The 10 Best Cloth Diapers

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Cloth diapers are reusable and eco-friendly, and they can be budget-friendly, especially if used for multiple children. Because of these factors, many parents are choosing to use cloth diapers instead of, or in addition to, disposable diapers. Cloth diapers make a great addition to any dream baby registry. The best cloth diapers will match your lifestyle and budget.

There are so many types of cloth diapers on the market at varying costs from flats and prefolds to fitted and pocket to all-in-ones and all-in-twos. You will likely use multiple types rather than a single style for your baby, and you'll want to make sure the material is durable and easy to clean. Once you are familiar and well-stocked with all the cloth diapering essentials, they will be easy to use or switch between disposable diapers for trips, daycare, or life on the go. We researched popular options from the top brands with these features in mind.

Use this guide to find the best cloth diapers for your needs.

Best Overall

Esembly Try-It Kit

ESEMBLY TRY-IT KIT

ESEMBLY

Pros
  • Good way to test cloth diapers

  • Starter kit comes with wet bag

Cons
  • Will require additional diapers for long-term use

Esembly makes it super easy to find the right cloth diaper via their custom quiz, which is why it is our top pick. Based on a few questions, the site helps parents build their own diapering system, based on needs, baby’s size, and full or part-time cloth diaper use.

For roughly $70, you will receive a trial kit that contains three cotton inners and one waterproof outer, which snap securely around your baby's waist. The outer is offered in one solid color and three playful patterns. The kit also comes with a drawstring pouch for dirty diapers, a 12-ounce bag of their Washing Powder, and a sample of their Everyday Balm and Rash Relief Cream. This kit is great for beginners, but you will need to purchase more diapers separately if you plan to use them long-term.

The inners and outers are easy to wash, but note that the brand recommends running it through two cycles with their Washing Powder: a quick wash or normal cycle with warm water and then heavy-duty with hot water. Sanitary or allergen cycles are not recommended as the water temperature is too hot and will damage the fabric. Afterward, they can be tossed in the dryer or line-dried once fully washed.

In addition to the contents of the kit, the site also sells cloth wipes, overnight boosters, cloth diaper liners, cloth diaper storage solutions, deodorizers, and so much more. A one-stop cloth diapering shop, this site is a great way to stock up for all cloth diapering needs.

Key Specs:
Sizes:
7 to 17 pounds, 18 to 35 pounds | Features: Inner liners and waterproof outer covers

Best Affordable

ALVABABY Cloth Diapers

ALVABABY Baby Cloth Diapers

Amazon

Pros
  • Affordable

  • 3 by 3 snaps provide flexible fitting

  • Room for single or double inserts

Cons
  • May not last through multiple kids

Parents find these diapers to be a great value; the well-priced pack includes six diapers and 12 inserts. While some reviewers find they’re not super long-lasting, this choice is still highly recommended, and for many, the value outweighs any issues.

Appropriate for babies from 6 to 33 pounds, these pocket diapers require an insert, giving parents some flexibility in the absorbency level by using bigger or double inserts. The 3 by 3 snaps allow for a lot of fit adjustments and by overlapping snaps, these cloth diapers will provide a secure fit for newborns.

Key Specs:
Sizes:
6 to 33 pounds | Features: Pocket diapers, insert is required

Best All-in-One

Bambino Mio Miosolo All-in-One Cloth Diaper

Bambino Mio, miosolo classic all-in-one cloth diaper

Amazon

Pros
  • One size fits most

  • Easy to use and clean

  • Long-lasting

Cons
  • May be hard to reposition insert after washing

Parents love these all-in-one diapers for so many reasons, including the cute patterns, sizing that grows with the baby, and the super absorbent style. Fitting babies from 8 to 35 pounds, the easy-to-adjust snaps and hooks enable a secure fit.

The super absorbent core and stay-dry inner layer keep moisture away from the baby. To wash, a thick insert comes out and then gets stuffed back in when clean and dry. The only complaint from parents is it can be tricky to reposition the insert correctly after washing.

