Have you heard about the benefits of cloth diapering and want to get started right away? That’s great news because you’ll save a lot of money over the years and you’ll be investing in a collection of diapers that aren’t just more comfortable and healthy (and cute), but an investment into the future. You can use for your next baby, or resell later on.
Now, there are just a few basic questions you need to answer before buying your baby’s first reusable diapers. So before you pull out your wallet, use these tips to help make a good decision.
What Features Are Important to Me?
Convenience: If your baby or toddler will be with a caregiver most of the day, or you just want something super simple, it’s best to choose a style like the All-in-One Cloth Diaper for convenience and user-friendliness. People often say they’re a lot like the cloth version of a disposable because the absorbency is all sewn in and you just pop the diaper on your baby. That’s all there is to it!
Because they make diapering SO much easier, All-in-One (AIO) diapers do cost more than others. But the good news is you can find them at GREAT prices and get free shipping to boot – be sure to check my shopping lists at the end of this post.
Best for a Budget: Prefolds or flats inside of a waterproof cover are cheap and easy to wash 2-part system. The foldable diapers start at just $1.50 or so each, and you can get started with a dozen of them plus a few good waterproof covers.
Something Versatile: The “All-in-Two” system of diapers is a newer invention; it’s sort of in between an All in One and the cover/prefold combo. The All-in-Two diaper does use a cover, but you snap in pads instead of having to fold up a flat or prefold. It’s quicker, but still very customizable in terms of size and absorbency. If you have a tiny baby, buy tiny pads; if you’re diapering a toddler, choose the extra large, extra long pads. My two favorite All-in-Two (AI2) systems are Best Bottom and Lalabye Baby (both sold at Nicki’s Diapers).
Special Sizing Options: What if you’re diapering a tiny newborn or an older toddler? Sometimes the typical “one size” diaper, which adjusts from 8 to 35 pounds, just isn’t going to work. Or maybe you’re looking for re-usable trainers?
I highly suggest at least a small newborn collection of diapers! If your baby potty trains late or is big/tall for his age, you might need some toddler size (XL) diapers at the other end. Nicki’s has a lot of options for toddlers, with brands such as Imagine and Best Bottom and GroVia.
Wink Diapers also has really cute training pants that snap at the sides; use my coupon code (below) to get 20% off your purchase!
Fabric Options: Cotton is the cheapest and easiest to clean. Hemp is the most dense and absorbent but takes a long time to dry. Bamboo is sort of in between the two and is also extremely soft and silky. Some cloth diapering brands will combine fabrics to get the best of both worlds; they might offer prefolds that are a cotton/bamboo blend, meaning they are absorbent but not too dense.
Some babies are very sensitive to certain fabrics; others have no problems. If you find that your baby reacts to synthetics (like microfiber or microfleece), then opt for cotton or hemp diapers. Conversely, babies that break into skin rashes if they get too wet might actually benefit from diapers lined with microfleece, which has a stay-dry, wicking effect.
Time will tell you what works best!
What Can I Afford?
Although there are many benefits to using cloth, the majority of families do it to save money, as this survey and this survey illustrate. But you have to make an upfront purchase to get started with cloth (usually $50-$100 or more), so it makes sense that parents want budget-friendly options. Here’s short list of affordable brands we’ve tried and can highly recommend:
Diaper Covers for $8 to $13 Each:
- Nicki’s Diapers brand
- Imagine brand sold at Nicki’s Diapers
- Diaper Rite covers
- Elemental Joy at Cotton Babies
- Econobum at Cotton Babies
- Wink covers (20% off with my code ZEPHYR20)
Flat Diapers and Prefolds starting at $1.58 each:
- Nicki’s Diapers has a huge selection of premium but affordable flat diapers and prefolds in various styles and fabrics, including bamboo and cotton and hemp.
- For standard quality cotton prefolds and flats check out Cotton Babies where they start at just $1.58!
Pocket Diapers for $9 to $16 Each:
- Kawaii pockets, sold at Nicki’s Diapers
- Elemental Joy pockets at Cotton Babies
- Diaper Safari pockets, sold at Nicki’s Diapers
- Nicki’s Diapers brand
- Wink bamboo pockets (20% off with my code ZEPHYR20)
All-in-One Diapers for $10 to $17 Each:
- Nicki’s Diapers brand
- Imagine brand sold at Nicki’s Diapers
- Diaper Rite
More ways to save money:
- Get 10% off at Dearest Diapers using this link
- Get 20% off at Wink Diapers using code ZEPHYR20
- Get free shipping on orders over $10 at Nicki’s Diapers
Extra Perks:
If these things are important to you, consider supporting these companies!
Made in the USA: These diapers are made in America!
Charitable Giving: Nicki’s Diapers gives 1 diaper to a family in need for every Nicki’s brand diaper you purchase. Lil’ Helper’s Baby do Better Program offers a significant discount on diapers to needy families. Lighthouse diapers, sold at Nicki’s and Dearest Diapers, gives 5% of net profits to a local ministry that supports women during and after pregnancy.
Extended Warranty: In this post, you can find a list of the best cloth diaper warranties in the industry.
Happy shopping and please feel free to leave comments/questions below!
I wish I would have done cloth diapers when my kids were still young. I think they are a wonderful idea. I’ll have to share this with others thinking about cloth diapers!
We’ve been using cloth diapers as well since the birth of my first child. It’s definitely helped us financially!