A Beginner’s Guide on How to Use Cloth Diapers

TL;DR

Cloth diapers have come a long way from the plain cotton langot; today you get prefolds, hybrids, all-in-ones, pocket and one-size options. They are reusable and can work out cheaper over time and gentler on landfill than disposables, though washing uses water and energy, so both have trade-offs (AAP). Two things matter most for success: change cloth often (cloth holds moisture closer to the skin, so change every 2 to 3 hours and immediately after a poop, no diaper type prevents rash on its own) (Mayo Clinic), and wash them right (rinse solids, wash warm, and NEVER use fabric softener, which ruins absorbency) (NHS). Keep 1 to 2 dozen on hand for a newborn.

Quick Answer

Cloth diapers come in several types: prefold (cheapest, needs a cover), hybrid (cloth or disposable inserts), all-in-one (cover and absorbent layer in one), pocket (stuff your own insert), and one-size (grows with your baby via snaps). To use one, assemble the insert or cover, snap it to fit, and fasten it snugly with the leg cuffs pulled out. Change every 2 to 3 hours and immediately after a poop, since cloth keeps moisture near the skin. Keep about 1 to 2 dozen for a newborn. To wash: shake off solids, rinse, machine wash, and skip fabric softener. Many families use cloth at home and disposables when travelling.

Author: Mylo Editorial Team, Mylo Parenting Desk Medically reviewed by: Mylo Editorial Board, aligned with NHS, AAP and IAP (Indian Academy of Pediatrics) guidance Last updated: 16 July 2026

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If your baby develops a rash that is severe, blistering, bleeding, spreading or not improving in a few days, or comes with fever, please consult your paediatrician.

Key Takeaways

• Cloth diaper types: prefold, hybrid, all-in-one, pocket and one-size
• Prefolds are cheapest but need a separate waterproof cover
• One-size diapers use snaps to grow with your baby
• No diaper prevents rash on its own; frequent changing does (Mayo Clinic)
• Cloth holds moisture closer to skin, so change every 2 to 3 hours, sooner if soiled
• Keep 1 to 2 dozen cloth diapers for a newborn (babies use 10 to 12 a day)
• Washing rule: rinse solids, wash warm, and NEVER use fabric softener (NHS)
• Both cloth and disposable have cost and environmental trade-offs (AAP)

Types of Cloth Diapers

Are Cloth Diapers Better Than Disposable?

There is no single winner; it comes down to your budget, lifestyle and environmental priorities (AAP) (Raising Children Network).

• Cost: Cloth costs more up front but is reused many times, so it can save money over months and years, especially with a one-size diaper that lasts through growth.
• Convenience and travel: Disposables are quicker on the go. With cloth, you carry a waterproof "wet bag" for soiled diapers. Many families do both, cloth at home, disposable when travelling.
• Environment: Cloth cuts down landfill waste, but washing uses water, energy and detergent, so it is not automatically "greener." Neither option is perfect.
• Skin: An honest point, cloth is not automatically better for skin and does not prevent rash. Because cloth holds moisture closer to the skin, it actually needs changing sooner. Note that cloth diaper covers use a waterproof layer (usually PUL), so "completely chemical-free" is not accurate.

You may also like: Cloth diapers vs disposable diapers: pros and cons

How to Use Cloth Diapers

Using cloth is much like using a disposable, with a little assembly first (stuffing an insert or clipping on a cover, depending on the type).

• Assemble: Add the insert (pocket type) or lay the insert in the cover (prefold/hybrid). All-in-ones are ready to go
• Adjust the size: Snaps or Velcro along the top adjust the waist; snaps down the front make the diaper bigger or smaller (rise)
• Fasten snugly: Not too tight, and importantly, pull the leg cuffs out to prevent leaks. You should fit two fingers at the waist
• Know when to change: Cloth feels heavy, saggy or damp when it needs changing, and unlike disposables it has no wetness indicator, so check often
• Use a liner with barrier cream: If you apply diaper cream, place a liner between the cream and the cloth. Zinc oxide and petroleum creams coat the fibres and reduce absorbency

How Many Cloth Diapers Do You Need?

Keep enough to cover a full wash cycle without running out.

Using cloth and disposable together lowers how many cloth diapers you need.

How to Wash Cloth Diapers

1. Remove the insert and shake solids into the toilet. Then give the diaper a quick rinse
2. Store until wash day in a dry pail or wet bag. You do not need to soak cloth nappies before washing, though you may soak briefly to lift stains if you wish (NHS)
3. Wash: A cold rinse followed by a warm or hot wash works well. Machine or hand wash with a mild detergent, and always check the care label (many cloth diapers wash at up to 60°C)
4. NEVER use fabric softener or heavily scented products; they coat the fabric and destroy absorbency, causing leaks
5. Dry in sunlight where possible, the sun helps remove stains and odour, and make sure diapers are fully dry before reuse

Cloth Diaper Tips for Parents

• Dry in the sun to speed drying and naturally fade stains and smell
• Run a wash every night or two so you rarely run short of clean diapers
• Carry a wet bag when travelling to hold soiled diapers
• Pre-wash new cloth diapers a few times before first use, cotton and bamboo reach full absorbency only after several washes
• Reuse or pass on: once your baby is out of diapers, one-size cloth diapers can be donated or resold

Indian Context

Cloth diapering suits India well, it is economical and the strong sun makes line-drying easy and hygienic. In hot, humid weather, change cloth even more often, as trapped moisture and heat raise rash risk, and allow some nappy-free air time. During the monsoon, when sunlight is scarce, make sure diapers dry completely, a slightly damp diaper can grow mildew and smell. Skip talcum powder in the diaper area, and if a rash keeps returning despite frequent changes, see your paediatrician, as it may be a fungal (candida) rash needing specific treatment (Cleveland Clinic).

Myths vs Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change a cloth diaper?

Every 2 to 3 hours, and immediately after a poop. Cloth holds moisture closer to the skin than disposables, so it needs changing sooner to prevent rash (Mayo Clinic).

How many cloth diapers do I need?

About 1.5 to 2 dozen for a newborn (who uses 10 to 12 a day), and roughly 1 to 1.5 dozen for an older baby. Keep enough to last a full wash-and-dry cycle.

Can I use diaper rash cream with cloth diapers?

Yes, but place a liner between the cream and the cloth. Zinc oxide and petroleum creams coat the fibres and reduce absorbency if applied directly.

What should I never do when washing cloth diapers?

Never use fabric softener or heavily scented laundry products, as they coat the fabric and ruin absorbency. Also avoid storing them damp, which causes mildew and odour.

Are cloth diapers better than disposables?

Neither is simply "better." Cloth saves money over time and cuts landfill waste but needs washing; disposables are more convenient, especially on the go. Many parents use cloth at home and disposables while travelling.

References

1. American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org). Diapers: Disposable or Cloth? www.healthychildren.org
2. NHS. How to change your baby's nappy. www.nhs.uk
3. NHS. Nappy rash. www.nhs.uk
4. Mayo Clinic. Diaper rash: Symptoms and causes. www.mayoclinic.org
5. Cleveland Clinic. Yeast Diaper Rash (Candidal Diaper Dermatitis). my.clevelandclinic.org
6. Raising Children Network. Cloth nappies vs disposable nappies. raisingchildren.net.au