First Time Mom’s Guide to Cloth Diaper Prep
Hey friends 👋
My name is Jenna, I’m 27 weeks pregnant, and SO excited to be starting my third trimester in just a few days!
My husband and I have been (rather impatiently) preparing for the arrival of our daughter this September, since we found out I was pregnant on Christmas Day 2023! So, I’ve been pregnant for literally the entire year so far (it’s currently June if you didn’t want to do the mental math 😂)
I’m getting quite uncomfortable as I reach the end of my second trimester, and truly can’t imagine what 3 more months of this is going to be like!
That said, I’ve had a lot of time to research and prepare over the past 27 weeks, and the topic of diapering has DEFINITELY been on my mind!
So, without further ado…
I’ve known since long before I got pregnant that I didn’t want to use disposable diapers, the idea of spending hundreds of dollars on diapers just to throw them away didn’t sit right with me.
I wasn’t too worried about the planet, though that is one reason to cloth diaper, I was mainly concerned about my wallet and the amount of money I’d literally be THROWING AWAY with disposable diapers!
If you’re curious about the cost comparison of cloth vs disposable diapers, this article by Elizabeth Jon PhD does a great job of breaking it down → Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable Cost Breakdown: What’s Cheaper?
It wasn’t just the cost savings, though, that drew me to cloth diapers. Truly, and perhaps naively, I have a romantic idea of cloth diapering. There’s a level of care and intimacy that comes from preparing and using cloth diapers that you simply don’t get with disposables.
Being able to use, reuse, and pass down cloth diapers as you have more children is an experience you simply can’t have with any other diapering option!
Not to mention, they’re JUST SO STINKING CUTE!
The colors, the patterns, and personalization! Oh, it’s just my favorite!
Cloth Diapering is Hard Work
Now don’t get me wrong, I’m very well aware of the darker, stinkier, side of cloth diapers. I realize there will be days (many days) that cloth diapering will probably be a nuisance.
There will be a learning curve, I’m definitely going to get frustrated and want to give up sometimes. Which is why we’re trying to take a realistic approach and are preparing ourselves to use a combination of cloth and disposables.
We already plan to use disposables while our daughter is in newborn sizes (because I have no interest in purchasing a bunch of newborn sized cloth diapers to only be able to use them for a month), and when we’re traveling cloth diapering doesn’t seem like it would be the best fit.
But, when we’re close to home, living our daily lives, we’re prepared for the bit of extra work that comes with cloth diapering.
Because at the end of the day, your baby isn’t going to care if they’re in a cloth diaper or a disposable diaper, but they are going to care if mom and dad are able to take care of themselves and be present parents.
Whatever approach you take, make sure the very first thing you’re prioritizing, in all parenting decisions, is your mental health.
Where to Start
So, you’ve decided to cloth diaper! What next?
Just one search on Amazon, or Google, will tell you there are a MILLION options when it comes to cloth diapers!
What’s a first-time pregnant mama to do?
Well, I’m a “googler” 😂
I’ll spend hours learning every single little thing I can, about every single option available to me!
If you’re not, today is your lucky day! I’m here to share everything I’ve learned over the past 27 weeks about cloth diapers ❤️
A quick disclaimer: As a first-time pregnant mama myself, I don’t have any firsthand experience with any of these options, so all of my recommendations are purely from what I’ve learned about cloth diapering from other, much more experienced, mama’s!
Disclosure: This blog post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click on them and make a purchase. However, this comes at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I genuinely believe will add value to my readers. Your support helps keep this blog running, and I appreciate your trust in my recommendations. Thank you for your support!
What I’ve Learned
Types of Cloth Diapers
- Covers:
Covers are waterproof layers used over absorbent inserts or prefolds. They are usually made from PUL (polyurethane laminate) or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane).
When using a cover you’ll place your liner, or prefold, into the cover before placing the diaper on your baby.
Covers fit on baby much the same as a disposable would, they’ll have either a velcro or snap closure that you can adjust to fit your baby at whatever size she is.
