How Do I Get Started With Cloth Diapering?

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Are you interested in cloth diapering but have no idea where to start? When you search for how to start cloth diapering are you bombarded with abbreviations like AWJ, AIO,FST and Ai2? Getting started with cloth diapering can be overwhelming and when you pair it with sleepless nights and trying to figure out how to raise this tiny human you just brought home, it can seem impossible!

I have cloth diapered 5 kids off and on for over 13 years and during this time I have learned a lot through trial and error, research, and by talking to other parents who have also spent countless hours researching the ins and outs of cloth diapering. I do not consider myself a cloth diaper expert or a writer; I am just a mom who is passionate about cloth diapering and I hope to help as many families as possible get started on their cloth diapering journey.

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How Many Cloth Diapers Do I Need?

It depends on how old your baby is and how often you want to wash diapers. Most newborns use 10-12 diapers a day. Once your baby is about 6 months old you typically will use anywhere from 6-8 diapers a day. Of course, each baby is different and some will use more than others. 20-24 diapers is a good starting place for an every-other-day wash routine, if your baby is older you may be able to get by with 12-16 diapers.

What Supplies Do I Need to Get Started?

You really do not need a lot of extra stuff to get started. You of course need the diapers and a place to store your dirty diapers. Some people store their dirty diapers in an open laundry basket, I keep mine in a 13 gallon trash can with a lid and these reusable waterproof pail liners. They also make hanging wetbags that zip close, this is a great option if you do not have a lot of space.

What Type of Cloth Diaper Should I Get?

I always encourage parents to try out a variety of different brands and types of diapers before buying a big stash of just one kind. You may find that one brand fits your baby better than others. You might decide that you don’t like pocket diapers and prefer to use preflats instead. The majority of my stash is preflats, but I keep some pocket and all-in-ones around for when she is going to stay with grandparents or a sitter. Let's go over the different types of cloth diapers.

Pocket Diapers

Pocket diapers are one of the most popular choices, they are easy to use, dry quickly, and you can change out your inserts to adjust your absorbency needs. The outer layer is made from PUL (polyurethane laminate), this is what makes the diaper waterproof. On the inside, the diaper is lined with a stay-dry fabric like AWJ (all-wicking Jersey) or microfleece. There is a pocket between the PUL and stay dry fabric, this is where you will stuff your insert. Pocket diapers are great for Daycare because you put them on like you would a disposable diaper.

All-In-One

AIO (all-in-one) diapers are another great option for Daycare and are very easy to use. The difference between a pocket diaper and an AIO is that the absorbent insert is sewn into the diaper. This makes folding diapers easy since you do not have to sit and stuff inserters into your diaper. The downside is that they can take a long time to dry. Some parents do not like AIO because you cannot easily add extra absorbency like you can with pocket diapers. I love the Bells Bumz AIO because they make a booster that snaps into the insert for extra absorbency if needed. You will need to wash your AIO diapers a few times before you use them, the more you wash them the more absorbent they become.

Bells Bumz All-In-One

All-In-Two

Ai2 diapers consist of a waterproof cover made from PUL and an insert that you can snap-in. When the insert is wet you simply toss your dirty insert into your wetbag and snap a new one in place. As long as the cover is not soiled you can reuse it. When I use an ai2 I typically alternate between two covers throughout the day, I just wipe the cover with a wipe and let it dry for the next diaper change. If poop gets on your cover, especially around the legs you will need to put it with your dirty diapers and get a new one. You only need about 4-6 covers and enough inserts to last you until wash day. Bells Bumz has a great ai2 system, what I love about their system is there is a variety of different inserts you can snap into the covers based on your absorbency needs.

Prefolds

This is what most people think about when they hear that you are going to cloth diaper your baby. A prefold is typically a rectangle made from cotton, bamboo, or a blend of hemp and cotton. The middle of the diaper (the wet zone) will consist of more layers, most prefolds will have 8 layers of fabric in the middle and 4 layers of fabric on either side. Prefolds are affordable, durable, and easy to wash. I still use prefolds that I bought for my first baby 13 years ago! They do require some folding and you will need to fasten the prefold with either a snappi or diaper pins. Once your baby is older and is past the runny poop stage you can pad-fold prefolds and place them inside a cover. Prefolds also require a cover, but like the ai2 you can reuse the cover as long as it is not soiled. Prefolds are not one-size, you may need to buy different sizes as your baby grows. You will also need to wash prefolds multiple times before they are prepped and ready to use. Prefolds also work great as inserts for pocket diapers.

Flat Diapers

Flats are large squares of absorbent fabric that require you to fold them into the shape of a diaper. There are lots of different fabric options when it comes to flat diapers, most are made from cotton or bamboo. Flat diapers are very economical, you can even use old receiving blankets as a flat. Flats are easy to wash and quick to dry. They do require a cover and you will need to fasten the diaper with either a snappi or pins. There is a bit of a learning curve since you have to fold them, but I promise it is not as hard as it looks!

Preflats

Preflats are new to the cloth diaper world, they are a combination of prefolds and flats. They are typically made of a couple of layers of absorbent fabric like cotton and/or bamboo. Preflats are more user-friendly, you simply trifold the middle section and wrap the wings around your baby's waist and secure it with pins or a snappi. Preflats do require a cover, I like to let my little one go cover free at home once or twice a day. Preflats are easy to wash, dry quickly, and are very trim. You can easily add extra absorbency by placing an inset or booster in the middle.

Fitted Diapers

Fitted diapers are my favorite option for nighttime, they are usually super absorbent and will keep my little one dry all night. They are shaped like a pocket or AIO but they require a waterproof cover. The entire diaper is made of absorbent material and a lot of fitted diapers come with extra inserts or boosters. Some fitted diapers have snaps or velcro, there are also fitted diapers that require a snappi or pins to fasten them with. Fitteds can be very bulky compared to other options and take a long time to dry.

Contour Diapers

A contour diaper is hourglass-shaped and does not contain elastics. They also do not have snaps or velcro and require a snappi or pins to fasten them. Most contours will come with trifold inserts that you lay in the diaper. They are easy to use and are not as bulky as fitted diapers. Contours do require a waterproof cover and you can easily add extra boosters for more absorbency.

Our online store carries a variety of different brands and types of diapers to help get you started. We also offer convenient variety packs to help make the transition into cloth diapering a little easier for you. Cloth diapering is not that difficult once you get a routine down and find the diapers that work best for you and your baby. If you are still unsure about what to get check out our monthly cloth diaper subscription box. Each month you will receive different types and brands of cloth diapers and accessories. This is a great way to build your stash and try out different diapers. It also makes the perfect baby shower gift! If you are interested click the button below to sign up. Next week we will be diving into how to wash cloth diapers.

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