How Many Cloth Diapers Will I Need?

As someone who has done extensive research on the topic, I would suggest purchasing a variety of cloth diapers for your babies' changing needs.  As your child grows, the amount of absorbency and number of diapers needed will change.  Here are some suggestions as to the number of diapers you will need to get by.  Keep in mind, the number and cost of the diapers is approximate, every child is different!

                                     Frequency of Laundering

Age                      Everyday                    Every 2 days            Every 3 days

0-6 months          10-12 diapers           20-24 diapers             30-36 

6-12 months        8-10                         16-20                           24-30

12-24 months      6-8                           12-16                           18-24

potty training        2-4                           4-6                               6-8

To save money, the majority of the diapers needed above should be prefolds.  Purchasing 3 AIOs per size: small, medium and large for any outings or when using a babysitter.  Also, it is nice to have a couple pocket diapers on hand for convenience and to stuff for overnight protection- may three of each size.

One diaper cover is recommended per 4-6 diapers if using flats, prefolds, contour or fitted diapers.

If using cloth wipes, 24-36 per child is recommended.

It is wise to purchase a few extra inserts although you can use prefolds for this reason.  6-12 inserts is recommended.  Make sure a couple of those are doublers for overnight protection.

Though it may seem like a big investment, cloth diapers are fewer in number and in price than the disposables you would need to diaper your baby from birth to potty training.  Not only a good choice for the environment, but also for your pocketbook!

Cloth Diaper Terminology

    Considering using cloth diapers for your little one?  There are so many different types of cloth diapers that are available now, how do know which ones are right for you?  

Flats- As basic as it gets.  Flat diapers are just that, a flat rectangle of cotton that needs to be folded, pinned or Snappied.  These diapers require a diaper cover.  They are very economical.

Prefolds- Also rectangular, prefolds have extra layers of fabric in the middle third of the diaper for more absorbency.  The 'ply' or layers of these diapers range from 2x6x2 - 4x8x4 (four layers on both ends, eight in the middle).  Prefolds can be folded, pinned or Snappied.  They also require a diaper cover.  Prefolds are great to use as extra stuffing in pocket diapers.  They are very economical.  There are Chinese and Indian prefolds, both have their pros and cons.  Indian prefolds are natural in color while most Chinese prefolds are white.

Contour- Basically a cotton diaper that looks like a disposable diaper but needs diaper pins or Snappis.

Fitted- Same as a contour diaper but with velcro or snaps to keep closed.

Pocket diapers- These diapers have some of the ease of a disposable diaper.  They feature a waterproof outer layer (PUL)  and microfleece inner layer. There is a pocket on the inside of the diaper where you would stuff an insert which usually comes with the diaper.  These need to be removed while laundering.  It is easy to adjust the absorbency by adding thicker inserts or prefolds to the diaper.  Unstuffed pocket diapers can be used as swim diapers.  Many pocket diapers are one-size.

One size diapers- usually a pocket diaper or AIO with a whole lotta snaps on the outside of the diaper.  By snapping certain snaps, you can adjust the size of the diapers.  These can be a bit bulky on infants but they save a lot of money in the long run!

AIOs or All in One diapers-  JUST like disposables! A cloth diaper, cover and insert all in one.  These are uber convenient but are not meant for everyday use.  The waterproof layer will break down if washed and dried daily.  These are great diapers for outings and for babysitters who don't want to deal with pinning and mess.

Covers- Come in super breathable, leakproof, wool to breathable, machine washable fleece to waterproof  PUL (polyurethane laminate) cloth.  Wool is higher maintenance and more expensive albeit best for the environment, while the other two are more affordable.  

Snappis- a type of diaper fastener made of non-toxic material.  Shaped like a 'T' with grippers on the end.

DSQ- Diaper service quality.  A higher quality prefold that will stand up to repeated washing and drying.

Hope this helps clear up any confusion you may encounter in your searches!