Here are my favorite cloth diaper covers:
Pros:
- Reusable multiple times before washing
- Affordable and versatile
- Smaller investment because less are needed
Cons:
- Requires additional absorbent layers
- Can be more cumbersome than all-in-one options
2. All-in-Ones (AIOs):
Diapers with an absorbent layer sewn into a waterproof cover, making them similar to disposable diapers in ease of use.
AIO cloth diapers are used essentially exactly the same as a disposable diaper would be, with the exception of washing and reusing them instead of throwing them away.
Because AIO cloth diapers function similarly to disposable diapers, you require a lot more of them between washes than covers (which can be used multiple times between washes).
However, they are much more convenient for parents to use because there isn’t any prep required before use, simply grab and go.
AIOs typically fit on baby the same way a cover would, with adjustable snaps or velcro to fit your child at whatever size she is.
Here’s my favorite AIO cloth diapers:
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Convenient for caregivers
Cons:
- Longer drying time (because all the absorbent layers are built into the diaper)
- More expensive
- Have to purchase more of them (because they’re single use between washes)
3. All-in-Twos (AI2s) or Hybrid Diapers:
Similar to AIOs but the absorbent layer is detachable, allowing for quicker drying times.
I’d describe AI2s as a cross between a cover and an AIO, the inner liner is detachable for washing and drying, and preparing the diapers for use is as simple as snapping the provided liner into place.
The challenge I had finding AI2s was that they’re pretty new to the market so there aren’t a lot of options available, and the options that are available are more about functionality, not aesthetic.
So, if you’re looking for cute designs, you’re going to be hard pressed to find them with AI2s (in my experience).
AI2s typically fit on baby the same way an AIO would, with adjustable snaps or velcro to fit baby and whatever size she is, but they can also be found in multiple sizes, requiring you to purchase more diapers in more sizes as your baby grows.
Here’s my favorite AI2 cloth diapers:
Pros:
- Quicker drying than AIOs
- Can reuse the cover with fresh inserts
- Don’t have to buy as many compared to AIOs
Cons:
- Slightly more complex than AIOs
- Generally more expensive than AIOs
- Less customizable (because you can only use the provided liner)
- Difficult to find and less options available
4. Pocket Diapers:
Diapers with a pocket between a waterproof outer layer and a stay-dry inner layer. Inserts are placed in the pocket for absorbency.
Pocket diapers are similar to AI2s because the liners are removable for washing and drying, with the fit of an AIO diaper (albeit a bit bulkier).
With pocket diapers, you can customize your absorbency by layering different types of inserts within the stay-dry pocket (the more layers, the bulkier the diaper is). They do require quite a bit more prep before and after washing, but with the right prep work they can be just as convenient to use as an AIO.
Similar to the AIOs, these diapers are single use between washes, requiring a higher initial investment because more diapers are needed between washes.
These diapers tend to fit the same way an AIO would, though depending on how you choose to layer them, they could be a bit bulkier. They’re also adjustable with snaps or velcro to fit your baby at any size.
Here are my favorite Pocket Diapers:
Pros:
- Adjustable absorbency
- Quicker drying than AIOs
- Similar convenience to AIOs once prepped
Cons:
- Requires disassembly before washing and assembly after washing
- Can be bulky
- Can be expensive
- Have to purchase more of them
5. Fitted Diapers:
Fully absorbent diapers shaped like disposables but without a waterproof layer, requiring a separate cover.
Similar to AIOs, these diapers offer the convenience of a disposable diaper, but can be washed and reused instead of being thrown away.
Unlike AIOs, they don’t come with a waterproof outer layer so they have to be paired with a cover diaper and can be used as an alternative, or in addition, to inserts. While they do seem to be absorbent, they don’t seem to have a very large capacity so they’re prone to leaking if not paired with a more absorbent layer.
These diapers also seem to be quite a bit more affordable than AIOs or pocket diapers (not including the costs for covers), however, they don’t have a “one size” option so you will have to purchase more in multiple sizes.
These seem like they would be a great option if you’re already leaning toward covers and inserts. They also seem like a great option for swimming or if you’re having trouble with your liners shifting during use.
