How Many Cloth Diapers Do I Need?

No matter which type of cloth diaper/reusable baby nappies you use, know that babies usually go through 10 to 12 diapers per day; toddlers generally go through six to eight; and kids being potty trained usually only need up to four diapers a day. 

Keeping this in mind, you’ll need two to three dozen diapers or diaper-plus-insert sets for a newborn, according to Shannon Griffith, owner of Green Diaper Babies cloth diaper service in Chicago. (You’ll need fewer as your baby gets older.) If you use a weekly diaper service, you’ll need about 75-80 diapers.

Cloth diapering is easier if you invest in some accessories: a diaper pail for storing the dirties before washing, a waterproof “wet bag” for stashing soiled diapers when you’re on the go, disposable diaper liners, and a diaper sprayer for rinsing solid waste off diapers and into the toilet. Cloth diaper-safe detergent is a must, too: In order to help maintain the diaper’s absorbency, you’ll want to choose a product free from fabric softeners, stain guards, and oils.