If you are researching cloth diapers for newborn, you are either expecting a little bundle of joy or you are a new mom. Congratulations!! Welcome to parenthood.
New babies have unique diapering needs, whether you use cloth diapers or disposables. They poop all the time and sleep for short stretches. You need to change diapers frequently.
If you have decided you are going to use cloth diapers for newborn you need to know all about cloth diapers, From the total number to the right fit. Cloth nappies are easy to use and economic.
How Many Newborn Cloth Diapers do You Need?
There isn’t a right answer. You have to ascertain what is suitable for you. Consider these factors when deciding.
- What is your baby’s age
- What are your laundry preferences
- What type of cloth diapers you are using
- Diapers for emergencies
- Cloth diapers while traveling and at daycare
Age
The number varies vastly on the age factor. Newborns go through 10-15 diaper changes per day. A newborn will need more than a toddler. When making a stash of cloth diapers for newborn, make sure you have enough diapers for 2-3 days. Size also matters. Buy the right size as “One-size” diapers are misleading as they best fit infants 10+ pounds, so they can be very bulky on newborns.
We recommend a minimum of 36 cloth diapers for newborn.
A tip: Stock up on at least twice as many cloth diapers as you’ll be using per day.
Laundry
How frequently you wash diapers is another factor for determining how many newborn cloth diapers will be required. We suggest washing cloth diapers at least every third day to avoid mildew and mold. This means you should buy diapers enough for 2 days at least. You will not like the idea of doing laundry every day.
A tip: Switch the diapers you use so the same ones aren’t getting worn and washed over and over again. This helps to increase the life of the diaper as frequent washing can rip and shred them.
Diaper Type
What type of diapers and diapering accessories you use is another deciding factor. If you have decided to go for all-in-one cloth diapers for newborn you’ll require a whole new diaper every time you change as the diaper will get dirty. Likewise is for pocket diapers. The pocket diapers comprises of two parts i.e. insert layer and a cover, but poop pass through the inner layer to the permeable outer layer. You’ll have to wash the entire soiled diaper.
On the contrary, if you go for flat runner like cloth diaper, prefolds, or All-in-twos, you’ll change the absorbent insert layer of the diaper. Changing the water proof cover and the diaper fastener will not be required.
A Tip: Prefolds, All-in-two’s and flat cloth diapers are economical.
Diapering Emergencies
There are diaper emergencies are not only limited to disposable diapers. Accidents and mess happens with cloth diapers too. This cannot be ignored. May be your baby is pooping a lot, Maybe you are sick, At times there is no power or pipes freezes or you are going on a vacation. All these needs should be kept in mind while evaluating the right number.
For tackling emergencies you don’t need to multiply the stash. Keeping diapers enough for extra days is a good idea. So that you don’t go running from stores to stores looking for disposable nappies.
A tip: Multiply your required number with 2 to get your right total for emergencies.
Diapers While Traveling or at Daycare
Most mothers are the bread-earning member of the family. Some travels a lot due to various reasons. They have to leave the baby at daycare or hire a babysitter for babysitting at home. If you are the one too, check if the babysitters are Okay with using cloth diapers. If they are fine with using cloth diapers, you’ll need to figure out how many more diapers to buy for your diaper stash.
A tip: Provide the caregiver extra covers, folded cloth runner inserts, fasteners and baby wet wipes for convenience.
So there’s no secret number of cloth diapers for newborn you will need. Sit and calculate keeping in mind all the deciding factors. Fill in the right answers as per your requirement and calculate.
Although it seems a daunting task, it is not.
Here is the simplification for how many newborn cloth diapers you are going to need.
(Daily number of diapers X Number of days between washes) + Cloth diaper type + Extra diapers for emergencies and daycare= Your total.
