How Many Cloth Diapers
Do You Need?

Many people mix and match the type of diapers they need, but if you were to just go with one system, this is what we recommend:

Flat Diapers and Covers

• 24-36 flat diapers
• 5-7 newborn covers
• 4-6 small covers
• 1-3 small night covers (like wool or fleece, something to make it through the night)
• 4-6 medium diaper covers
• 2-3 medium night covers
• 5-10 pins or 3-5 snappis

• 24-36 infant sized prefolds
• 5-7 newborn covers
• 4-6 small covers
• 1-3 small night covers (like wool or fleece, something to make it through the night)
• 12-30 baby sized prefolds
• 4-6 medium diaper covers
• 2-3 medium night covers
• 5-10 pins or 3-5 snappis (optional if using a wrap cover, but does help the diaper stay put and contain messes)

• 24-36 infant sized prefolds or newborn fitteds
• 24-36 small sized fitteds
• 5-7 newborn covers
• 4-6 small covers
• 1-3 small night covers (like wool or fleece, something to make it through the night)
• 12-24 medium sized fitteds
• 4-6 medium diaper covers
• 2-3 medium night covers
  
  -or-
  
  
• 12-36 one size fitted diapers
• 5-7 newborn covers
• 4-6 small covers
• 1-3 small night covers
• 4-6 medium covers
• 2-3 medium night covers

• 12-36 small pocket diapers
• 10-24 medium pocket diapers
• 12-36 inserts
  
  -or-
  
  
• 12-36 one size pocket diapers
  
• 12-36 inserts

• 24-36 small AIOs
• 12-24 medium AIOs
• 6-8 inserts or doublers (to use during naps or overnight)
  
  -or-
  
  
• 12-36 one size AIOs
• 6-8 inserts

• 12-36 cloth wipes
• 1-4 travel wet bags
• diaper pail (optional)
• 2 pail liner bags

All of the above is if you are starting cloth with a newborn baby. You will size up as your baby grows. No need to buy the large sizes now because many babies won't move beyond the medium sizes before potty training.

If you are new to cloth diapering and have an older child, just get what you need for the size and age of your baby is right now. Make sure to measure your baby and follow the diaper manufacturers recommendations for sizing.


I hope this page helps you figure out how many cloth diapers you need. Remember to keep it simple!!

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