How many cloth diapers do I need for a newborn isn’t a straightforward question, and the answer isn’t clear either.
How many diapers each family needs depends on their circumstances.
However, a few factors to consider include your baby’s needs, how much you enjoy doing laundry, what type of cloth diapers you use, and how much convenience you need.
How Many Cloth Diapers Do I Need For A Newborn?
If you’re using cloth diapers, you may require two days’ worth of diapers at a minimum, depending on your baby’s age, your laundry habits, and how often you wash them.
There are 32 cloth diapers for newborns and infants, while for older babies and toddlers, there are 22 cloth diapers.
When this isn’t your first child, or you’re already familiar with your baby’s toileting habits, you can quickly calculate the exact amount of cloth diapers you need.
If you want to determine how many cloth diapers you’ll need, you should first figure out how many diapers your child will use in one day.
You can use the number of times your baby soils their diapers if you already know how many times they wet them.
The 24-diaper limit seems reasonable to me during the newborn stage if you wash every other day.
A baby eats twice per hour, and a baby usually urinates around the same time they eat.
Therefore, you need to change the required diaper about 12 times every day.
1. How Many Covers Would You Need Using A Cover System?
If you are using an all-in-one type of diaper, including mesh or fabric linings sewn into the covers, the number you need consists of the whole diaper.
In contrast, if you’re using diaper covers, the number of diapers per day relates only to the absorbent part (prefolds, flats, fitteds, FSTs, etc.).
Each diaper cover should last three to four diaper changes (plus one or two extra for those unexpected accidents).
When using prefolds, you would not need much cover if your toddler is smaller, but you still would need between 6-8 prefolds each day if you are using them.
In addition, you’ll most likely need additional absorbency inserts and a stronger overnight diaper, even if you are new to cloth diapering with a toddler.
But, again, consult your doctor if you’re unsure what you’ll need.
Also see: Best Washing Machine For Cloth Diapers
2. How To Deal With More or Less Wetness?
It may not be necessary to drastically alter your cloth diaper stockpile as you learn how your baby behaves and discover your preferences as you adjust your cloth diaper stockpile to meet your baby’s needs.
Here is an estimate of the optimal number of diapers you should have on hand for YOUR baby based on the following:
- What is your cloth diaper washing schedule
- Newborns, infants, babies, and toddlers used estimates
- The budget you have.
3. How Do Newborn Diapers Work?
Three reasons make newborn diapers unique:
- Baby’s outgrown them just as fast as the newborn stage itself;
- As a result, cloth diapering babies from day one usually requires newborn diapers that are too small for a one-size or even a sized cloth diaper, and
- It is almost impossible to change a newborn’s diaper every 2-3 hours, so you have to have many of them.
- Many new parents are debating whether newborn cloth diapers are worthwhile because of these competing facts. Some cloth diapers use disposable diapers to get started with cloth diapering, while others use newborn diapers right from the start.
It is difficult to predict how long they will last. However, being aware of their lifespan can help you make the right decision.
Summary
Hopefully, you know by now how many cloth diapers do I need for a newborn? Depending on your child’s needs and your laundry habits, start on the minimum end if you’re new to cloth diapers.
Then, once you determine which cloth diaper styles work best for your child and your budget, you can gradually add more to your supply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do cloth diapers differ from disposable diapers?
Diapers made from cloth are loved for being environmentally friendly and gentle on a baby’s skin.
However, you may have diaper rash problems before you realize this, and it is cumbersome to use them.
What is the recommended frequency of changing cloth diapers?
You should wash cloth diapers every two to three days to prevent stink and stains.
However, since cloth diapers do not absorb as much moisture as disposable diapers, you must change them more often since they are less effective at keeping your baby dry.
How can cloth diapers be cleaned of poop?
Parents may use a diaper sprayer (which attaches to the toilet like a mini-shower head) or swish the diaper in the toilet’s bowl.
You can also use tap water as a sprayer. Swish or spray until you remove all the poop.
Iesha is a loving mother of 2 beautiful children. She’s an active parent who enjoys indoor and outdoor adventures with her family. Her mission is to share practical and realistic parenting advice to help the parenting community becoming stronger.