Key Specs:
Sizes:
8 to 35 pounds | Features: Tuck in pocket holds insert

Best for Newborns

Thirsties Natural Newborn All in One

NATURAL ONE SIZE FITTED

Thirsties

Pros
  • Trim fitting for newborns

  • Super soft fabric

  • Easy to use

Cons
  • Limited use past newborn phase

  • Whole diaper must be washed when soiled 

These all-in-one diapers are designed specifically for the needs and size of a new baby (and tired, new parents). Easy to use and trim fitting, there’s a snap closure option with an umbilical cord snap-down feature to lower the waistband for newborns. Best for 5 to 14 pounds, these diapers do have a limited lifetime use, and since newborns require very frequent diaper changes, they’re an investment in cloth diapering.

Key Specs:
Sizes:
5 to 14 pounds | Features: Umbilical cord snap down

Best Flats

Oso Cozy Organic Flat Cloth Diapers

Oso Cozy Organic Flat Cloth Diapers

Source: Oso Cozy

Pros
  • Affordable

  • Repurpose them as burp cloths, rags, etc. 

  • Dries quickly

Cons
  • Harder to learn how to fold/secure

  • Requires waterproof shell over the flat

Flats are the original cloth diapers. Made from big, rectangular pieces of fabric, they need to be folded, clipped, and covered with a waterproof shell. While they are easy to wash, dry quickly, and very inexpensive, they can be the trickiest for parents to get right and can be bulky and odd-fitting for some babies. Sold in two sizes, 27 x 30 inches or 27 x 27 inches, these flats require some education in how to fold the diaper, so it fits best for your baby.

Key Specs:
Size:
27 x 30 inches | Features: Made of organic cotton

Best Pocket Diapers and Splurge

Kanga Care Rumparooz Reusable Cloth Diaper

Kanga Care Rumparooz Cloth Diaper

Amazon

Pros
  • Provide multiple levels of protection

  • Four size settings

  • Multiple patterns

Cons
  • Whole diaper must be washed when soiled

Pocket diapers feature inside pockets that hold absorbent inserts and have waterproof exteriors. Parents can adjust the insert size, position, and layering for different levels of absorbency, giving the right level of protection for each child. These diapers fit babies 6 to 40 pounds.

Each diaper comes with two “soaker” inserts that can be positioned six different ways depending on the need, gender, and baby’s age. Patented inner gussets on both legs prevent leaks and messes from escaping out of the diaper. While well-loved by many parents, some reviewers find the fit is on the smaller side, so may not work best for larger babies.

Key Specs:
Sizes:
6 to 40 pounds | Features: Two inserts can be positioned six different ways, gusseted legs prevent leaks

Best for Potty Training

Skhl Toddler Training Pants Underwear

Skhls Baby Toddler Thick Absorbent Potty Training Pants

Amazon

Pros
  • Multiple designs and sizes

  • Helps with potty training 

  • Very absorbent

Cons
  • Older kids may find designs babyish

  • Won’t hold bowel movements or large leaks

Training underwear is purposely made to look and feel more like real underwear while still catching small accidents. An elastic waist makes it easy for kids to pull them up and down like underwear. Only partially waterproof, these are not recommended for overnight use or naps. Sold in packs of eight, these come in sizes from 2T to 6T. An outer cotton shell has fun styles, while the inner liner is made from polyester and a waterproof fabric for maximum absorbency.

Key Specs:
Sizes:
2T to 6T | Features: Sold in packs of 8

Best Fitted

GroV.I.A. One Diapers

GroV.I.A. One Diapers

 Amazon

Pros
  • Very absorbent

  • Good for overnight use

  • Multiple designs and sizes

Cons
  • Requires new diaper for each change

  • Must be machine washed multiple times before use

Fitted cloth diapers are ready-to-wear, made entirely from absorbent fabric, and require a waterproof cover that goes over the diaper. With elastic openings on the legs, they close with snaps around the waist. If you know how to change diapers, this will be a piece of cake. Simply swap the diaper for a fresh one and reuse the waterproof cover.

