How many diaper covers and inserts do I need?

As a parent using cloth diapers, one of the most common questions is “How many diaper covers and inserts do I really need?” The answer depends on a few key factors including your baby’s age, how often you do laundry, and your personal preferences. Having the right amount of diapers and inserts can help make cloth diapering easy and successful.

Quick Answers

Here are some quick answers to common questions about how many covers and inserts you need:

  • For a newborn, you typically need 6-12 covers and 24-36 inserts.
  • As baby gets older, you may need fewer covers (4-8) and more inserts (36-48).
  • Plan to have at least 2-3 days worth of diapers between washes.
  • Buy extra inserts before extra covers since you change inserts more often.
  • Have different insert types and materials for optimal absorbency.

Factors That Determine How Many You Need

There are a few key factors that determine just how many cloth diaper covers and inserts you will need for your baby:

Baby’s Age

How many diaper covers and inserts you need depends largely on your baby’s age and stage of development. Here’s a quick look:

  • Newborn stage: You will need the most diaper covers and inserts at the newborn stage since newborns urinate frequently and have very liquidy poop. You may need as many as 10-12 covers and up to 36 inserts.
  • Older infancy: As baby grows out of the newborn stage, you may need slightly fewer covers, around 6-8, but even more inserts, closer to 48. Babies tend to poop frequently as they start solids.
  • Toddler stage: Toddlers and older babies need fewer inserts per day, but still require 3-5 cover changes. You can get away with as few as 4-5 covers and 36 inserts.
  • Potty training: During potty training, needs can fluctuate a lot! Have at least 3-4 covers on hand and 24-36 inserts.

How Frequently You Do Laundry

The number of cloth diaper covers and inserts you need will also depend on how often you plan to wash them. Here are some guidelines based on laundry frequency:

  • If you wash every other day, have at least 24 inserts and 6 covers.
  • If you wash every 2-3 days, have at least 36 inserts and 8-10 covers.
  • If you wash every 3-4 days, have at least 48 inserts and 10-12 covers.

Washing every 2 days is recommended to prevent stains and odor buildup. But adjust based on your own preferences and lifestyle.

Personal Preferences

Finally, your personal preferences will also determine how many covers and inserts to have on hand:

  • If you like doing laundry frequently, you can get away with fewer diapers.
  • If you strongly dislike doing frequent laundry, invest in more covers and inserts.
  • If you cloth diaper part-time, you may need a smaller stash.
  • Have more on hand if you can’t line dry or don’t own a washer/dryer.

Take your own habits, lifestyle and baby’s needs into account when deciding what diapering system will work best for your family!

Diaper Covers

When it comes to diaper covers specifically, most families find they need:

  • 6-12 covers for newborns: Newborns soil diapers frequently!
  • 8-10 covers for older infants: You can get away with fewer covers as baby gets older.
  • 4-8 covers for toddlers: Toddlers need fewer cover changes per day.

Covers typically can be reused twice before washing, so most parents don’t need huge cover stashes. Focus your budget on buying more inserts instead.

Types of Covers

There are several types of cloth diaper covers to choose from:

  • Pocket diapers: One of the most popular styles, with an outer water-resistant shell and inner absorbent layer that can be stuffed with inserts.
  • All-in-ones (AIOs): Diaper and absorbent insert sewn together, no stuffing required.
  • All-in-twos (AI2s): Also called “hybrids”, feature a cover with snap-in absorbent inserts.
  • Fitteds: Coverless diapers with excellent absorbency and fit.
  • Prefolds: Rectangular cloth diapers that can be folded into a cover.
  • Contoured diapers: Shaped like a disposable for a trim fit.
  • Wool covers: Breathable wool wraps that repel moisture.

Try out a few different cover styles to see what works best for your baby’s shape and your own preferences. Many parents use a mix of covers in their stash.

Inserts

When it comes to inserts, you will need more of these than covers. Plan for:

  • 24-36 inserts for newborns: Newborns require very frequent changing.
  • 36-48 inserts for older infants: You’ll need a good supply of inserts as baby starts solids.
  • 36 inserts for toddlers: Toddlers typically need fewer insert changes per day.

Prioritize buying more inserts over more covers. You can reuse covers, but will need a fresh insert with each change.

Types of Inserts

There are many types of cloth diaper inserts available:

  • Microfiber inserts: Budget-friendly but less absorbent, need frequent changing.
  • Natural fiber inserts: More expensive but super absorbent, made of bamboo, cotton, or hemp.
  • Prefold diapers: Can double as inserts folded into thirds.
  • Flats and flour sack towels: Inexpensive but less convenient option.
  • Charcoal bamboo inserts: Help reduce odors and staining.
  • Doublers: Extra layers boost absorbency for heavy wetters.

