It's one of the most common questions when you start with cloth diapers – and the answer is often simpler than you'd think. Many imagine you need a big stock to get going, but in practice fewer than you think will do. The most important thing isn't to do everything at once, but to find a level that works in everyday life.
Do you have to decide completely straight away?
No. Many who start with cloth diapers do so gradually – some use them only at home, others during the day, some alternate with disposables. It doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing decision, and starting small is often a good way to feel out what suits you.
How many diapers do you need?
It depends on how you want to use them. Rough guidelines:
- 3–6 diapers – to try at home now and then
- 10–15 diapers – for more regular use
- 20–24 diapers – for full-time
A simple rule of thumb for full-time: a newborn goes through about eight diaper changes a day (according to 1177). Multiply by how many days you want between washes – most people wash about every three days – and you'll arrive at your figure. There's no exact level that suits everyone; it's about washing routines, everyday life and what feels comfortable.
Count differently depending on the model
How many actual diapers that means depends on the model:
Pocket diapers: a pocket is used as a complete change, so for full-time you need around 20–24.
Cover diapers: here you can reuse the same cover several times and only change the insert. That might mean, for example, 8–10 covers and 20–24 inserts for full-time – fewer diapers in the wash.
Cloth diapers in ordinary everyday life
Cloth diapers don't have to be a project. They work at home on the changing table, in the bag on the go, at grandparents' – and even when things don't turn out perfectly. Just as with other routines, the habit grows over time.
Finding your feel
For some, the function matters most; for others, patterns and colors matter too. Choosing something you like can make the practical side a little more fun – it doesn't have to be more complicated than that.
Everyday diapering looks different in different families. There's no right way, only what works for you – and it's allowed to take time to find.
Want to get started easily?
Then there are ready-made Starter Kits to choose from. They contain a well-judged number of diapers to try at a calm pace, without you having to work out exactly what to choose.
Read on: our buying guide, the complete guide to cloth diapers, and how to think about cloth diapers for newborns.
By Emelie, founder of Time Ahead Sweden — mother of three and curious about how, as a parent, you can make considered choices in everyday life.