How do cloth diapers work?
Cloth diapers are washed after use and can be used throughout your child's whole diapering period. In short, a cloth diaper consists of an absorbent insert on the inside and a waterproof cover on the outside. Today's cloth diapers are modern, functional — and honestly rather lovely. They are a far cry from what many people imagine.
Here at Time Ahead you'll find pocket diapers and covers/all-in-ones — two simple styles for everyday life.
If you want to go deeper, you'll find it all gathered in the complete cloth diaper guide.
Why do parents choose cloth diapers?
A considered choice for your child
Our diapers are designed for good comfort, with materials that breathe and draw moisture away from your child's skin. Soft, stretchy fabrics and several adjustment options give a secure fit. The materials are certified to OEKO-Tex Standard 100 — tested for harmful substances — and free from fragrance.
In truth, modern cloth diapers work just like disposables. The difference is that you wash them and use them again and again.
Reusable — you'll notice it in the bin
Every cloth diaper you wash is one disposable fewer that needs to be made and thrown away. It's a simple, tangible difference in how much single-use material leaves your home each week — and a benefit that grows the longer the diapering period lasts.
The money side
If you go all in on cloth diapers you can save up to SEK 10,000 — and even more if the diapers are used for a sibling. But cloth diapers don't have to be all or nothing. In purely financial terms, swapping out just one disposable a week is enough to start saving.
There's also an active second-hand market for cloth diapers, with buy-and-sell groups on Facebook and Tradera.
→ More on cost, the environment and health — cloth diapers vs disposables 2026.
How many cloth diapers do you need?
For full-time use, around 24 is a good benchmark — that's enough for most families if you wash every third day. More on how many you need.
Washing and storing cloth diapers
Most people wash their cloth diapers every 2–4 days. Store used diapers in a wet bag or a bin that isn't completely airtight — the air needs to get in, which keeps the smell at bay.
- Inserts/inner diapers (the absorbent part) are washed after every change
- Pocket diapers are washed after every change
- Covers are reused until they get dirty — you simply change the insert
→ The full washing guide, step by step.
Ready to begin?
A Starter Kit is built to make getting started easy — you get diapers, inserts and a wet bag in one.
If you'd like to read more about cloth diapers, there's also Blöjupproret — Sweden's association for EC and cloth diapers.
Choosing well should be easy.