Having a mix of insert materials provides the best performance. Look for bamboo, hemp, or cotton inserts to use overnight or for naps.

Nighttime Diapering

Nighttime cloth diapering requires extra inserts for increased absorbency. Here are nighttime diapering tips:

  • Use 2-3 inserts stacked for maximum absorbency.
  • Try hemp, bamboo, prefolds, or fitted diapers for nighttime.
  • Add a doubler or insert a prefold inside a pocket.
  • Avoid microfiber inserts alone at night.
  • Use a wool or polyester cover over the extra inserts.
  • Change just the inserts if baby wakes to feed.

Having 6-10 nighttime diaper setups in your stash helps make overnight cloth diapering low-maintenance.

How Many in Total?

As a quick summary, here are some recommended totals for your full newborn cloth diaper stash:

  • Covers: 6-12
  • Inserts: 24-36
  • Total diapers: 30-48

And for an older infant/toddler stash:

  • Covers: 4-8
  • Inserts: 36-48
  • Total diapers: 40-56

These numbers help provide a full 2-3 days worth of diapers between washes as recommended. Buy extras if you dislike frequent washing, or can get by with less if you don’t mind small loads.

Building Your Stash Over Time

While it’s ideal to have a full stash before baby arrives, you can also build up your supply gradually over the first few months:

  • Start with about two dozen newborn-sized diapers and buy more as needed.
  • Plan to invest more on inserts than covers at first.
  • Add more diapers in larger sizes as baby grows.
  • Try out new styles and brands as you go.
  • Look for used diapers to save money.
  • Ask for diapers for gifts – great baby shower idea!

Building a stash over time helps spread out the cost. Chat with experienced cloth diapering parents for tips on the best way to start.

Smart Strategies for Cloth Diapering Success

Here are some top tips for making your cloth diaper stash work for your lifestyle:

  • Mix nighttime and daytime diapers. Use your most absorbent diapers overnight.
  • Have diapers in multiple sizes. Be ready as baby grows and their needs change.
  • Try different folds with prefolds and flats. Find your favorite way to use them.
  • Use handy storage solutions. Cloth diaper caddies and wet bags keep everything organized.
  • Always have clean inserts ready. Stuff pocket diapers ahead of time.
  • Buy used to save money. Gently used diapers are inexpensive.

With the right amount of diaper covers and inserts, plus some handy tips, cloth diapering your little one can be easy, affordable, and rewarding. Enjoy the journey!

Cloth Diaper FAQs

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cloth diapers:

Do I really need so many diapers?

It may seem like a lot at first, but having at least 2-3 days worth of diapers is recommended so you’re not constantly washing. The total count ranges from as few as 24 diapers for part-time users to 48+ diapers for heavy wetters. Build up your stash slowly over time if needed.

Won’t my baby grow out of them quickly?

Babies do grow fast! But most cloth diapers are sized to fit from 10-35 lbs. Look for adjustable rise settings and purchase some one-size diapers. You can often resell or pass down outgrown diapers too.

Should I buy all one brand?

Not necessarily – feel free to mix and match! Many parents prefer certain diaper covers or inserts over others. Create your dream stash by trying out multiple brands and styles.

How do I clean used diapers?

Wash soiled diapers every 2-3 days. Do a cold rinse cycle first, then wash hot on heavy soil with half the detergent you’d use for full loads. Skip fabric softeners and bleaches. Then dry diapers in the dryer or hang to air dry.

Do cloth diapers leak at night?

Nighttime leaking is common, but using ultra-absorbent inserts, doublers, and a wool cover helps. Change just the insert if baby wakes to feed. Pick nighttime diapers that work well for your heavy wetter.

When should I buy cloth diapers?

Start your stash around your second trimester. This gives time to research products and find sales and deals. Ask for diapers at your baby shower too. Have at least 24 newborn size diapers before baby arrives.

The Bottom Line

Cloth diapering requires an initial investment, but pays off over time. Give yourself at least 2-3 days worth of covers and inserts in a range of sizes to make cloth diapering low-stress. Focus on buying more inserts than covers.

Chat with other cloth diapering parents to learn what stash sizes and products have worked for them. And feel free to adjust your stash over time to meet your baby’s needs and your washing preferences perfectly.

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