Here’s my favorite Fitted Diapers:
Pros:
- Convenience of disposables
- Cheaper than AIOs
- Don’t shift while wearing
- Don’t require any prep
Cons:
- Needs a cover
- Can be bulky with additional absorbent layers
- Single use between washes
- Have to purchase multiple sizes
Types of Inserts and Levels of Absorbency
For more a more in-depth comparison of cloth diaper inserts, check out this article by Love and Homemaking
- Cotton Prefolds:
Versatile, multi-layered cloth folded in thirds to fit inside a cover or pocket diaper.
Prefolds can function similarly to fitted cloth diapers; by folding the prefold in thirds, spreading out the back wings, and wrapping them around your baby, you can snap or pin the wings in place for a snug fitted diaper fit.
Prefolds tend to be quite a bit cheaper than fitted cloth diapers, however they do require a bit more effort to achieve the same snug fit.
You can also use prefolds as a liner by simply folding them into thirds (aka a pad fold) and placing them into the diaper.
Here are my favorite prefolds:
Pros:
- Cheaper than fitted cloth diapers
- Can be folded in various ways for different needs.
- Comes in one size that can be adjusted to fit your baby at any size
Cons:
- Can be bulky, especially if layered with another insert for absorbency
- Requires folding
Absorbency Speed: Medium to high
Absorbency Capacity: Medium to high
Safe for Skin: Yes
2. Flats or Flour Sack Towels:
Thin, absorbent cotton towels that can be folded and used as prefolds or liners.
Flour sack towels, generally found in the kitchen aisle next to the washcloths and hand towels, have been used in cloth diapering for ages! They’re extremely affordable (4 for $5 at Target, or 14 for $15 on Amazon), highly absorbent, and can be easily washed and dried for reuse.
Flour sack towels can generally be used on their own for very small babies, but should be paired with another, higher capacity, liner as baby gets older and starts producing more urine.
Because they’re a bit larger, a folded flour sack towel can be a bit bulky in baby’s diaper, especially when paired with another insert for absorbency (like hemp or bamboo).
Here’s my favorite flour sack towels:
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Quick drying
- About as absorbent as prefolds
Cons:
- Should be layered with another insert at night and as baby ages
- Requires more folding than a prefold diaper
Absorbency Speed: Medium to High
Absorbency Capacity: Medium
Safe for Skin: Yes
3. Microfiber Liners:
Made from synthetic fibers, these inserts are very absorbent but must not touch the baby’s skin.
Microfiber inserts are generally what will be included with your cloth diapers when you order a pack online. They’re very quick to absorb so they’re great as a top layer in pocket diapers for the “stay dry” feeling.
They don’t have very high absorption capacity, so they’re prone to compression leaks if not layered with another, higher capacity, insert like hemp or bamboo.
Because of their moisture wicking effect, microfiber inserts are not safe to touch baby’s skin directly, so they’re really best used in pocket diapers.
Here’s my favorite Microfiber Inserts:
Pros:
- Fast absorbing
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Can cause rashes if in direct contact with skin
- Prone to compression leaks
- Has to be layered with another insert
Absorbency Speed: High
Absorbency Capacity: Low
Safe for Skin: No
4. Bamboo Liners:
Made from bamboo fibers, known for softness and absorbency. Bamboo inserts are great for layering and are a great option if you’re looking for a natural fiber option that’s safe against baby’s skin!
They can be a bit pricey though, and since they don’t have the highest absorbency speed, they do have to be layered with another, quicker absorbing, insert like cotton or microfiber.
Here’s my favorite Bamboo Inserts:
Pros:
- Natural fiber
- High absorbency capacity
Cons:
- Longer drying time
- Can be expensive
- Have to be layered with a quick absorbing layer
Absorbency Speed: Medium
Absorbency Capacity: Medium
Safe for Skin: Yes
5. Hemp Liners:
Made from hemp fibers, these inserts are highly absorbent and trim. Hemp inserts are great for layering with “quick absorbers” like cotton or microfiber.
They can be irritating to baby’s skin, and don’t absorb very quickly, so they should always be layered with a “safe for skin” insert on top.
Hemp inserts are great for night time diapers, especially when paired with a microfiber insert, because they allow baby to go longer between changes.
