Instead of the modern disposable diaper, many mothers choose to use cloth diapers on their baby’s bottom. The best cloth diapers you can buy are made of a natural material and are sturdy.
You can choose to use a pre-folded or flat cloth diaper with a waterproof cover, or you can use one of the newer styles such as pocket diapers or all in one diapers that come in colorful designs.
Let’s take a look at some of the best cloth diapers we like.
Our Top Picks
- 100% cotton
- Lightweight Birdseye weave
- 3-ply
- Quick-drying
- Customizable fold
- Low price range
- 100% polyester PUL outer layer
- Charcoal bamboo inner layer
- Fully adjustable for a variety of sizes
- Available in many colors and designs
- Pocket opening for an insert
- Fully adjustable for a variety of sizes
- Waterproof and breathable outer layer
- Suede inner section to wick away moisture
- Comes in a variety of patterns and colors
- 100% cotton
- Lightweight Birdseye weave
- 3-ply
- Quick-drying
- Customizable fold
- Low price range
- 100% polyester PUL outer layer
- Charcoal bamboo inner layer
- Fully adjustable for a variety of sizes
- Available in many colors and designs
- Pocket opening for an insert
- Fully adjustable for a variety of sizes
- Waterproof and breathable outer layer
- Suede inner section to wick away moisture
- Comes in a variety of patterns and colors
*All product links in this article will take you to the latest prices on Amazon.com. Scroll down for our in-depth reviews.
Things to Consider When Choosing Cloth Diapers
There are so many things to consider when you are thinking about whether cloth diapers are for you. Today’s cloth diapers are not like those used a few decades ago.
Cloth diapers are better for your child as they do not have the chemicals in them that disposable diapers do. Once you build up your stockpile of cloth diapers, you do not have to keep buying them, unlike disposable diapers where you must constantly throw away and repurchase.
Once you get the hang of it, using cloth diapers is quite simple. Because of the new styling of some of the new cloth diapers, they are actually stylish and cute.
If properly laundered, put on correctly, and changed properly, cloth diapers leak very little. There are many brands of cloth diapers that will now take you from birth to potty training so it will save you money on buying diapers.
Cloth diapers will also hold their value if you take care of them because you can use them on future children or sell them second hand.
Types of Cloth Diapers
There are several different types of cloth diapers on the market. You just need to find the right one to suit the needs of you and your child.
- PREFOLD – These diapers are made from absorbent hemp or cotton and are generally less expensive than other types. Generally, you have thicker layers in the middle with thinner layers on the outer sides. You can use a prefold with a waterproof diaper cover, as an insert for other diaper brands, as a burp cloth, or even a wash cloth. Most of these just come in white and you must use diaper pins with them.
- SHAPED or CONTOUR – These diapers are very similar to the prefold but they are pre-cut in the shape of an hourglass to prevent so much folding. Once again, they are inexpensive but require a diaper cover and diaper pins. Some of these do come in prints, however.
- FITTED – The fitted diaper is shaped like the contour diaper but it has Velcro or snaps so you don’t have to use diaper pins. Because it is already shaped, there is no folding or pinning. However, the fitted diaper still requires a waterproof diaper cover.
- POCKET – This is a popular cloth diaper option. In the pocket diaper, you have a place to stuff inserts or pads to make the diaper more absorbent. They also have built-in waterproof covers, so you don’t have to put another cover over it. These are great because you can place the inserts where you need the absorbency. These also come in a wide array of colors and patterns. The pocket diaper has snaps or Velcro so they are easy to put on and take off.
- ALL-IN-ONES – All-in-one cloth diapers are basically pocket diapers that have the insert already integrated into them. All-in-ones also have the waterproof cover and Velcro or snaps. They come in a large array of colors and designs.
Benefits of Cloth Diapers
Everyone talks about the convenience of disposable diapers, but there are a lot of benefits to cloth diapers as well. Let’s look at some of them.
Fewer Harmful Chemicals
There are fewer harmful chemicals in cloth diapers than in disposable diapers. Some of those chemicals might include Dioxin, Sodium Polyacrylate, Phthalates, or Tributyl Tin.
Save Money
Once you build up your stock pile of cloth diapers, you won’t have to worry about buying them again unless you want to replace any worn out inserts.
Normally, all of the expense is in the first year and the savings kick in after that. With disposable diapers, you will continue buying until after your child is potty trained.