Parents love that there’s no prepping necessary with this diaper and find them ultra-absorbent. The standard size fits babies weighing 10 to 35 pounds, and there’s a newborn version made just for babies weighing 5 to 12 pounds. Many reviewers find these to be the most absorbent of the many cloth diapers they’ve tried, and they work especially well for overnight use.

Key Specs:
Size:
10 to 35 pounds, 5 to 12 pounds | Features: Two types of closures

Best Organic

Osocozy Fitted Organic Diaper

Osocozy Fitted Organic Diaper

Amazon

Pros
  • Made from organic materials

  • Affordable

Cons
  • No decorative styles or colors 

Some parents prefer organic cloth diapers over standard cloth diapers. It can be an extra precaution that’ll prevent exposing delicate baby skin to the chemicals and potential pesticides used in growing and processing cotton or limit exposure to other textiles like latex. These diapers are made in the United States from 100 percent unbleached GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certified organic cotton. Hourglass-shaped, they close with durable snap fasteners, are available in two sizes, and have gentle elastic bands on the legs and waist.

Key Specs:
Sizes:
7 to 18 pounds, 18 to 30 pounds | Features: Snap fasteners

Best for Swimming

Charlie Banana Reusable Swim Diaper

Charlie Banana Baby Reusable and Washable Swim Diaper

Amazon

Pros
  • Waterproof outer layer and absorbent inner layer

  • Helps with potty training

  • Multiple patterns and sizes

Cons
  • Whole diaper must be washed when soiled

  • Not for overnight or long-term wear

Cloth diapering families don’t need to go the disposable route for swim diapers with these cute, reusable swim diapers. Made in four sizes, these diapers have elastic leg bands and adjustable waist drawstrings to ensure a secure fit. There’s a waterproof outer layer and a highly absorbent Tencel Lyocell layer inside. After swimming, simply wash and wear again. In addition to swimming, some parent reviewers find these are great for the first step of potty training since they’re more like underwear than diapers.

Key Specs:
Sizes:
Small to X-Large | Features: Multiple patterns and designs

Final Verdict

For a diaper that's easy to use and absorbent, check out Bambino Mio Miosolo All-in-One Cloth Diaper (view on Bambino Mio). It earned our Best Overall pick thanks to its adorable patterns, easy-to-adjust snaps and hooks, and stay-dry inner layer. If you're looking for a bundle that's budget-friendly, there's the ALVABABY Cloth Diapers (view on Amazon). Recommended for babies from 6 to 33 pounds, these pocket diapers require an insert, giving parents some flexibility in the absorbency level by using bigger or double inserts.

What to Look for When Buying Cloth Diapers

Cloth vs. Disposable

Cloth diapers come in a variety of designs and are often more affordable than disposable diapers. However, they do require a greater time commitment and a larger upfront investment, says Jaime Rochelle Herndon, MS, MPH

For instance, if you do use cloth diapers, you need to make sure you're changing the diapers regularly to avoid chafing and diaper rash. The fabric in cloth diapers doesn't draw wetness away from the skin like disposable diapers.

Likewise, with cloth diapers, you will need to allow extra time for cleaning and sanitizing your diapers. If you had a particularly hard birth experience or if you have little help at home, this can be a significant consideration. Cloth diapers also can be really frustrating for families who have hectic schedules, especially because you may be doing as many as three additional loads of laundry each week.

Type

Many modern cloth diapers do not require safety pins or plastic covers like more traditional cloth diapers required in years past. In fact, there are several types of cloth diaper products from which to choose, and some are as easy to use as disposables.