Here are my favorite Hemp Inserts:
Pros:
- Very high absorbency capacity
- Naturally antimicrobial
Cons:
- Low absorbency speed
- Longer drying time
- Has to be paired with a quicker absorber like cotton or microfiber.
- Can be a bit more expensive
Absorbency Speed: Very Low
Absorbency Capacity: Very high
Safe for Skin: No
Common Mistakes with Inserts
- Using microfiber inserts directly against the skin.
- Incorrect layering, leading to leaks.
- Not changing often enough, causing rashes and leaks.
Folding Techniques for Prefolds and Flour Sack Towels
- Pad Fold: Simplest fold, just fold prefold into thirds and place in cover.
- Angel Wing Fold: Fold prefold into thirds, spread out back wings, wrap around baby, secure with a fastener, place cover over top.
For more folding techniques, and picture tutorials, check out this article by Mom Loves Best
Prepping, Washing, Drying, and Stripping
- Prepping Your Diapers:
To prep your brand new cloth diapers, you’re going to want to wash them several times, according to your manufacturer’s instructions, to reach full absorbency.
2. Removing Solid Waste:
Once your cloth diaper is soiled, and before you can place it into the hamper or diaper pail, you first need to remove the solid waste. You can do this by shaking it into the toilet, or using a diaper sprayer and shield.
You can also use a disposable liner to easily remove, and dispose of, solids (make sure you’re not flushing disposable liners or wipes down the toilet, even if they claim to be flushable).
3. Washing:
You should always wash according to your manufacturer’s guidelines, but here’s an easy wash routine if you need it.
- Pre-wash: Short cycle with cold water to remove most of the waste. No detergent.
- Main wash: Heavy-duty cycle with hot water and cloth-diaper-safe detergent.
- Rinse: Extra rinse to ensure all detergent is removed.
Make sure to avoid fabric softeners and bleach as they can irritate your baby’s skin. Also, make sure you aren’t using too much detergent as it can build up in your diapers and inserts and make them less absorbent.
4. Drying:
Air Drying: Best for longevity and sun bleaching
Machine Drying: Use low heat; avoid high heat to prevent damage
Always make sure to check your manufacturer’s guidelines for drying instructions.
5. Stripping:
Purpose: Remove detergent buildup, ammonia, and other residues.
If you notice your diapers and liners have lost some of their absorbency, it could be due to a build up of detergent, or other residues, in your diapers. Stripping your diapers is a great way to get rid of this buildup and increase the life of your cloth diapers.
- Wash your diapers in hot water with a stripping agent (RLR, GroVia Mighty Bubbles)
- Rinse until no bubbles remain
Cost Breakdown
- Initial Investment:
Diaper and insert costs are estimated based on an average washing schedule of twice a week, and assuming baby needs 320 diaper changes in a month.
The best way to lower costs when purchasing cloth diapers is by buying secondhand. I always recommend checking Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp before purchasing anything off Amazon.
When buying secondhand it’s important to pay attention to the wear and tear of the diapers, always check the elastic to ensure it’s still in good condition.
You’re also going to want to strip any diapers you buy secondhand to ensure they don’t have any detergent buildup that would hinder absorbency. If you notice staining on your diapers, sun bleaching is a safe and cost-effective way to make your diapers and inserts look new again.
Your choice of cloth diaper:
- 14 Covers (no inserts): $110
- 40 AIOs: $372
- 18 AI2s: $585
- 40 Pocket Diapers: $420
- 90 Fitted Diapers (3 sizes, no covers): $320
Your choice of inserts if not getting AIOs:
- 40 Prefolds: $104
- 40 Flour Sack Towels: $48
- 40 Microfiber Liners: $72
- 40 Bamboo Liners: $120
- 40 Hemp Liners: $280
2. Ongoing Costs:
Detergent: $10-$20 per month.
Water/Energy: Variable, $5-$20 per month.
3. Overall Savings:
Cloth Diapering: $160-$937 initial investment + $10-$40 per month.
Disposables: $25-$60 per month
If you decide to go with the cheapest options for diapers and inserts, you’ll spend $280–640 on cloth diapers your first year and $120–480/year onward.