Reduce Carbon Footprint
Cloth diapers do not leave the carbon footprint that disposables do. Disposable diapers produce sixty times more solid waste than cloth diapers, and they require more raw materials.
Cut Back on Landfill Waste
It takes about two hundred years for a disposable diaper to break down. Most cloth diapers can be reused as they are from natural materials. That means that cloth diapers have less of an impact on the environment as fewer wind up in landfills.
Reduce the Chance of Diaper Rash
Cloth diapers have fewer chemicals which means there is less chance of irritation. They are more breathable than disposable diapers which means that your baby’s skin should be drier as air circulates.
Babies can feel the wetness in a cloth diaper faster than in a disposable diaper, therefore you change a cloth diaper more often. There is less chafing in cloth diapers due to the type of natural fibers in the material.
More Comfort
Cloth diapers are made of breathable and lightweight material, so they are more comfortable for your little one.
Easier Potty Training
Children don’t like feeling wet, and cloth diapers feel wetter. A disposable diaper doesn’t give a child the same feeling of wetness, since it wicks away moisture and doesn’t allow the child to know when they are going potty.
Using a cloth diaper allows your child to feel the wetness when he or she goes potty, and since they are uncomfortable they may be motivated to start potty training at a younger age.
More Versatility
Cloth diapers aren’t just for your baby’s bottom! You can use them for burp cloths, cleaning cloths, or even make them into a bib. Once you are done with them you can resell them if they’re still in good condition.
Great Materials, Designs, and Colors
While most cloth diapers are cotton, they also come in bamboo and hemp as well. They are available in a wide array of colors, patterns, and designs.
Disadvantages of Cloth Diapers
When you are considering using cloth diapers, you want to be fully informed, so it’s good to look at the disadvantages of cloth diapers as well. While there seem to be a lot of disadvantages, most of them are minor and don’t outweigh the advantages.
More Changing
Cloth diapers do not absorb like disposable diapers do, so you have to change them more often.
Higher Initial Investment
With cloth diapers, you have to buy up a stash to get started. This initial investment can be costly depending on which cloth diapers and inserts you choose and how large a stash you wish to build up. If you don’t want to be washing clothes every day, you need quite a few diapers.
Less Convenient
When your child has a bowel movement when you are traveling and you are using cloth diapers, inconvenient is not the word for it. Finding a place to clean up and take care of business may not be the easiest thing to do.
More Messy
Once again, if your child has a bowel movement, things can get messy. But with practice, you get good at taking care of business and making these moments pass quickly and efficiently.
Inconvenient for Other Caregivers
If you have to call in a last minute babysitter or an aunt comes in to town, they may never have changed a baby using a cloth diaper before. It only takes a few minutes, and a little patience, though, to show someone how to change a cloth diaper.
Bigger Clothes
Cloth Diapers are bulky. Sometimes, your baby may need to wear a bigger size than he normally would if he was not wearing a bulky cloth diaper. This is no big deal unless you are trying to squeeze him into a special outfit.
More Laundry
Having a baby at home already means a lot more laundry, and adding diapers to that can add to your work load.
Running Out of Diapers
If you do not build up a big enough stock pile of diapers and you don’t keep up with the growing pile of laundry, then you can run out of diapers. If you get into a routine, this won’t happen as often.
Higher Utility Bills
If you are using cloth diapers, your utility bills may increase slightly. Not only are you washing and drying more clothes, but you are rinsing diapers out as well, so you are using more water and electricity.
Material to Look for when Buying Cloth Diapers
- Cotton – Cotton is the most popular material for cloth diapers as it is durable and long lasting and can be very absorbent.
- Polyester – Polyester tends to be used in some of the more economical cloth diapers and may not be the best diaper material as it is difficult to clean and can irritate the skin. Polyester can be used as a middle layer in diapers as it does not come into direct contact with your baby’s skin.
- Bamboo – Bamboo is naturally resistant to bacterial growth and makes a great diaper material as it is very absorbent.
- Hemp – Hemp is absorbent and naturally resistant to bacterial growth. However, it is normally used in conjunction with another material because it absorbs at a slower pace.
- Wool – Wool is used more often in diaper covers than in the actual diaper. It is resistant to bacterial growth and you can soap it to make it water resistant. However, wool requires a lot more maintenance than some other materials.
Tips for Maintaining Cloth Diapers
Once you have decided to use cloth diapers you need to know how to maintain them. Here are a few tips on how to keep up your cloth diapers.
