Can you use cloth diapers on a newborn?

Yes, you can use cloth diapers on a newborn. In fact, cloth diapers are a great option for newborns for several reasons.

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Benefits of using cloth diapers on newborns

There are many benefits to using cloth diapers on newborns, including:

Cost savings – Cloth diapers are significantly cheaper than disposable diapers in the long run. You will save thousands of dollars over the course of your baby’s diapering years.

Environmentally friendly – Cloth diapers generate far less waste compared to disposables, which end up in landfills.
Healthier for baby’s skin – Cloth diapers are gentler on a newborn’s delicate skin than disposables, reducing diaper rash.
Adorable styles and prints – Cloth diapers come in tons of cute styles and prints to dress your baby in.

Adjustable sizing – Cloth diapers have adjustable rise and fasteners to get the perfect fit on your growing newborn.
Better for potty training – Cloth helps babies recognize when they are wet, which aids potty training.

Using cloth diapers on a newborn may seem intimidating at first, but with some knowledge on how to choose and use them, they are easy and rewarding.

Choosing cloth diapers for a newborn

There are a few key things to look for when selecting cloth diapers for your newborn:

Newborn size – Many cloth diaper brands offer “newborn” size diapers that are a bit smaller to fit tiny newborns under 10 lbs.
Fastening method – Velcro/aplix fasteners are easiest for the newborn stage. Snaps can work too.

Absorbency – Look for multiple layers of absorbent fabric like cotton, hemp, or bamboo.
Cut and shape – Choose diapers with a contoured, hourglass shape to contain messes on a newborn.
Ease of use – Pick diapers with simple, straightforward designs that are easy to put on a wiggly newborn.

Some top-rated cloth diaper choices for newborns include prefolds, contours, all-in-ones, and all-in-twos. Certain materials like natural fibers and stay-dry liners help keep newborn skin dry.

Prefolds

Prefold cloth diapers are a popular choice for newborns. They are basic rectangular cloths that you fold into the diaper shape and secure with a snappi or pin. You place a water-resistant diaper cover over it. Prefolds come in newborn sizes and multiple layers for absorbency. They are affordable, effective, and easy to launder.

Contours

Contour diapers have an hourglass shape with a cutout for the umbilical cord stump. They fit the newborn body well and contain messes. Contours usually fasten with snaps or Velcro and some are all-in-one diapers. They provide a trim, customizable fit.

All-in-ones (AIOs)

All-in-one (AIO) cloth diapers combine an absorbent inner layer and a waterproof outer layer into one piece. They go on like a disposable and the whole diaper is washed together. AIOs come in newborn sizes with snaps or Velcro closure. They are very user-friendly but take longer to dry than other systems.

All-in-twos (AI2s)

All-in-two (AI2) diapers have a snap-in absorbent insert that detaches from the waterproof cover for washing and drying. The streamlined covers adjust well to fit newborns. AI2s make it easy to increase absorbency as needed and the covers can be wiped clean between changes.

Tips for using cloth diapers on newborns

Here are some helpful tips for using cloth diapers successfully in the newborn stage:

Have around 2-3 dozen diapers to allow for frequent changes.
Consider getting a diaper pail/wet bag to store soiled diapers until washing.
Change diapers frequently, at least every 2-3 hours, to avoid rashes.

Use liners or disposable inserts for the first stools until meconium passes.
Try using paper towels or flushable liners to make clean-up easier.
Use diaper creams/pastes sparingly to avoid buildup in diapers.

Consider hiring a diaper cleaning service for the newborn period.
Invest in multiple diaper covers so you always have a clean one available.
Have an emergency stock of disposables for times when cloth isn’t convenient.

The newborn stage passes quickly. With some practice, using cloth becomes second nature. Adjust your stash and technique until you find a system that works for you and baby.

Laundering cloth diapers for newborns

Washing cloth diapers is an essential part of using them. With newborns, diapers will need washing every 2-3 days. Here are some laundry tips:

Rinse diapers – Rinse off solid waste into the toilet before washing.

Hot wash – Wash diapers in hot water, around 140F to disinfect.
Diaper safe detergent – Use a mild, chlorine-free detergent made for cloth diapers.
Extra rinses – Add a few extra rinse cycles to get rid of detergent residue.

Hang dry or tumble dry on low – Avoid high heat when drying diapers.
Bleach sanitize – Occasionally sanitize with bleach to disinfect.
Spray stains – Use a stain remover spray to pretreat stubborn stains.

Diaper sprayer – Install a diaper sprayer to easily rinse diapers.

With the right wash routine, cloth diapers will come out fresh and clean for each use. It’s helpful to have a diaper pail or wet bag to store them in between washes.

Dealing with newborn poop and cloth diapers

Newborn poop presents some unique challenges when cloth diapering. Here are some tips for handling it:

Use disposable liners – They keep moisture off baby’s skin and are thrown away after a poopy diaper.
Try flushable liners – They let solid waste be flushed away, leaving just a wet liner to toss.
Use a diaper sprayer – Spray solid waste directly into toilet before washing.

