6 Cloth Diapers That Are Surprisingly Easy to Use (and Super Effective!)

Newborns go through nine to 12 diapers a day, so you’ll probably want to double or triple that amount and have a stash of 24 to 36 cloth diapers so you’re not washing them daily. You’ll likely have more frequent changes because cloth diapers aren’t as absorbent as disposable, so you’ll need to account for that as well. You’ll also want to stock up on waterproof covers, unless you’re using all-in-ones, which have them built in.

Better is subjective to your experience, but cloth diapers offer several benefits over disposable ones, including:

• You’ll save money. Depending on the brand, you can expect to spend up to $900 a year on diapers. Cloth diapers, on the other hand, can cost as little as under $1 per diaper depending on the brand you buy (although you’ll need to factor in additional items like liners, waterproof shells and pins, plus laundry costs). And, if you plan on having more than one child, that initial investment on cloth diapers for baby number one will double your savings because they can be reused.
• They have fewer chemicals. Cloth diapers don’t use most of the chemicals (like dioxin), dyes or gels that can be found in disposable diapers, so they’re less likely to cause an allergic reaction to your little one's delicate skin.
• They create less waste. Eco-friendly parents will appreciate that organic cloth diapers are produced without any pesticides, and unlike disposables, cloth diapers don’t take up landfill space. That said, cotton cloth diapers require a lot of water to be made, and require more water when washed in the laundry machine, especially if washed in small loads. 

That’s not to say cloth diapers are superior to disposable diapers in every way. The cons include:

• There’s a learning curve. Cloth diapers can be challenging to put on, at least until you get the hang of it. However, buying fitted or all-in-ones work pretty similarly to disposable diapers.
• You’ll do more laundry. There’s a ton of laundry involved — think two to three extra loads a week. That’s not only time-consuming, but it adds to your utility bill as well. And if you don’t have a laundry machine at home, it can be an extra couple of hours spent at the laundromat.
• You’ll change more diapers. Cloth diapers aren’t as absorbent as disposables, which means more frequent changes and a higher likelihood of leaks. If you don’t give your baby a fresh diaper frequently, the untended-to moisture can lead to diaper rashes. Not to mention, diaper rash creams that contain ingredients like zinc oxide or petroleum jelly are incompatible with cloth diapers because they stain and leave behind a residue that can make them less absorbent. And, if you’re heading out with a cloth diaper-clad baby, you may have to carry soiled diapers around until you get back home. (Some parents opt to use disposable diapers for outings to avoid this.)

There are several different cloth diaper styles to choose from. Each has its own pros and cons, and the best one will ultimately depend on your preferences and lifestyle.

• Flats and prefolds: These are the least expensive cloth diaper option of the bunch. (Read: No-frills.) Flats are a square or rectangular piece of cloth that you fold into a diaper shape to fit your baby’s tush. Prefolds are exactly what they sound like — a pre-sewn piece of cloth with three sections, the middle one being the most absorbent. While easier than flats, they do still require folding and pinning. You fasten flats and prefolds with a safety pin or snap, and both require a separate waterproof diaper cover that you slip on top to keep your tot’s clothes dry. Although flats and prefolds are the cheapest, they require a number of accessories like pins or snaps as well as diaper covers that slightly raise your overall cost.
• Contoured cloth diapers: Contoured cloth diapers are a good meeting point between flat fold diapers and fitted ones. With an hourglass shape that fits around those chunky thighs and a tab that goes over the belly, they’re easier to get the hang of than flats and are less expensive than fitted cloth diapers. They also use less material than prefolds, which means they dry faster and spend less time out of baby’s diaper rotation. But, as with flats, you’ll also have to pin or snap these in place and slip on a waterproof cover on top.
• Fitted cloth diapers: As the name suggests, these diapers are shaped to fit around baby’s tush and have elastic leg holes — which translates into fewer leaks. They’re easier to use than flats and contoured cloth diapers and come with built-in snaps or Velcro fasteners. You’ll still need to slip on a waterproof cover over fitted cloth diapers, however.
• Pocket cloth diapers: A step above from fitted cloth diapers are pocket diapers that do include a waterproof cover. Although they contain a stay-dry lining inside, they’ll need a diaper insert added to add layers of absorbency.
• All-in-one cloth diapers (AIOs): With the inner lining, outer lining and wicking layer all sewn together, these cloth diapers are the most like disposable diapers, complete with elasticized leg openings: You just slide them on and off. As you might have guessed, all-in-ones are the priciest cloth diaper option. These are the easiest types of cloth diapers to use, a big plus if caregivers or grandparents will be changing baby’s diaper on the regular. Even if you don’t plan on using all-in-one cloth diapers all the time, it’s super convenient to have a few for on-the-go changes.