As a general rule of thumb:1
| Child's Age | # diaper changes per day |
|---|---|
| Newborn to 5 Months | 10-12 diaper changes |
| 5 Months to 1 Year | 8-10 diaper changes |
| 1 Year + | 4-8 diapers changes |
The total number of diapers you need is based on how often you want to do laundry. The most recommended interval for washing is every other day. That's 3-4 extra loads per week. Some people do every 2 or 3 days. If you go too long between washes the diapers with poo on them are more likely to stain, unless you use a diaper sprayer to pre-clean them before throwing them in the diaper laundry. More on dealing with poo here. In regular laundry terms: if you get tomato sauce on a cotton shirt and wait a week to wash it, it's probably going to stain.
The following lists are assuming that the diapers are washed every other day from birth to potty training. To add days in between washing, just add the appropriate amount of diapers per day from the chart above.
Basic Accessories Kit
2 diaper pail liners or XL+ hanging wetbagsAdditional items can be found on the Accessories page.
2 small or medium wetbags (for use in diaper bags, etc.)
2 x-large GMD green edge prefolds (for use as changing pads)
36-48 cloth wipes
cloth wipes solution
spray bottle
Basic Stashes
These options are the most economical way to diaper your child for the dual reason of low purchase price and a durable product. Flats and prefolds can last through multiple children with little sign of wear.Super Economy
| Birth to Potty | 48 GMD Birdseye Flat diapers |
|---|---|
| 5 Thirsties Duo Wraps sz. 1 | |
| 5 Thirsties Duo Wraps sz. 2 | |
| Accessories | 4 diaper pins |
| 24-36 cloth wipes (buy or DIY) | |
| Diaper pail and liner or hanging wetbag |
Prefold Love
| 6 to 10lbs. | 24 newborn GMD Orange edge PF |
|---|---|
| 2 Thirsties x-small covers | |
| 1 Bummis Super Brite newborn covers | |
| 1 Mommy's Touch newborn cover | |
| 10 to 15lbs. | 36 small GMD Yellow edge PF |
| 2 Thirsties small covers | |
| 2 Bummis Super Whisper Wrap small covers | |
| 2 One Size covers of your choice (fit thru potty training) | |
| 15 to 29lbs. | 24 medium GMD Red edge PF PF |
| 2 Thirsties Duo Wraps sz. 2 | |
| 25 to 35lbs. | 12 large GMD Brown edge PF |
| 2 Thirsties large covers | |
| Accessories | 3 Snappis |
| Basic Kit |
For a more economical approach to prefolds, try using 4 newborn covers and then 4-8 One Size covers such as Mommy's Touch, Kissaluvs or Blueberry. For a more eco friendly approach, try replacing the PUL covers with wool covers.
Popular Stashes
If you have a larger budget, you'll mainly be buying convenience. These popular stashes are easy to use (even for babysitters) and give you some variety in your diapering choices.Teeny Tiny
There are several options for newborn diapering ranging from pre-folds to AIOs. Some people choose the convenience of an AIO or pocket diaper while others lean towards the more economical prefold with a cover as they'll be using the diapers for a relatively short period of time. Popular choices for newborn diapers include:
Kissaluvs size 0 fitted diapersFor simplicity sake, the stash options below will include a basic newborn set of prefolds and covers.
GoodMama newborn fitted diapers
GMD Orange edge PF
GMD Orange edge Workhorse
Thirsties x-small cover
Bummis Super Brite newborn and small covers
Imse Vimse preemie cover (run large)
BumGenius x-small AIO diapers
Rumparooz Lil•Joeys AIO diapers
All for One, One for All
One size (OS) diapers don't fit well until about 10-12 lbs (several brands do fit sooner) but they are a great option for post-newborn diapers to potty training.| 6 to 12lbs. | 24 newborn GMD Orange edge PF |
|---|---|
| 6-8 newborn covers | |
| 12 to 35lbs. | 18 to 24 OS pocket diapers or |
| 18 to 24 OS fitted diapers with 4-6 OS covers or | |
| 18 to 24 OS AI2 inserts with 4-6 OS AI2 covers or | |
| 24 to 30 OS AIO diapers (extra diapers due to increased drying time) or | |
| 24 large GMD brown edge PF with 4-6 OS covers | |
| Accessories | 3 Snappis |
| 12 doublers/extra inserts for nap and nighttime use | |
| Basic Kit |
You can also mix it up with several of each type of OS diapers- 6 each of pockets, fitteds, and AIOs for example.
Size Does Matter
Or so the saying goes. One size diapers are convenient but for the best fit, sized diapers are preferable. A diaper that fits a 35 lb toddler is going to be bulky on a 12 lb infant. Each brand will have its own sizing scheme. For the purpose of this chart, I'll be using the Fuzzibunz Perfect Size diaper.| 4 to 12lbs. | 24 x-small Fuzzibunz pocket diapers |
|---|---|
| 7 to 18lbs. | 18 small Fuzzibunz pocket diapers |
| 15 to 30lbs. | 12 medium Fuzzibunz pocket diapers |
| 25 to 45lbs.+ | 8 large Fuzzibunz pocket diapers (some babies will not need this size) |
| Accessories | Basic Kit |
As a compromise between OS and sized diapers, several brands, such as Thirsties, offer two sizes that run about 6-18lbs for the small size and 18-40lbs for the large size.
What are the best diapers?
This is a tricky question with no easy answer. What works from one child may not work for another. You may think that AIO diapers sound like the best deal, only to find that you hate the long drying time. Pockets may sound too time consuming with having to stuff inserts but you discover they are your first choice after giving them a try.
You can purchase an entire stash in one brand that appeals to you and find that they work great. It’s more likely, however, that you’ll need to try a few styles and brands to figure out what your ideal stash is. You can do a diaper trial (like the one at Jillian's Drawers) to get a feel for what will work for you with little financial investment. You can also purchase 1 or 2 of a variety of styles and brands, with the intention of selling the diapers that do not work well for you. You do not need to buy your entire stash in one shopping trip. Try buying enough diapers for one full day to get a feel. For brand recommendations, see the Reviews page.
1. http://www.jilliansdrawers.com/newtocloth