Dump solids first – Shake poop off cloth diapers into toilet before rinsing and washing.
Disposables at first – Use disposables temporarily until meconium and sticky early stools pass.
Frequent washing – Wash diapers every 1-2 days to avoid staining and buildup.

Bleach sanitizing – Occasional bleaching kills bacteria and removes stains.
Sunning – Sunning naturally removes stains and disinfects.

With a little adjustment, the icky newborn poop stage with cloth diapers passes quickly. Trying different approaches helps you find a poop routine that works for your baby and family.

Making cloth diapering easier for new parents

Cloth diapering while caring for a newborn can seem overwhelming. Here are tips to make it more manageable:

Get help! – Recruit your partner, family, and friends to share the workload.
Accept messiness – Leaks and blowouts will happen. Go easy on yourself!

Use a diaper service – Let a service handle the washing for you initially.
Mix cloth with disposables – Use cloth part-time along with disposables at first.
Try a diaper laundry pickup/drop off service – Saves time and hassle.

Invest in easy diapers – Splurge on convenient all-in-ones or pockets to use.
Lower your standards – Your house will be messier and that’s ok!
Stock up – Have lots of diapers and covers so you’re never short.

Automate – Consider getting a high efficiency washer to simplify laundry.

Be kind to yourself, accept help, and go easy while adjusting to cloth diapering and a newborn. You’ve got this!

Troubleshooting common newborn cloth diapering issues

Cloth diapering a newborn comes with some potential issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:

Leaking

Check for proper fit – The diaper may be too loose around legs and waist.
Add more absorbency – Try more inserts or layers if diaper is saturated.
Use diaper covers – Covers increase leak protection.

Go up a size – Some leaks happen right before baby grows into the next size.
Boost absorbency at night – Add doublers or change more frequently overnight.

Rashes

Change often – Leaving a wet diaper on too long causes rashes.

Use a stay-dry liner against skin – Wick moisture away from baby’s skin.
Avoid using creams/pastes – These can seal in moisture when cloth diapering.
Loosen diapers – Make sure diaper is not too tight on baby’s skin.

Sanitize diapers – Rinse and wash with hot water, bleach, and extra rinses to disinfect.

Not absorbing enough

Add more inserts – Stack multiple inserts for increased absorbency.
Try hemp or bamboo – Very absorbent natural fibers.

Use microfiber on top – Quickest at absorbing but less overall capacity.
Check diaper fit – Loose legs and waist decrease absorbency.
Size up – Moving up a size often helps increase capacity.

Change more frequently – Newborns urinate often, requiring changes every 2-3 hours.

Make small tweaks and adjustments until you find what works for your newborn’s needs. Every baby is different!

Alternatives to cloth diapering a newborn

While cloth diapering is rewarding, it’s understandable if it seems unrealistic adjusting to a newborn. Some new parent-friendly alternatives include:

Newborn diaper service – A service delivers clean cloth diapers and picks up dirties.
Hybrid diapering – Pairing cloth diaper covers with disposable inserts.
EC – Gentle cue-based potty training from birth.

Delay cloth diapering – Waiting until 1-3 months to start.
Part-time cloth diapering – Using a mix of cloth and disposables.
Disposables – Nothing wrong with using disposables if cloth doesn’t work for your family!

Do what feels manageable and realistic for your situation as a new parent. Any amount of cloth diapering is beneficial.

FAQs about cloth diapering newborns

Are cloth diapers safe for newborns?

Yes, cloth diapers are completely safe for newborns when used properly. Make sure diapers fit well and are changed frequently. Disinfecting regularly and allowing diapers to fully dry helps prevent any risk of bacteria.

When should I start using cloth diapers on my newborn?

Many parents start using cloth any time after the first 2-3 weeks once the umbilical cord stump falls off and meconium poops pass. But it’s fine to begin right away or wait until 1-3 months depending on your readiness.

Do I need newborn sized cloth diapers?

Newborn sizes can be useful but aren’t mandatory. Some one-size diapers cinch down small enough to fit. If diapers seem bulky and loose, newborn sizes can provide a better fit. Most babies outgrow the newborn size by 2-3 months.

How often should I change a newborn’s cloth diaper?

Newborns need very frequent diaper changes, generally every 2-3 hours or more often if they poop or become saturated. Leaving a wet or dirty diaper on too long increases the risk of rashes on their delicate skin.

How many cloth diapers do I need for a newborn?

Plan to have at least 2-3 dozen cloth diapers for a newborn so you can wash them every 2-3 days and always have some ready to go. Having more allows you to go longer between washes.

Conclusion

Cloth diapering a newborn is very doable with the right diapers and techniques. The benefits of cost-savings, environmental-friendliness, and adorable styles outweigh any added work cloth diapering entails. Start slowly, troubleshoot any issues, and work towards your cloth diapering goals at your own pace. With some perseverance and the above tips, you can discover the joys of cloth diapering your precious little one right from the start.