How to Determine How Many Cloth Diapers You Need
|
|
Time to read 5 min
Cloth diapering is becoming a popular choice for new parents that are looking for eco-conscious and cost effective diapering solutions for their babies, but figuring out how many cloth diapers you need can be confusing. The number of cloth diapers you need depends on several factors, including your baby’s age, how often you plan to wash, and the type of cloth diapering system you choose. Below, we’ll break down these factors and provide recommendations and guidance to help you build a personalized cloth diaper stash for your new baby.
Short on time? No problem! We've designed a quick quiz to help you find your personalized cloth diaper stash size in less than 2 minutes. The quiz will take into account your personal lifestyle, age of your children, as well as your washing preferences in order to give you a personalized answer.
Key Factors to that Impact Cloth Diaper Stash Size
What does "Stash" mean?
Stash is a term often used to describe a family's personal collection of cloth diapers. Each family's cloth diaper stash will vary in size and variety. This article is designed to help you decide what might work best for your family.
Baby's Age
The age of your baby is the most significant factor in determining how many cloth diapers you’ll need. This is because newborn babies may need as many as 12-16 diaper changes each day, while older toddlers may only need 5-7 changes daily. As your baby grows, the number of diaper changes needed each day will decrease significantly.
- Newborns (0-3 months): Newborn babies can soil a lot of a diapers each day. For families that plan to wash cloth diapers every other day, 30-40 diapers is typically an ideal cloth diaper stash size.
- Infants (3-12 months): As your baby grows, the number of diapers they need each day will decrease. For families with infants between 3 and 12 months of age, a stash size of 20-30 diapers is a great number when washing every other day.
- Toddlers (12+ months): Your growing toddler will likely require even less diaper changes daily, and a smaller stash of just 10-20 cloth diapers is typically sufficient for most families.
How Often Should You Wash Cloth Diapers?
Washing Frequency
How often you plan to wash your cloth diapers also directly impacts how many cloth diapers you need in your stash. The more frequently you wash your reusable diapers, the fewer diapers you will need on hand. Most families find that washing every 2-3 days strikes a good balance between convenience and cleanliness.
At Kinder, we recommend washing at least once a week. We understand that every family is different and for families with more than one parent working outside of the home, washing cloth diapers every other day may not be a realistic goal. Setting reachable goals and expectations based on your family's lifestyle and needs will contribute to your success in cloth diapering your new baby.
Washing Cloth Diapers Daily:
Pros
- Reduced Stash Size: Washing daily means you’ll need fewer cloth diapers, as they’re constantly being washed and reused.
- Minimized Odors: Daily washing can be helpful in preventing odors from building up, keeping your dirty diaper storage area and home smelling fresh.
- Lower Risk of Stains, Mildew and Pests: Frequent washing reduces the chances of stains setting in or mildew developing.
Cons
- Increased Laundry Workload: Daily washing can feel overwhelming, especially for busy parents.
- Smaller Load Sizes: may require bulking to ensure adequate agitation when washing.
- Higher Water and Energy Use: Frequent washing may increase utility bills and environmental impact. Consider pre-washing cloth diapers on their own and bulking the second load with other laundry to maximize energy conservation.
- Potential Wear and Tear: More frequent use can lead to faster wear and tear on your cloth diapers leading to the need for more maintenance and mending over time.
Washing Cloth Diapers Every 2-3 Days:
Pros
- Balanced Routine: Washing every 2-3 days strikes a good balance between convenience and cleanliness.
- Effective Cleaning: Larger laundry load size allows for increased agitation in the washing machine, ensuring diapers are thoroughly cleaned.
- Prevents Ammonia Build-Up: Regular washing every 2-3 days minimizes ammonia buildup, which can occur when diapers are allowed time to sit without rinsing between washes and can lead to irritation on your baby’s skin.
Cons
- Moderate Stash Size Required: You’ll need a moderate number of diapers (20-30 for newborns) to last between washes.
- Scheduling: You will also want to plan your laundry days to avoid running out of clean diapers. For some families, this may mean choosing 2 or 3 dedicated cloth diaper laundry days per week or washing when the diaper drawer begins to look low.
- Potential for Odors: If not rinsed, air dried and stored properly, diapers can develop odors before washing. Learn more about storing soiled diapers here.
Washing Cloth Diapers Once a Week:
Pros
- Less Frequent Laundry: Washing once a week reduces the number of laundry loads each week, saving both time and energy—and I mean your body's energy too.
- Larger Stash Flexibility: You can build a larger stash to accommodate the longer wash interval. Families that wash once a week are more likely to own 50+ cloth diapers.
Cons
- Increased Stash Size Needed: A larger stash (40+ diapers for newborns) is required to last a full week between washing.
- Higher Risk of Odors and Stains: Extended storage between washes can lead to stronger odors and stubborn stains if a good wash routine is not established early.
- Risk of ammonia, mildew and pests: Leaving diapers unwashed for a week increases the risk of ammonia buildup, mildew growth and even pests like maggots and insects.
Other Considerations for Deciding How Many Cloth Diapers to Add to Your Stash:
Type of Cloth Diapering System
The style of cloth diapers you choose also affects the number you’ll need. Some systems, like wipeable diaper covers with paired with flats or inserts, allow for multiple changes before washing the water resistant diaper cover, reducing the total number of diapers required in a family's stash.
- Prefolds and Flats: These are both economical options that can be paired with wipeable diaper covers.
- Fitted Diapers: Are highly absorbent, reusable diapers that contour snugly to your baby’s body, offering excellent leak protection. Unlike pocket diapers, fitted diapers require a separate waterproof cover to prevent leaks.
- All-in-One or Pocket Diapers: These are more convenient but may require a larger stash since they’re typically used once before washing.
- Hybrid Systems: Combining reusable covers with disposable or washable inserts offers flexibility and can reduce the number of diapers needed
Tips for Building your Dream Cloth Diaper Stash
To determine the ideal number of cloth diapers for your family, consider the following steps: Calculate Daily Usage: Multiply the number of diaper changes per day by the number of days between washes. For example, a newborn who uses 12 diapers daily and washes every 2 days will need 24 diapers.
- Choose Your System: Decide whether you prefer prefolds, flats, all-in-ones, or another system based on your budget and lifestyle.
- Start Small: Begin with a smaller stash and add more diapers as needed. This approach allows you to adjust based on your baby’s needs and your washing routine.
Determining how many cloth diapers you need involves balancing your baby’s age, washing frequency, and the type of diapering system you choose. By considering these factors and exploring budget-friendly options like prefolds and flats, you can build a cloth diaper stash that works for your family.
Remember, cloth diapering is flexible, and you can always adjust your stash as your baby grows and your needs change.
Whether you’re a first-time parent or a seasoned pro, cloth diapering can be a rewarding and sustainable choice. With the right planning and resources, you can create a diaper system that’s both practical and economical.
