9 Best Cloth Diapers to Keep Baby Covered

Cloth diapers have been a go-to choice for environmentally conscious parents for decades. But cloth diapering has come a long way from the safety pins and cotton pads of your grandparents’ generation; the technology has advanced over the last few years, making it easier than ever to swath your bundle of joy in a diaper you can wash and reuse. There are even different types of cloth diapers, giving parents plenty of options.

Want to dive into the world of cloth diapers? Here’s what you need to know about the various styles you’re likely to come across, as well as how to use these washable diapers. While you’re at it, check out our top picks—there’s bound to be something in the mix that’ll be a great fit for your growing family.

Types of Reusable Diapers

There are a lot (like, a lot!) of cloth diapering options out there, but we’ve narrowed the playing field down to four of the most popular cloth diapering categories:

• All-in-one cloth diapers. These diapers are considered the easiest, least-fussy option. They’re ideal if you’re asking others, like grandparents and babysitters, to change baby’s diaper too. Here, an absorbent pad is sewn directly to a fastener-free waterproof cover. When baby soils an all-in-one, you remove the whole shebang and toss it in the laundry. You’ll pay more ($15 to $25 a pop) for the convenience, and you’ll want to note that these generally take the longest to dry.

• Hybrid diapers. Also known as all-in-twos, these have a removable pad insert that can either be washable or disposable. Because of this, parents have added flexibility. Plus, hybrid covers can withstand several uses before getting tossed in the laundry. Like all-in-ones, all-in-two cloth diapers can be purchased sized or as a one-size-adjusts-to-all diaper, and they generally cost between $20 to $25.

• Pocket diapers. These consist of an attached waterproof cover, a stay-dry lining and a pocket within the lining to insert an absorbent pad. (You can switch out pads depending on the absorbency you need.) When baby dirties the diaper, you slide out the insert and wash them both. They come in both a one-size option and sized varieties, but know that parents say these diapers are on the bulkier side. Pockets run between about $7 and $20.

• Prefold cloth diapers. This is simply layered cotton fabric folded to mold to baby’s bum, like what your grandma or her mom may have used. A cover is worn over it to keep the diaper in place. When baby poops or pees, remove the prefold and replace with a fresh one. The same cover goes right back on. This is the least expensive option (roughly $1 to $3 per diaper), but they have the steepest learning curve and you’ll need to continue to size up as baby grows.

When it comes down to it though, “the best type to choose is really very much a personal preference,” says Gina Posner, MD, a board-certified pediatrician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.

How to Use Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapering does require a little more work than their disposable counterparts (and many daycares won’t use them). But they’re not as difficult or intimidating to use as they seem. Keep these notes in mind when using cloth diapers:

• They’re usually easy to secure. The cloth diapers of your grandparents’ generation would often be held in place with a safety pin, which is an obvious safety hazard. Today’s cloth diapers are usually secured with snaps or Velcro, Posner says.

• Care instructions can vary. It’s always important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cloth diapers, but there are some general things to keep in mind. “If there is poop, most people will dump that in the toilet, flush that down and then throw the diaper in the wash,” says Posner. Wet diapers can usually be rinsed and tossed in the washing machine. There are diaper cleaning services available in some areas, but it’s much more cost-efficient to simply wash them yourself, notes Posner.

• You’ll need to buy several cloth diapers. There is no exact science to this, and a lot depends on the stage, says Posner. “In the newborn stage, getting about 36 is good because you can wash them every couple of days,” she says. “Later on, you may only need 24 and then maybe 20 in the toddler stage.”

• Cloth diapers are an investment. Cloth diapers require an upfront investment, with many costing $20 or more each. That means spending hundreds of dollars to get started, and potentially (but not always) swapping them out as baby grows. While going the cloth diaper route may save you some money in the long-run (disposable diapers add up!), Posner cautions that it’s not guaranteed.

The Best Cloth Diapers

Now that you’ve got the quick-and-dirty basics (pun intended!), it’s time to delve into the best cloth diapers and brands for you.

How We Chose the Best Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers can be an environmentally-friendly option for diapering baby, but they’re definitely an investment. To help you choose wisely, we spoke to a board-certified pediatrician for insight on what to look for in these diapers, as well as what parents can expect when they use them. Then we leveraged our familiarity with the most popular options on the market, and narrowed the field based on elements like ease of use, quality of materials and value. We also analyzed reviews from real parents to get the best sense of how these perform for a range of families, making sure to avoid products that have an average review under four stars.

Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.