If you decide to go with the most expensive options for diapers and inserts, you’ll spend $985-$1,417 your first year and $120–480/year onward.
Compared to $300–720/year for disposable diapers, not accounting for inflation.
For a more in depth cost comparison of cloth vs disposable diapers, this article by Elizabeth Jon PhD does a great job of breaking it down → Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable Cost Breakdown: What’s Cheaper?
Here’s What We Decided On
After many hours of research, reading and listening to countless mom’s share their experience with cloth diapering, looking at the options in front of me, and discussing with my husband, here’s the cloth diapering route we decided to take:
As I mentioned earlier, we decided to use a combination of cloth and disposable diapers. We’ll be using disposables until she’s out of newborn diapers, and from there we’ll probably only use disposables when she’s with a sitter and when we’re traveling.
As for the cloth diapers we chose, we went ahead and invested in 7 diaper covers (we’ll buy another pack if we find we’re going through them too quickly), 6 hemp liners (to layer with at night to prevent leaks), and about 40 flour sack towels.
This brings our initial investment to about $150 ($200 if we end up needing another pack of covers).
I absolutely love the idea of using fitted cloth diapers with covers, but unfortunately it just isn’t in our budget, so unless we run into some extreme challenges with using the flour sack towels, we probably won’t be investing in them.
Is Cloth Diapering Right for You?
Cloth diapering is great! But it’s not for everyone, so I went ahead and put together a few questions to help you determine if cloth diapering is right for you and your family.
Remember, the most important thing your baby needs is YOU! So, make sure you’re prioritizing your mental health as you prepare to bring home your bundle of joy 😊
- Lifestyle and Daily Routine:
How flexible is your daily routine, and can you commit time to washing and preparing cloth diapers?
Are you comfortable with the extra laundry that comes with cloth diapering?
2. Budget Considerations:
What is your initial budget for diapering supplies?
Are you looking for long-term savings over convenience?
3. Environmental Concerns:
How important is reducing your environmental footprint?
Are you motivated by the idea of reducing waste and using sustainable products?
4. Caregiver Involvement:
Will other caregivers (e.g., daycare providers, grandparents) be involved in diaper changes, and are they open to using cloth diapers?
Do you have support from family members or friends who have experience with cloth diapering?
5. Health and Comfort:
Are you concerned about potential skin sensitivities or allergies to disposable diaper materials?
How important is it for you to use natural fibers and avoid chemicals?
6. Practicality and Convenience:
Do you have easy access to a washing machine and dryer?
How do you feel about dealing with solid waste removal?
7. Living Situation:
Do you live in a space where air-drying cloth diapers is feasible?
Is your living situation conducive to storing and managing a larger supply of diapers and accessories?
8. Long-Term Use:
Are you planning to have more children, and would you be interested in using the same cloth diapers for them?
Do you have the storage space to keep cloth diapers between children if needed?
9. Trial and Flexibility:
Are you willing to try different types of cloth diapers to find what works best for you and your baby?
How open are you to combining cloth and disposable diapers based on your needs and circumstances?
10. Personal Preferences:
How do you feel about the aesthetic and design choices available in cloth diapers?
Are you interested in the potential resale value of cloth diapers once your child outgrows them?
Thanks For Your Support!
As a first time mom, I’m figuring all this out as I go, so I created this blog to document my journey into all things motherhood, Montessori, minimalism, and more.
To follow along my journey from this point forward, go ahead and check out my most recent blog posts by clicking here, or by checking out my profile here.
To follow along my journey from the very beginning check out my blog posts from the start! I recommend starting here, or clicking on my profile and scrolling to my very first posts 😊
Or feel free to jump around and read whatever speaks to you. I post 2–3 times a week so there’s PLENTY to binge when you have the time!
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If you’re interested in real, candid, unfiltered stories about navigating motherhood, Montessori, and minimalism, I definitely think you’ll enjoy this blog post next! → Montessori Toys: A Developmental Guide for Babies First Year
If you enjoyed this post about how we’re preparing for our little bundle of joy, I think you’d really enjoy this post! → Preparing For a Montessori Baby
