Figuring out exactly how many cloth diapers you need can feel like a math problem you didn’t study for. Buy too few, and you are constantly running the washing machine. Buy too many, and you have wasted money that could have gone toward cute accessories.
The magic number is different for every family, but it doesn’t have to be a guessing game. We have cloth diapered plenty of babies and refined a system to help you build the perfect stash without breaking the bank.
Key Takeaways
- Age dictates frequency: Newborns go through 8-12 changes daily, while toddlers might only need 4-6.
- Laundry math: Multiply your daily usage by the number of days between washes, then add one full day as a buffer.
- System matters: All-in-Ones require a full diaper per change, while cover-based systems only require swapping the absorbent insert.
- Dry time counts: If you air-dry your diapers or live in a humid climate, you will need a larger rotation while the laundry dries.
How Old Is Your Baby?
The biggest factor in your stash size is your baby’s age. Newborns have zero bladder control and digest food rapidly, meaning they need frequent changes. As they grow, their bladder capacity increases, and they soil diapers less often.
Here is a breakdown of the average daily changes you can expect:
- Newborn (0-3 months): 10-12 diapers per day.
- Infant (3-6 months): 8-10 diapers per day.
- Older Baby (6-12 months): 6-8 diapers per day.
- Toddler (18+ months): 4-6 diapers per day.
If you plan to cloth diaper from birth, your stash needs to be significantly larger than if you start when your baby is six months old.
How Often Will You Wash?
Your laundry routine is the second variable in the equation. Be honest with yourself here. If you hate laundry, don’t plan for a stash that requires daily washing.
Most parents find a “sweet spot” washing every two to three days. This frequency prevents ammonia build-up and mildew while giving you a break between loads.
To calculate your number, multiply your baby’s daily usage by the days between washes. Then, add one extra day’s worth of diapers. This buffer ensures you have clean diapers to use while the dirty ones are in the washer and dryer.
Cloth Diaper Math
Which Diaper Style Are You Using?
Not all cloth diapers work the same way. The style you choose dictates how many pieces you actually need to buy.
1. All-in-Ones (AIO) and Pockets
These are “single-use” systems. Once the baby pees or poops, the entire diaper goes into the wet bag.
- The Ratio: 1 change = 1 full diaper.
- The Math: If you need 10 changes a day and wash every 2 days, you need roughly 24 to 30 complete diapers.
With pocket diapers, remember that the absorbent inserts usually come with the diaper, but you might want extra inserts for overnight absorbency.
2. Flats, Prefolds, and Covers
This is a two-part system consisting of an absorbent inner layer (flat, prefold, or fitted) and a waterproof outer cover.
- The Ratio: You change the wet inner cloth but reuse the waterproof cover unless it gets soiled with poop.
- The Math: For a newborn, you will want about 24-36 inner diapers (prefolds/flats) but only 6-8 covers.
This system is generally much cheaper because you are buying fewer of the expensive waterproof components.
Budgeting Tip
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Use
You do not have to be an “all-or-nothing” cloth diaper parent. Many families choose to cloth diaper part-time to save money or reduce waste without the pressure of full-time commitment.
Full-Time Stash
If you plan to use cloth 24/7, aim for a total of 24 to 30 diapers. This is widely considered the “gold standard” stash size. It allows for washing every other day with enough buffer for drying time and emergencies.
Part-Time Stash
If you only plan to use cloth diapers at home during the day (using disposables at night or while out), you can get by with 10 to 15 diapers. This is a great way to test the waters before committing to a full stash.
Planning for the Buffer Zone
Ideally, laundry happens on schedule, and babies pee at predictable intervals. In reality? Life gets messy.
You might get the flu, your washing machine might break, or you might have a rainy week where line-dried diapers take forever to dry. We call this the “Buffer Zone.”
We recommend keeping 3-4 extra diapers beyond your calculated number. It is far less stressful to have a few extra covers in the drawer than to realize you are down to your last clean diaper at 2 a.m.
Day Care Considerations
If your child goes to day care, you need to verify their cloth diaper policy. Some facilities are happy to use cloth diapers, while others require disposables.
If they agree to cloth, they usually require a system that is as easy as a disposable, like All-in-Ones or pre-stuffed Pocket diapers. They will not likely reuse covers or fold prefolds.
You will need to send a full day’s worth of clean diapers every morning (plus a wet bag for the dirties). This means those diapers are effectively “out of rotation” for the day. You may need to increase your total stash by 5-10 diapers to ensure you have enough at home while the day care bag is in transit.
FAQs
Do You Really Save Money Using Cloth Diapers?
Yes, cloth diapers save significant money over time. While the upfront cost of $300 to $800 seems high, disposables can cost over $2,500 per child. The savings multiply if you reuse the stash for a second child.
How Many Diapers Does a Newborn Need per Day?
Newborns are heavy wetters and frequent poopers, typically requiring 10 to 12 diaper changes every 24 hours. You should change them every two hours or immediately after they poop to prevent rash.
How Many Cloth Diapers Is a “Full Stash”?
For most families washing every second or third day, 24 diapers is considered a complete stash. If you use a cover-and-prefold system, this translates to roughly 24 prefolds and 6-8 covers.
Should I Buy Newborn Size or One-Size Diapers?
Most “One-Size” diapers do not fit babies under 10 pounds well. If you want to cloth diaper from birth, it is best to have a specific newborn stash (about 20-24 diapers) or use disposables until your baby fits into one-size diapers.
How Often Do You Replace Cloth Diapers?
High-quality cloth diapers can last through multiple children. However, elastics may relax and waterproofing (PUL) can delaminate over years of hot washing. You may need to replace heavily used covers or inserts after 2-3 years.
So, What’s Your Number?
Building a stash doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Start with the “Rule of 24” if you plan to diaper full-time, and adjust based on your laundry habits and your baby’s age.
Remember, you don’t have to buy everything at once. Many parents start with a small part-time stash to see which style they prefer before committing to a full set.
One final essential? Cloth wipes. If you are already doing the laundry, you might as well toss the wipes in too. We recommend having about 36 to 48 wipes on hand to handle the messy days.