  • Flats and Prefolds: Prefolds are rectangular, so you have to fold them, fasten them with a diaper clip, and add a cover over them because they are not waterproof. When the diaper is soiled, you can put a new prefold inside the same cover if the cover is still clean.
  • Fitted Cloth Diapers: These are made out of absorbent material with leg and back elastic and snaps or Velcro closures. They do not have a waterproof outside, so you need a cover over them. If the cover is still clean, you can reuse it and only replace the fitted cloth diaper when changing.
  • Contour Diapers: They are contoured to fit your baby, meaning they fit snugly around the legs, but they do require a pin or diaper clip to secure them. They also require a cover in order to be waterproof, which you can reuse as long as it's not dirty.
  • Pocket Diapers: They have a waterproof layer, which means no cover is necessary, and look a lot like a disposable diaper. Inside, you'll find a stay-dry lining with a pocket in which you place a diaper insert or a prefold for more absorbency. 
  • All-in-Ones(AIOs): AIOs are similar to disposables, except they are made of cloth. Like the pocket diaper, they have a waterproof outside and have multiple inside absorbent layers that you can fold for more absorbency as needed. AIOs are used once, and then a new one must replace them.
  • Hybrids/All-in-Twos(AI2s): AI2 diapers often have detachable absorbency layers inside which allow you to customize absorbency more efficiently. This feature also allows you to remove a soiled insert and snap in a new, clean one—as long as the rest of the diaper is clean. 

Cost

In the long run, cloth diapers can be a much more economical alternative to disposable diapers. However, it's possible that an initial diaper stash could cost around $400 to $600.

This investment can be significant, especially when you factor in other supplies you might need. But most of the time you can use this stash the entire time your child is in diapers—and you can use them for your next child, too.

Some parents are skeptical that cloth diapers truly save money in the long run, especially if you look at some of the more expensive cloth diaper products. For instance, cloth diapers can cost up to $20 each, and some options are even more expensive.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do I start cloth diapering?

    As you embark on your journey on learning about cloth diapers, you may want to start by purchasing just a few diapers secondhand in different styles. Purchasing secondhand will help you keep costs down, and having a variety to test will give you some time to determine which style works best for you.

    Additionally, you can experiment with combination diapering. In this scenario, you might use cloth diapers when you will be home and disposables when you are out and about. Or perhaps you prefer using cloth during the day and disposables overnight to cut down on the number of nighttime changes. If you lose power for a few days and cannot use your washing machine to clean your cloth diapers, you may be happy to have some disposables on hand.

    If you do decide that cloth diapers work for you and your family, you may want to invest in a few supplies that will make the process more efficient. For instance, many people who use cloth diapers have found that using a bidet or sprayer in the bathroom to rinse the solids out of the baby's diaper and into the toilet is more helpful than other methods (like swishing the diaper around in the toilet).

  • What's the best way to clean cloth diapers?

    Once dirty, you should rinse the cloth diaper under warm water immediately. However, if your baby is not yet eating solids, this may not be necessary, especially if you are breastfeeding. If your baby or child is eating solids, flush any solid waste down the toilet.

    Place dirty diapers in a cloth diaper bag or diaper pail with a liner in it. Disposable liners can be thrown in the trash or flushed in the toilet as long as the package indicates that they are flushable. Most brands suggest that you wash cloth diapers every two days, three days max. Doing so helps prevent smells and ammonia build-up in the diapers.

    Keep in mind that once a smell gets locked into the fabric, it can be very hard to get out. You also will need to wash the wet bag or pail liner with each load. Just follow the guidelines provided by the diaper manufacturers. It's also a good idea to wash the diapers alone and not with other baby items.

    Use plenty of detergent and run an additional rinse cycle to make sure all the detergent is rinsed off the diapers in order to avoid skin irritation. Keep it simple, and skip any extras like adding fabric softener to avoid irritation or skin reactions. There are disinfectants that can be added to the wash, but these should be used sparingly and only on occasion.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of an 11-year-old son, an 8-year-old son, and a 4-year old daughter. Maya hasn’t used cloth diapers for any of her three kids, but fun fact: Maya’s mom used cloth diapers on Maya and her two sisters.

3 Sources
Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Seitenwerkstatt D. The Standard - worldwide leading for organic textile production - GOTS.

  2. American Academy of Pediatrics. Diapers: disposable or cloth?.

  3. Real Diaper Association. Diaper facts.