Quick answers
The quick answer is that you will likely need between 24-36 newborn sized cloth diapers to get started. However, the exact number can vary based on factors like:
- How often you plan to wash diapers
- If you will use disposables at times
- How heavy of a wetter your baby is
- If you want to minimize laundry
As a general rule of thumb, most parents recommend having at least 2-3 days worth of newborn diapers on hand. Since newborns need their diapers changed 8-12 times a day, that equals around 24-36 diapers.
How many diapers does a newborn go through per day?
Newborns need A LOT of diaper changes! Here’s a look at how many diapers you can expect to use:
- Newborns under 1 month old: 8-12 diaper changes per day
- Newborns 1-2 months old: 6-10 diaper changes per day
- Newborns 3 months old: 6-8 diaper changes per day
Of course, every baby is different. Some babies will need more frequent diaper changes than others. In general though, plan on going through at least 8-12 diapers per day in the early newborn phase.
How often should you wash newborn cloth diapers?
Most parents find they need to wash newborn cloth diapers every 2-3 days. However the wash frequency can vary based on:
- Heavy wetters: Some babies saturate their diapers more than others. Heavy wetters may need diapers washed every 1-2 days.
- Using disposables: If you supplement with some disposable diapers, you may be able to wash cloth diapers less frequently.
- Diaper pail method: Using a hanging wet bag allows more time between washes versus an open pail.
- Your tolerance: Some parents wash diapers daily for stench control. Others can go longer between washes.
Plan to wash about every 2-3 days as a starting point. Adjust as needed based on how heavy of a wetter your baby is.
How to calculate the number of newborn cloth diapers needed
Figuring out the right number of newborn cloth diapers involves a simple calculation:
- Estimate how many diaper changes your newborn will need per day (typically 8-12)
- Multiply by how many days you want between washes (typically 2-3 days)
For example:
- 10 diaper changes per day
- Washing every 3 days
- 10 diaper changes x 3 days = 30 diapers
So in this case, you’d want about 30 newborn diapers to last between washes. The table below shows estimates for total diapers needed:
| Diaper changes per day | Days between washes | Total newborn diapers needed |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 2 | 16 |
| 10 | 2 | 20 |
| 12 | 2 | 24 |
| 8 | 3 | 24 |
| 10 | 3 | 30 |
| 12 | 3 | 36 |
Factors that influence how many newborn cloth diapers you need
While the table above provides some estimates, there are a few key factors that can influence how many newborn cloth diapers you actually need:
Will you use any disposable diapers?
Many parents use a mix of cloth and disposable diapers in the newborn period. Using some disposables can reduce how frequently you need to wash, and hence lower the total cloth diapers needed. Just be aware that disposable diapers will increase your total diapering costs.
Do you have a diaper sprayer?
Using a diaper sprayer to rinse poopy diapers directly into the toilet bowl helps contain the stink between washes. This may allow you to stretch washes an extra day. If you’ll be spraying diapers, you may need slightly fewer total diapers.
How heavy of a wetter is your baby?
Some babies seem to flood their diapers at the slightest pee! Heavy wetters may require more frequent diaper changes and washes. Make sure to have extra diapers on hand if your little one seems to be a frequent urinator.
Will anyone else help with changes?
If you’ll be the solo diaper changer, washes will pile up quickly. An extra set of hands from a partner, family member or postpartum doula can help extend the time between washing. More help means needing fewer diapers.
Do you have easy access to laundry?
If the washing machine is in your apartment or on the same floor, you may be happy to wash diapers daily. Families without laundry in-unit may want more diapers to go longer between washing. Consider your laundry situation when deciding on your diaper stash.
Is your budget tight?
Cloth diapering can save money long-term, but requires more upfront investment. If money is tight, opt for just what you need to get started. You can always buy more diapers later if needed.
Recommendations for your newborn cloth diaper stash
Based on the average newborn’s diapering needs and washing habits, here are some recommendations for building your cloth diaper stash:
24-36 Newborn sized diapers
Most parents report needing at least 24 diapers to get 2-3 days between washes. 36 diapers gives you more flexibility if your baby is a heavy wetter or infrequent washer. Consider getting 24-36 small sized diapers.
At least 2 diaper covers
Have at least 2 newborn sized diaper covers on hand. Covers can typically be wiped clean and re-used 2-3 times before washing, so you don’t need as many.
