The amount of cloth diapers you will need to buy depends on a few things; how frequently you change diapers (this is especially related to how old your baby is), how often you plan on washing, and what type of diapering system you choose.
NEWBORNWhen planning for diapers for a brand new baby, you will especially need to concentrate on how often you will be changing diapers. Because newborns tend to have a bowel movement nearly every time they urinate (especially those that are breastfed), they may need anywhere from 12-18 diapers a day!
For this age, I recommend either a
prefold and cover system, fitted diapers with covers. For convenience with other diaper changers (My Husband) or when going out and about, you may choose to pick up a few pocket or all-in-one diapers.
So, when doing laundry every 1.5 days, for newborns I would recommend...
18-24
prefolds OR fitted diapers (or a combination of the two)
2
Snappi diaper fasteners (if using
prefolds)
4-6 covers
18-24 wipes (if you are washing diapers, why not wash your wipes too!)
1
wetbag2 pail liners (one can be washing and one can be clean)
For older Babies & ToddlersOnce your child gets past the newborn stage, you will need to concentrate much more on
absorbancy, especially for toddlers. If you are doing laundry every day and a half, you will need 14-16 diapers, in any combination of
prefolds,
fitteds, pockets, or one-size diapers. As baby gets older, this stash could stretch you longer than a day and a half. Want to wash every two days? Add a few more diapers to your stash.
For the most economical solution, you can use
prefolds and covers.
Fitteds with covers or pockets add more convenience, and then all-in-ones are the most expensive but easiest to use. As with newborns, don't feel like you have to stick with one system! Any combination will be fine.
14-16 diapers
4-6 covers (for
prefolds and fitted diapers)
18-24 wipes (If you are washing diapers, why not wash your wipes too!)
1
wetbag2 pail liners (one can be washing and one can be clean
As your child gets older, you will find yourself needing extra
absorbency in your diapers. The time frame for this can vary depending on how often the diaper is changed and how much of a heavy wetter the child is. When this happens, you will need to add some extra
absorbency to your diapers.
If you are using pocket diapers, you will need 1 insert (two for a heavy wetter) for each day time pocket diaper. For night time diapering, you will need 2-3 inserts per diaper.
For fitted and
prefold diapers, you will need 1 cover for every 2-3
fitteds or
prefolds. The cover can be reused as long as it isn't wet or soiled. For night time diapering, try a fleece or wool cover for maximum wetness protection.
My Fave Find of the week Thursday is this Cute Etsy Shop jojosmom she sells cloth diapers and many other great items. I recently purchased some Embllished Prefolds from this shop and was quite surprised to find a little surprise tucked in with my order. A cloth wipe made with 100% flannel on one side and cotton sherpa on the other. This little wipe is very well made and I am now going to purchase a few more.... I love homemade...
