to infant. On average, newborns wear diapers made for their age group for about two to four weeks. However, this timeframe is influenced by factors such as birth weight, growth rate, and individual development. Some babies may outgrow newborn diapers sooner, while others may continue to fit into them for longer.

Newborns typically require 10 to 12 diaper changes per day, which amounts to about 80 to 120 diapers in a two-week period. To ensure you have a sufficient supply, it is recommended to have at least a two-week stock of newborn diapers (approximately 160 to 240 diapers) before your baby arrives.

The transition from newborn diapers to larger sizes may seem intimidating, but it is a natural part of your baby's development. Newborn diapers are usually designed for infants weighing up to 10 pounds (about 4.5 kilograms). As your baby approaches this weight limit, it's a sign that they're almost ready for the next size up.

To make the most of your cloth diapers, consider the following tips:

• Proper cleaning and maintenance are crucial for extending the life of cloth diapers. Develop a consistent washing routine, and use recommended detergents free of additives like fabric softeners and fragrances, which can affect absorbency.
• Avoid excessive heat when washing cloth diapers. Use warm or cold water and opt for line-drying or low-heat dryer settings.
• Choose durable materials for your cloth diapers, such as cotton, bamboo, or hemp. These fabrics tend to withstand the test of time and multiple washes.
• Look for cloth diapers with adjustable sizing. Many modern cloth diapers are designed to grow with your baby, allowing you to use them from infancy through the toddler years, thus maximising their lifespan.
• Rotate your cloth diapers to distribute wear evenly and extend their overall lifespan.
• Customise absorbency by adjusting the number of inserts or doublers based on your baby's age and needs.
• For minor accidents, spot clean and reuse diapers to reduce the frequency of washing, which contributes to wear and tear.

What are the best newborn cloth diapers?

Before we get into the best cloth diapers, it's important to know how many you'll need. Newborns go through 10-15 diaper changes per day, so it's recommended to have a minimum of 24 diapers to wash every other day. However, having 36 diapers will extend their lifespan as they won't need to be washed as frequently.

Best cloth diapers

Now, here are some of the best cloth diapers for newborns:

• Rumparooz Pocket Diaper: This diaper is highly absorbent, with two microfiber soakers that can be used together or separately. It has a double gusset feature to prevent leaks and blowouts, and its sizing is adjustable with four rise adjustments and five waist settings. However, it is a pocket diaper, which requires extra steps for dealing with the inserts, and it may seem excessively bulky.
• Flip with Stay Dry Insert: This is a hybrid system that fits trimmer than other types. It includes a single microfiber insert and a double row of waist snaps for a secure and comfortable fit. It is easy to assemble and has above-average absorbency, but there is nothing to hold the insert in place, so it may move around if the snaps aren't fastened securely.
• Imagine Baby Pocket Snap: This pocket diaper has a four-layer microfiber insert and a soft micro-fleece fabric lining. It has a large pocket opening for easier stuffing and can accommodate more than one insert for heavy wetters or overnight use. It also features a double row of waist snaps to keep the diaper in place and relieve pressure around the tummy. However, it can be bulky, especially for younger infants.
• BumGenius Freetime: This is an all-in-one diaper with two semi-attached inserts that can be layered for double absorbency or adjusted as needed. The inserts have a stay-dry fabric lining to keep the baby comfortable, and there is a pocket for adding extra inserts. However, the entire diaper needs to be washed after each use, and it cannot be machine-dried, which means a longer drying time. Additionally, the diaper only has a single gusset, which can increase the risk of leakage.
• Babygoal Reusable: This diaper set includes six diaper covers, six microfiber inserts, and four bamboo inserts. It offers a suitable fit and has a double row of waist snaps to keep the diaper in place. However, it may not last through multiple babies, and high saturation can be an issue. The pocket is also smaller due to the elastic, requiring more frequent diaper changes.
• Gerber Prefold Birdseye: These are traditional cotton prefold diapers that are paired with a simple cover. They are an inexpensive option often favoured by diaper services. They are simple rectangles of cloth that can be folded to create a triple absorbent layer and secured with pins or a Snappi. However, they may not be as secure for wiggly babies or heavy wetters, and they tend to soak more quickly than other types of cloth diapers.

Frequently asked questions