Thinking about making the switch?

Your comprehensive guide to cloth diapering.

Explore sustainable, effective systems for diapering your little one →

Curious about cloth diapering but not sure how to jump in? We don’t blame you. The cloth diapering world has come a long way from safety pins and scratchy fabrics. Now, you can find tons of durable options designed to be soft, absorbent, and actually adorable. And the best part is that cloth diapers are a powerful way to reduce household waste and avoid the synthetic chemicals often found in disposables.
Whether you’re all-in on cloth systems or thinking of trying it out for a bit, we’re here to break down the most common questions about cloth diapering.

Is cloth diapering really better for the environment?

Short answer: yes! While cloth diapers require some water and energy for washing, their overall environmental impact is significantly lower than disposables, which can take up to 500 years to break down in landfills. [1] A baby can use around 6,000 disposable diapers by age two, contributing thousands of pounds of waste. [2] By contrast, just 20–30 cloth diapers can last from birth through potty training, and even be reused for future siblings or passed along.

Explore more →

How many diapers do I need to get started?

A good starter stash includes about 24–36 cloth diapers, especially if you're washing every 2–3 days. Newborns go through diapers quickly, so having extras on hand can save you from last-minute laundry stress. As your baby grows, you may find you can get by with fewer. [4]
Pro tip: Pair your cloth diapers with cloth wipes for an even more eco-friendly routine. They’re easy to toss into the same wash and save you from buying disposable wipes over and over.

Explore more →

Do I have to worry about diaper rash?

One of the perks of cloth diapering is that it’s often gentler on baby’s skin — breathable, natural fibers tend to reduce the risk of irritation. That said, all babies can develop diaper rash now and then, especially during illness or teething. Be sure to choose a cloth-safe diaper cream, as zinc oxide and petroleum can build up and repel on cloth fibers. Instead, opt for creams made with ingredients like calendula, beeswax, and coconut oil that protect and soothe without compromising absorbency. [5]

Explore more →

How do I wash cloth diapers the correct way?

Most cloth diapering families follow a simple two-step process: First, pre-wash in cold water to remove solids and prevent stains. Then, start your main wash in warm or hot water with a cloth-safe detergent. Pro tip: Avoid fabric softeners or bleach, which can damage fibers and reduce absorbency. And take heed that modern washing machines are made to do the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to spend hours disinfecting and scrubbing. [6]

The Bottom Line

Cloth diapering doesn’t have to be intimidating

With the right stash of diapers, wipes, and gentle cream, you’ll have everything you need to keep your baby comfortable. And just know: Whether you go all-in from the jump or just use them occasionally, every single cloth diaper you use makes a really big difference for the health of the planet. Go you!

Sources

  1. Environmental Protection Agency. “Landfills: How Long Does Trash Last?” https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling
  2. National Institutes of Health. “Environmental Impact of Disposable Diapers.” https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/personal-care/index.cfm
  3. U.S. Department of Energy. “Laundry Tips to Save Energy.” https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/laundry
  4. Real Diaper Association. “Cloth Diaper Basics.” https://realdiapers.org/cloth-diaper-basics
  5. Environmental Working Group. “Guide to Safer Diaper Creams.” https://www.ewg.org/consumer-guides/safer-diaper-creams
  6. American Academy of Pediatrics. “How to Wash Cloth Diapers.” https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/diapers