The Best Cloth Diapers

Buying Guide for Cloth Diapers

Why buy cloth diapers?

Disposable diapers can be convenient for parents, but they come with environmental and economic costs. On the other hand, cloth diapers can be reused multiple times, reducing waste and saving money in the long run. They also don’t contain the chemicals that disposable diapers do and can be more comfortable for babies due to their breathability. Sure, you’ll have more laundry to do, but you’ll produce less waste and save a lot of money.

What should you look for in cloth diapers? 

• All-in-Ones (AIOs): Convenient all-in-ones include a waterproof cover and an inside cloth liner to absorb fluid comparable to disposable diapers. When changing your child’s diaper, the whole thing will go into the pile to be laundered, and then you’ll grab another.
• Hybrids or All-in-Twos (AI2s): Hybrids, like all-in-ones, have a waterproof shell, but these also have a detachable inner lining. When it’s time to change, you can pull out the soiled lining/insert and replace it with a new one in the same shell. 
• Prefolds and Flats: These are the types most people picture when they think of cloth diapers. They consist of absorbent cloth layers used with a water-resistant diaper cover. They’re simple to clean, quick to dry, and inexpensive. As the names imply, you’ll have to fold flats yourself, but the prefolds are already doubled over.
• Fitted: These diapers contain elastic leg openings and snaps or tabs around the waist. They are comparable to all-in-ones, but they don’t come with a built-in waterproof cover.
• Pockets: These diapers have a waterproof shell and inside pockets where absorbent inserts can be placed. The option to position the insert where your baby needs it most is one of the key advantages of a pocket diaper.

How many cloth diapers will you need?

This will depend on how often you can do laundry, your child’s age, and whether you’ll sometimes use disposable diapers. You may need 20 to 36 cloth diapers for a newborn if you are using cloth full-time, assuming you can wash every two to three days. As your child grows older, you’ll require less.

Our Picks for the Best Cloth Diapers

Pros: If your goal is to ditch the disposables for a durable option, these cloth diapers may be what you’ve been looking for! These pocket cloth diapers include three rows of adjustable snaps, allowing for small, medium, and large sizes in one diaper. These may be able to fit babies from zero to two years old; they’re great if you’re looking for diapers that may last through your baby’s infancy up to potty training. The suede cloth on the inside draws moisture away from the baby’s skin and into the bamboo insert. Parents love the colorful patterns and fit that’s not bulky. This set is also a good value, as it includes six diapers in a variety of prints, six bamboo inserts, and one wet bag.

Cons: As these are pocket diapers, the insert may bunch up in certain areas of the diaper, leaving the other areas with less protection. Also, these have single gussets (the elastic running along the inner lining) instead of double gussets. 

Bottom Line: These pocket cloth diapers are cute, comfortable, and reusable for some time. To reduce leaks, keep an eye out that the diaper is fastened well, the insert is not bunched, and the baby is changed every two to three hours.

 

Pros:  Flats are the most basic form of cloth diaper—the type your grandmother might have used. These soft, 100% cotton flatfold diapers come with 10 in the pack for an excellent value when it’s time to stock up. They can be folded in various ways. Since the design is simple, these can also double as a burp cloth, or there may be some extras leftover that you can use for cleaning.

Cons: These flatfold cloth diapers are pretty thin.

Bottom Line: These classic flat diapers are a good value that can serve various purposes for your newborn. They can also be used for other needs for basic cotton cloth, so it won’t hurt to have an extra supply available. 

 

Pros: These colorful cloth diapers are super absorbent, durable, and can be easily adjusted into different sizes to grow with your baby. Since they are pocket diapers, this set of six diapers comes with 12 three-layer microfiber inserts to pull moisture away from your baby’s skin and ensure comfort. The waterproof polyester outer layer of these reusable printed diapers is made of breathable TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane).

Cons: Parents may have to double-check that these are well-secure around the legs to prevent leaks, especially if the baby’s legs are smaller.

Bottom Line: These are good-quality pocket diapers with vibrant colors at a reasonable price. Ensure the diaper is securely fastened around the legs to prevent leaks.

 

Pros: These pocket diapers come in many colorful designs and are meant to fit babies weighing between 7 and 33 pounds. With the six cloth diapers, you’ll get six microfiber inserts and four bamboo inserts. This is a plus since you’ll be able to test out the different materials to see which you prefer. Because of this and this diaper’s effectiveness against leaks, this brand is recommended as a starter pack for parents new to cloth diapering.

Cons: The diaper may tend to pill and collect lint after multiple washes.

Bottom Line: If you want some of the cutest cloth diaper colors and patterns to choose from, these might be for you. You’ll alternate between microfiber and bamboo inserts to see which ones work best for your baby. Look out for lint buildup and pilling, and remember that pocket diapers require the extra step of stuffing and removing inserts.

 

Pros: This one-size cloth diaper has a super-absorbent core, an adjustable fit, and comes in various fun patterns. The convenient all-in-one style is almost as simple as a disposable diaper, making it an excellent cloth option that daycare providers shouldn’t frown upon. The thick insert remains attached, in contrast with totally separate inserts pocket diapers employ. The adjustable Velcro closures make getting a suitable fit for your baby a breeze. Laundry tabs are included in this design and are used to fold the Velcro back while washing to prevent it from clinging to anything else in the laundry.

Cons: At $20-plus for a single diaper, this buy is a splurge; however, you’re paying for the convenience and quality. Also, getting a great fit may be a bit of a challenge for newborns. It’s recommended that the baby is at least 8 pounds before using these diapers.

Bottom Line: With these cloth diapers, you can keep your baby in comfort and style while enjoying the convenience of an all-in-one. The higher price can be considered an investment in lasting quality.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a cloth diaper spectator who’s thinking about taking the plunge, a new parent deciding on the best starter set, or a veteran looking to add to your supply, these picks offer a variety of features, designs, and types to choose from. You may discover a new favorite that you and your baby will love.