Cloth Diapers for a Newborn

Please note that this is an old post :)

For current newborn cloth diapering information please click the Newborn category.

The most common question I get asked is in regards to cloth diapering a newborn.

How many will I need? What size do I buy? What works best?

For a more detailed answer refer to the section on Newborns in The Ultimate Guide to Cloth Diapers.

All systems can work for a newborn. All-In-Ones like the Thirsties Pocket AIO offer an umbilical notch in the x-small size. Thirsties also provides extra protection in the form of double gussets. This helps keep in those famous newborn poops.

Pockets seem to be a favorite with new cloth diapering parents. My friend Leslie of Leslie's Boutique tells me that Fuzzi Bunz are and have always been the top seller in her store.

Fuzzi Bunz are a front snapping pocket diaper with a soft microfleece inner. They come in a wide variety of colors and sizes to ensure a great fit. I have heard many stories of moms using the same Fuzzi Bunz on multiple children of a span of years. That makes the investment truly economical!

Because of the popularity of Fuzzi Bunz, Leslie offers great starter packages that include: diapers, sprayer, Charlies Soap and a wetbag! Sweet deal!

Besides AIOs and Pockets, there are fitteds and prefolds. I prefer these systems because of the breathable natural fibers.

Prefolds are so versatile and have a long life. Prefolds can be stuffed in a pocket, snappied or pinned on, or trifolded in a cover. The cover can be made of Polyurethane Laminate (PUL), fleece or wool. Wool is a champion cover. Abby's Lane has a great selection of covers in each of these materials.

Fitteds are my favorite choice for a newborn (or any age for that matter). I love the fabric, print, softness, and absorbency choices when choosing a fitted cloth diaper. Kissaluvs size 0 are a phenomenal newborn choice. They are on the lower price end for fitted diapers and they hold everything in – where it should be!

One-size fitteds are where I see the best deal in cloth diapering. Most One-size diapers have an approximate weight range of 8-32lbs. They offer an extra snap to snap down an umbilical notch. Although bulky on a newborn and more expensive than sized diapers, the advantage of lasting through most of your child's diaper life makes it well worth it.

The number of diapers you need will vary depending on system you use. All-In-Ones and Pockets may be changed less by the parent because they aren't as easy to tell if they are wet. A fitted and prefolds become wet very quickly therefore needing to be changed more often.

Approximately 10 AIOs or pockets are needed if washing daily. 12-15 fitteds and 2 dozen prefolds will get you through a day. As far as covers, with prefolds there is more of a chance the cover will be soiled so you will need more than if using fitteds. 6-8 covers for prefolds, 4-5 covers for fitteds. If you are using just wool then 2 or 3 wool pieces will suffice.

That was a quick, highly abbreviated rundown but it will get you on the right track to cloth diapering your newborn.

In March I wrote about cloth diapering a newborn as well in “How To Cloth Diaper A Newborn“.