Best Cloth Diapers For Newborns
If you are just getting started with your newborn baby, cloth diapering can seem a bit tough. There are so many types and brands to choose from. It can be overwhelming. This article was designed to give you tips and suggestions for diapering your newborn.
There is Not ONE Right Choice
Just know that using cloth diapers has so many great, working options. It’s not like there is just one or two great ones, and the rest are bunk. That being said, I want to steer you in the right direction…
How Many Should You Get To Start?
There are two things at play here:
- Newborns can go through up to 12 diapers a day.
- New parents are overwhelmed and exhausted, and it’s best not to corner yourselves into having to do a lot of laundry.
So, I would suggest between 2 and 3 dozen, although if your are doing elimination communication (EC), you may need less. Now, if you are getting prefold cloth diapers, I suggest getting between 2 and 3 dozen, but you only need 6-8 covers. If you are getting pocket diapers, the same thing goes: get about 8 covers and 2 dozen or so inserts.
What Kind Of Diapers?
I am a big fan of prefolds with a couple of different kinds of covers. A lot of parents are. My prefold of choice is Cloth-Eez organic cotton. I highly recommend organic diapers and organic newborn baby clothes. For diaper covers:
- Little Beetle Little To Big Wool are fantastic. Wool diaper covers are, in my opinion, one of the greatest natural fibers for diaper covers.
- Imse Vimse also makes great wool covers.
- Synthetic/waterproof covers are a great choice, and often the most protective from leaks. Try Bummies, or Thirsties. Both worked great for us.
Although I think prefolds are best in those early days, pocket diapers are also great. But we really switched over to those after about 6 months. Check out Fuzzibunz and BumGenius. These are the best pocket diapers in my opinion.
If you are having trouble deciding, why not try a sample package. For about $60 you get 2 unbleached prefolds, 1 unbleached prefold, a fitted diaper, a waterproof diaper cover, an all-in-one diaper, and a pocket diaper.
What Size Should I Get
When you look at most brands they will have a newborn size. For example, the Cloth-Eez organic cotton prefolds I mentioned ealier have a newborn size, shown by the orange color trim. Pocket diapers have newborn and even preemie sizes.
Other Accessories
Here is a list of must-haves:
- cloth wipes
- natural wipe spray
- Calendula diaper cream
- 2 diaper pail liners (use the second when you’re washing the first)
- diaper bag
- Unrelated to diapering, but indeed very important, baby organic shampoo and body wash. Basically, anything that will be on or penatrate your baby’s skin should be natural.
Hope these tips help!