Use a wet/dry bag
Wet bags are made of waterproof or plastic material and are double layered for protection. They are great for traveling as you can put the messy diaper inside and keep it from soiling other things until you can get it into the wash.
Invest in a diaper genie
Diaper genies are special trash cans designed specifically for diapers. They have an airtight seal to keep odors in and seven-layered bags. While you can just use a garbage can with lid, a diaper genie will hold the smell in better.
Wash your diapers frequently
In order to avoid stains and odors setting in, and your stash running low, don’t let your dirty diapers sit for too long. Make a routine of when and how often to wash diapers.
Instead of diaper creams, use baby powder
Diaper creams will stain the diaper and it also make it less absorbent. Using baby powder will have the same results as a diaper cream.
Use cloth wipes
Instead of baby wipes with chemicals on them, it is best to use cloth or flannel wipes soaked in water.
Strip your diapers if necessary
If you find that your diapers are smelling bad even when they’re washed, or that they are starting to repel urine, you may need to strip them. This will refresh them and increase their life span. Buildup occurs on your diapers when they’re washed frequently in untreated hot water, when you’re using the wrong detergent, or you’re using diaper cream.
Use non-oil base laundry detergent
To make sure that your cloth diapers stay absorbent, use a laundry detergent that does not have oil in it.
Best Cloth Diapers
Gerber Birdseye 3-Ply Pre-folded Cloth Diapers by Gerber
If you are looking for a plain cloth diaper that can double as a burp cloth, then Gerber Birdseye Pre-folded Cloth Diaper is a great choice.
This cloth diaper is made of 100 percent cotton, and the fabric is lightweight and quick-drying because of the Birdseye weave.
This versatile cloth diaper is perfect for using as a burp cloth as you can customize the fold. Each of the cloth diapers measures 20 inches by 14 inches.
- 100% cotton
- Lightweight Birdseye weave
- 3-ply
- Quick-drying
- Customizable fold
- Low price range
Cons:
- Not very thick
- Needs a diaper cover
- May shrink when washed
- Stains easily
- Wears down quickly
Babygoal Adjustable Reusable Pocket Cloth Diapers
If you are looking for a cloth diaper that will stand up over time, then you may want to consider the Babygoal Adjustable Reusable Pocket Cloth Diaper.
This cloth diaper is one-size-fits-all with double row snaps that ensure a proper fit. Your child can wear these from birth to potty training age due to the adjustable snaps.
The diapers are made of polyester with a suede inside layer to wick away moisture. Each diaper has a microfiber insert to absorb moisture, which becomes more absorbent with each wash. The outside is a waterproof material to stop leakage.
- One-size adjustable for a variety of ages
- Made of breathable material that wicks away moisture
- Microfiber insert to absorb moisture
- Waterproof exterior
- Biodegradable material
- double gussets prevent leaks
Cons:
- Inserts must be washed multiple times before they are absorbent
- Synthentic materials
- Higher price range
If you’re looking for a versatile cloth diaper that will fit for several years, you may want to try the Alvababy Cloth Diaper. This diaper has rows of snaps that you can adjust to fit from birth through potty training.
Alvababy’s diapers are made from 100% microfiber terry cloth, and have an inner section of suede cloth that wicks away moisture from baby’s skin. The outer layer of this diaper is a waterproof and breathable PUL.
- Fully adjustable for a variety of sizes
- Waterproof and breathable outer layer
- Suede inner section to wick away moisture
- Comes in a variety of patterns and colors
Cons:
- May not fit children over 33 lbs
- Not suitable for overnight wear
- Can be bulky
- Higher price range
- Synthetic materials
OsoCozy Pre-folded Unbleached Cloth Diapers by OsoCozy
A basic, economical cloth diaper is the OsoCozy Pre-folded Unbleached Cloth Diaper, a very affordable option.
This cloth diaper comes in two sizes so you can find a size to fit from birth to potty training. Each diaper is 4 by 8 by 4 – meaning it has eight layers in the middle with four layers on each of the outer layers to provide durability and absorbency.
The OsoCozy cloth diaper is made of 100% unbleached Indian cotton which makes for a lint-free gauze weave.
- Two sizes
- 4x8x4 for durability and absorbency
- 100% unbleached Indian cotton
- Low price range
Cons:
- Thick and bulky
- Requires a diaper cover
- Diapers will shrink after several washings
- Not suitable for overnight wear
- Material can be scratchy
Humble Bebe Pre-folded Cloth Diapers by Humble Bebe
The Humble Bebe Pre-folded Cloth Diaper works great on its own or can be used as an insert. It’s made of premium unbleached cotton and has no toxic chemicals.
