When should you start using cloth diapers?
One question clients often ask is when to begin using cloth diapers. And, like everything else with babies, there isn’t one right answer. This post will help you decide when is the right time for YOUR family to begin using cloth diapers.
If you buy newborn cloth diapers
The average cloth diaper probably won’t fit your newborn. If you’re interested in using cloth from the beginning, you can have a set of cloth diapers for your newborn. You can begin using these once your baby’s meconium (or first bowel movements) pass. You can buy them in prefolds, fitteds, and all-in-ones; these newborn pockets are loved and hated because they are difficult to stuff.
If you choose to purchase newborn cloth diapers, your stash will need to be much larger because newborns have more diaper changes and will need diaper changes at night. You should plan for about 10 - 15 diaper changes a day and multiply that number by how many days you want to wait to do laundry. (If you want to wash every other day, you’ll need at least 30.) Another option is to use cloth during the day and disposables at night.
if you expect a larger-than-average baby
Most one-size diapers will fit a baby that is 8 - 12 pounds. If you expect that your baby will be born in this weight range, you can begin using one-size cloth diapers immediately. I would definitely suggest having disposables as a backup.
if you have one-size diapers
If you’re skipping newborn cloth diapers, then you can wait until your baby fits into the one-size diapers. This is different for every baby, but it is usually between a month or two.
if you want time to adjust
Understandably, you might want to wait a while before you start. You can get used to regular diaper changes, and once you’re more comfortable, you can add cloth diapers to the mix. Often, my clients wait until their baby is a month or so to begin using cloth.
Overall, there isn’t a perfect time to start using cloth. You can start while your baby is a newborn or wait until your baby is a little older and fits into one-size diapers.
Want to learn more about cloth diapers or non-toxic baby practices? Set up a prenatal meeting with me or check out my VIP intensive, Ready for Baby in a Day.
Hi! I'm Gigi; I'm a postpartum doula, mother to three toddlers, including twins, and a wife to my high school sweetheart. I’m a #swiftie who loves cheesy novels.
As a former teacher, I bring realistic, evidence-based, and actionable advice (and LOTS of handouts.) I help families get the tools they need to prepare, so once baby arrives, they can focus on resting and bonding instead of researching or stressing. I’m here to streamline the newborn learning curve and help birth parents, partners, and other family members. There isn’t ONE way to have and raise a little human. I’m here to guide parents to find THEIR way so that they can thrive in the fourth trimester and beyond.
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