Most parents are in the habit of gathering a huge pile of diapers when expecting a new baby. This can be a very tedious task for both new and experienced parents alike, considering the factors that they must check off their diaper list, such as the diaper fit, baby’s weight, and of course, finances.
Consequently, parents often opt for cloth diapers because it is cost-effective and can be adjusted to fit babies in various sizes. However, these parents who opt for cloth diapers usually ask, “how many newborn cloth diapers do I need?”.
We will discuss the answer to this question and other details on cloth diapers requirements for a newborn extensively in this article. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about cloth diapers for your bundle of joy.
How Many Newborn Cloth Diapers Do I Need?
Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable Diapers
There are some very glaring differences between cloth diapers and disposable diapers. Some of them will be listed below to aid your choice of diaper selection for your baby.
Baby’s Health and Comfort
There is really no significant difference between cloth diapers and disposable diapers regarding the baby’s health and comfort.
As long as the diapers are changed when soaked, there will be a reduced risk of diaper rash and discomfort for the baby. Though disposable diapers are more breathable, the absorbent chemicals and moisturizing properties can irritate some babies.
Convenience
Some parents are scared of the complicated folds and pinning that accompany cloth diapers for their babies. Now, with the Velcro or easy snap closures that cloth diapers come with, changing time can be just as speedy with cloth diapers as with disposable diapers.
Modern cloth diapers are also designed into shapes to fit the baby snugly, and they come with waterproof bands to prevent leaks.
Price
Typically, a family can spend between $2,000 and $3,000 on disposable diapers for two years. On the other hand, cloth diapers will cost about $800 to $1,000 (plus accessories) for the same length of time. It is also important to bear in mind that you can reuse cloth diapers for subsequent babies.
Benefits of Cloth Diapers
- Cloth diapers are more breathable. Since they are made from cotton, they tend to cause fewer skin rashes and irritation in babies.
- They help with faster potty training for infants. Cloth diapers allow infants to grow more aware of the wet sensation against their skin, which will help them get potty-trained easily.
- Cloth diapers help to save money. Initially, parents may spend a lot of money, but after that initial purchase, you can use them for as long as you want to.
- Cloth diapers produce less waste. Since parents are not always discarding used diapers, less waste will be generated, which is best for the environment.
How Many Newborn Cloth Diapers do I Need?
The number of cloth diapers that parents should get depends on the sizing system they prefer. For a one-sized diapering system, parents can get about 40-50 diapers.
This way, the cloth diapers will last the entire diapered years of one child. If you can purchase a larger stash of cloth diapers and with great rotation abilities, the cloth diapers can be used for more than one child.
How to Wash and Care for Cloth Diapers
Here are some simple tips and tricks for washing cloth diapers:
- If soiled, remove poop from the diaper using a diaper sprayer. Leave the diaper wet until it is washed. This will help the poop wash out easily and reduce stains.
- Wash between 12-18 diapers at a time, depending on the barrel of your washer. This ensures that the diapers get agitated properly against each other, getting them clean in the process.
- Ensure to use the highest water level for your washer.
- Rinse first with cold water alone before washing.
- Using a cloth-friendly detergent and warm water cycle to wash your cloth diapers.
- Dry the washed diapers in the dryer or hang them to dry. For better results, a combination of both drying methods is suggested.
Bottom Line
The number of newborn cloth diapers to be purchased depends on several factors, especially the parents’ budget. However, after buying cloth diapers once, parents may not spend any more money on diapers all through the baby’s diapered years.
This is because of how versatile they are, and thanks to innovation, they now come in varying sizes and are easy to put together. It is now the more considered option for many new parents who want the best for their baby, their pocket, and the environment.