These cloth diapers have eight layers in the middle with four layers on either side for extra durability and absorbency.
Humble Bebe can be used from newborn to toddler. These cloth diapers are recommended as a pre-fold for infants 10-18 pounds and as an insert for children from 18-30 pounds.
- Made of premium unbleached cotton
- No toxic chemicals
- Can double as burp cloths
- 4x8x4 for durability and absorbency
- Can be used from newborn to toddler
Cons:
- Diapers shrink significantly
- Not as absorbent as other cloth diapers
- Higher price range
OHBABYKA Bamboo Cloth Diaper by Ohbabyka
Ohbabyka Bamboo Cloth Diaper is an adjustable diaper that can be used from birth to potty training. The Ohbabyka has a 100% polyester PUL outer layer that comes in a large variety of colors and designs. The inside is made of charcoal bamboo fleece.
The diaper has a pocket opening for an insert to make it more absorbent.
- 100% polyester PUL outer layer
- Charcoal bamboo inner layer
- Fully adjustable for a variety of sizes
- Available in many colors and designs
- Pocket opening for an insert
Cons:
- Not suitable for overnight wear
- Can be bulky
- Higher price range
Fasoar Prefold Cloth Diapers
Fasoar diapers are an economical option for flat cloth diapers. The 6-ply diapers are made of 100% unbleached cotton in a lint-free, tightly-woven gauze. They do not contain any toxic chemicals and are gentle on your baby’s skin.
Each diaper has 2x6x2 layers of cotton with a highly absorbent middle layer, and they are breathable and comfortable.
The diapers measure 19.5 inches by 14 inches and can be used for infants as well as toddlers.
- 100% unbleached cotton
- No toxic chemicals
- Long-lasting
- Medium price range
Cons:
- Fewer layers than some diapers
- Can shrink in the wash
If you are looking for a cloth diaper with lots of design options, then you might want to consider Nora’s Nursery.
These diapers have an adjustable snap layout that can fit infants up to toddlers so you save money as these diapers grow with your child.
These diapers have a waterproof cover, snug leg openings, and breathable suede cloth for absorbency to prevent leaks. The four-layer bamboo polyester inserts become more absorbent and softer with every wash.
Nora’s Nursery Cloth Diapers have a 100% money-back guarantee. They come in many designs, and even come with a wet/dry bag for storage.
- Fully adjustable for a variety of sizes
- Waterproof cover
- Comes with bamboo inserts
- 100% money back guarantee.
- Comes with a wet/dry bag for storage
- Comes in many designs
Cons:
- Higher price range
bumGenius Freetime Snap Closure Cloth Diaper by bumGenius
bumGenius Freetime Snap Closure diapers are an all-in-one option for your newborn. It’s made out of soft suede on the inside with a laminated polyester outer cover to prevent leaks. The cover has stretch for a custom fit and shape.
These diapers have semi-attached inserts that allow you to customize where you need the most absorbency. The back and legs are stretchy to keep in moisture and give your baby comfort.
- Waterproof outer cover
- Stretches for custom fit and shape
- Comes with semi-attached inserts
- Area for adding more inserts
- Stretchy elastic at back and legs
Cons:
- High price range
- Limited colors and designs
LBB Reusable Cloth Pocket Diapers
If you are looking for an inexpensive pocket diaper, then you may want to consider the LBB Cloth Pocket Diaper. With three rows of snaps, you can easily adjust this cloth diaper from birth to toddler. The waist tabs overlap for extra small waist.
This diaper has a breathable TPU waterproof exterior. The inner layer is a suede cloth that wicks moisture away from your baby’s skin. The insert is a three-layer microfiber that is extra absorbent.
- TPU waterproof exterior
- Fully adjustable for a variety of sizes
- Adjustable waist tabs
- Inner suede lining that wicks away moisture
- Extra absorbent insert
- Medium price range
Cons:
- Fit can be inaccurate
- Not as absorbent as other diapers
- Limited colors and designs
The Winner
After looking at all of these products and considering the different styles such as prefold, contour, fitted, pocket, and all-in-one, our winner is Nora’s Nursery.
These diapers were a clear winner for the adjustable snap layout, waterproof cover, snug leg openings, and breathable suede interior. Another added bonus is the money-back guarantee and the wet/dry bag that is included.
Whatever option you go with, find one that fits your baby’s shape and suits both of your needs the best.
