When it comes to cloth diapering, one of the most frequently asked questions is “How many covers do I need?” The number of covers you need depends on several factors, including how often you do laundry, your baby’s age, how heavy of a wetter they are, and more. In this article, we’ll break down how to determine the ideal number of covers for your cloth diaper stash.
The Quick Answer
As a quick general guideline, most parents find they need around 6-12 covers to get started. Here’s a quick overview of how many you may need at different ages:
- Newborn: 6-8 covers
- 6 months: 8-10 covers
- 12 months: 10-12 covers
- 18+ months: 8-10 covers
Of course, every baby and family is different. The number of covers needed can vary quite a bit based on your individual needs. Let’s take a deeper look at the factors to consider.
Factor #1: How Often You Do Laundry
One of the biggest factors determining how many covers you need is how often you plan to wash them. Covers typically can be used for multiple changes before needing a wash. Here is a rough estimate of how many covers you may need based on laundry frequency:
- Wash every day: 4-6 covers
- Wash every 2 days: 6-8 covers
- Wash every 3 days: 8-10 covers
- Wash every 4 days: 10-12 covers
Washing covers every 1-2 days is recommended to prevent staining, buildup, and odors. However, some parents only wash diapers every 3-4 days. In that case, you’ll need a higher number of covers in your rotation to avoid running out.
Factor #2: Your Baby’s Age
Your baby’s age will impact how many cloth diaper covers you need. Here’s an overview:
- Newborn: Approximately 6-8 covers. Newborns use fewer covers since they urinate less.
- 6 months: 8-10 covers. As babies start eating solids, their urine output increases, requiring more frequent cover changes.
- 12 months: 10-12 covers. Active toddlers tend to need more covers as they urinate frequently.
- 18+ months: 8-10 covers. Towards the end of potty training, covers may be needed less.
Having more covers in the 6 months to 12 months range helps accommodate frequent cover changes during this high-wetting phase.
Factor #3: Your Baby’s Wetness
Babies can vary a lot in how much and often they pee. Heavy wetters may require cover changes after almost every diaper change. Light wetters may be able to use the same cover for 2-3 diaper changes. Here’s a rough guide based on wetness:
- Heavy wetters: Add 2-3 extra covers
- Average wetters: Base number of covers on age and laundry routine
- Light wetters: May need 2-3 fewer covers
You won’t know how heavy of a wetter your baby is until they arrive. It’s a good idea to have extra covers on hand in the early months in case you end up with a heavy wetter.
Factor #4: Using Cloth at Night
If you plan to cloth diaper at night, you’ll need to add more covers to your stash. Nighttime diapers get saturated more heavily. Reusing that cover could lead to compression leaks. Here’s how many extra you may need:
- Only cloth diapering during the day: No extra covers needed
- Cloth diapering part-time at night: Add 2 extra covers
- Cloth diapering full-time at night: Add 4-5 extra covers
Having those extras on hand prevents you from running short if night diapers soak through a cover. Some parents also choose to use disposables like chlorine-free pads at night to reduce leaks and the need for extra covers.
Factor #5: Using Cloth When Out and About
Do you plan on using cloth diapers when you leave the house? Using them when out and about requires a bit of extra preparation. Here are some tips that can impact your cover needs:
- Pack an extra cover or two in the diaper bag for changes on the go
- Have a wet/dry bag to store soiled diapers and covers until you get home
- Consider disposables when out if laundry gets backed up
- Change more frequently when using cloth outside the home
Having a few extra covers makes cloth diapering on the go easier. It prevents you from running out before getting back home.
Factor #6: Layering Covers + Wrap
Some parents use both a reusable cover over their cloth diaper, along with a PUL or wool wrap. The wrap provides added leak protection. If you plan to layer:
- Have 2-3 fewer covers since they won’t be directly hit with wetness
- Have a few extra wraps to pair with your reduced cover stash
Layering can allow you to get away with fewer covers. But make sure you have enough wraps available for the added step.
Factor #7: Having Adequate Newborn Covers
Don’t forget to have newborn-sized covers on hand! Typical newborn covers include:
- 6-8 small snap newborn covers (pick 1-2 brands to try)
- A few newborn-sized covers if purchasing sized covers
You’ll go through fewer covers in the newborn phase, but having the properly sized covers prevents leaks. Pick a couple newborn cover options to find your favorite fit before baby arrives.
Factor #8: Different Seasons and Climates
Your location and the weather can make a difference in how many covers you need. Here are some things to consider:
- Hot climates require more frequent cover changes as diapers saturate quickly
- Choose lighter, breathable summer covers to manage sweat and heat rash
- Babies may need less frequent changes in cooler weather or with clothing layering
- Covers take longer to dry in humid, rainy weather
Evaluate your climate and the seasons when deciding how many covers to have on hand. Make adjustments as needed for your baby’s comfort.
Factor #9: Your Diapering System
The type of diapers you use under your covers can also impact how many you need. Here are some considerations:
- Pockets: Require more frequent cover changes than flats/prefolds
- All-in-Ones (AIOs): May not need separate covers at all
- Hybrids: Come with their own attached cover to extend use
- Wool: Typically only need 1-2 covers with wool soakers as the main diaper
Take your whole diapering system into account. AIOs and wool soakers may allow you to use fewer covers in your rotation overall.
Factor #10: Multiple Children in Cloth Diapers
Having more than one child in cloth diapers at a time will impact your cover needs. Here are some tips:
- Add 2-3 covers per additional child in diapers
- Stagger sizes between children so you can reuse/hand down covers
- Consider simplifying with AIOs or pockets for older sibling(s)
- Adjust laundry routine to wash covers more frequently
Having a few extra covers per child helps prevent scrambling when laundry gets backed up. Overall, your total needs often go down a bit per child when cloth diapering multiple kids.
Factor #11: Your Budget for Covers
Your budget plays a role too. Covers vary widely in price from $10-30 each. Here are some money-saving tips:
- Start with 6 covers and add more as needed
- Buy cheaper styles like snap closure covers
- Look for used covers in great condition
- Register for covers as baby gifts or splurge on 1-2
- Cover stains with fleece liners rather than replacing
Focus first on having enough absorbent diapers and add covers as budget allows. Prioritize versatility and fit over prints or brand.
Conclusion
Determining how many cloth diaper covers you need depends on several personal factors. In general, most families find they need around 8-12 covers to get started. Adjust up or down from there based on your washing frequency, baby’s wetness and age, climates, diapering system, and other
lifestyle needs. Having enough covers to get through 2-3 days between washes is ideal for preventing leaks, rashes, and laundry fatigue. While covers are an investment upfront, take comfort that they can last through multiple children and retain excellent resale value when cared for.
