What Size? and How Many?

For many first-time cloth diaperers, all-in-ones and pocket diapers seem like they are the easiest choice because they don't require a cover. Because newborns are harder to fit and require so many diapers, most people are happiest with a combination of pre-folds and newborn fitted diapers with a handful of all in ones and/or pocket diapers to try. As baby grows, you can experiment with different styles and make choices about which diapers you want for the next size up. Newborn size generally fits for the first 6-8 weeks; small for 3-4 months. Infant pre-folds will fit from birth-4 months or so and can be used as doublers or pocket inserts for the duration of diapering. You’ll need 2-3 dozen diapers to start with.

Putting it in perspective: The initial cost of specialty cloth diapers seems like a huge chunk to shell out at first, but consider this: a new parent using disposable Pampers Swaddlers typically spends around $276.00 - $ 316.80 in four months (or more). Cloth diapering doesn’t have to be expensive, consider pre-folds and simple covers and you can start cloth diapering for under $100.00.