A few disposable diapers
Adding a small pack of newborn disposables can be handy for use at night, on the go, or extending time between washes. Stock up on a couple packs of disposables if desired.
Extra inserts/doublers as needed
Some babies will require extra absorbency. Have a few extra inserts or doublers on hand in case your little one is a heavy wetter and their diapers need boosting. These extend a diaper’s absorbency.
2-3 wet bags
Wet bags store soiled diapers when out and about. Get at least 2-3 small wet bags for the diaper bag, car, nursery, etc.
Tips for preparing your newborn cloth diaper stash
Here are some helpful tips as you build and prep your newborn cloth diaper stash:
- Buy different types: Try out a few different diaper styles to see what works best for you and baby.
- Consider prefolds: Prefolds are very economical for the newborn period when diapers are quickly outgrown.
- Buy used: Check consignment stores, Facebook Marketplace or eBay for deals on used newborn diapers.
- Do trial runs: Wash, prep and practice diapering on dolls before baby arrives.
- Size up inserts: Size medium inserts often fit newborns better for more absorbency.
- Prep diaper pail: Get your diaper pail, sprayer and wash routine ready to go.
When to size up from newborn diapers
The newborn stage flies by so quickly! Here are some signs it’s time to size up from newborn cloth diapers:
- Diapers start leaking around the legs
- Rise can’t be tightened anymore
- Fasteners are straining at the waist
- Diapers fit more like a bikini than underwear
- Baby weighs over 10 pounds
Babies typically outgrow newborn diapers around 2-3 months old. But all babies grow at different rates, so keep an eye on the fit and size up when those newborn diapers start getting snug.
Saving money on your newborn cloth diaper stash
Cloth diapering is economical long-term, but the initial investment can be steep. Here are some tips for saving money on your newborn diaper stash:
- Buy pre-loved diapers – Check local consignment shops, Facebook Marketplace or eBay for almost new diapers at deep discounts.
- Choose simple prefolds – Prefolds tend to be cheaper than other styles and get less wear in the newborn stage.
- Register for diapers – Add cloth diapers to your registry for friends and family to gift.
- Buy plain covers – Solid colored covers cost less than printed designs.
- Join cloth diaper Facebook groups – Watch for deals and destashes from other cloth diapering parents.
- Purchase off-brand diapers – Amazon and Etsy offer more affordable diaper brands.
- Only buy what you need – Don’t overbuy! Diapers are quickly outgrown in the early months.
- Consider diaper services – Renting can be cheaper than buying for the newborn stage.
With some savvy shopping, you can get a functional newborn cloth diaper stash on a budget. Focus first on buying enough diapers to meet baby’s daily needs. Then build up your stash gradually over time.
Newborn cloth diaper FAQs
What size diapers fit newborns?
Look for diapers specifically labelled “newborn” or “small” size. These have a snug fit for babies under 10 pounds. Most come in either 5-11 lbs or 8-15 lbs size ranges.
Should I get one-size diapers?
One-size diapers are usually too big on tiny newborns. They tend to fit best once baby is over 10-12 pounds. Go for newborn size first unless you have a larger baby.
How many diaper covers are needed?
You can typically get 2-3 uses from one cover before washing. So you need far fewer covers than diapers – about 2-6 covers is plenty for the newborn stage.
What if we have more than 1 child in diapers?
Reusable diapers can be used for multiple children. For two in diapers, take your total count and multiply by 1.5. For three, multiply by 2. Wash diapers daily to ensure enough clean diapers.
When should I start cloth diapering?
You can cloth diaper right from birth! The umbilical cord stump typically falls off within the first 1-2 weeks at which point it’s fine to start cloth diapering.
Are cloth diapers safe for newborns?
Yes, cloth diapers are perfectly safe, hygienic and comfortable for newborns when used properly. Just take care to ensure a snug fit and watch for any red marks from the diaper.
The bottom line
Most parents find they need between 24-36 cloth diapers in newborn size to get started. While it’s hard to predict your exact diapering needs before baby arrives, this provides enough to get you through those early weeks of frequent diaper changes. You can always buy more diapers later on if your newborn needs additional changes or washes less frequently than expected. Focus first on buying an adequate newborn stash, then build up your diaper collection gradually as baby grows. With the right amount of prep, planning and shopping, you can affordably cloth diaper your little one right from the start!
