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Disposable diapers are convenient, keep baby dry, and — could spend more than 450 years in a landfill before they decompose. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in 2018 alone, Americans generated 4.1 million tons of disposable diaper waste. So if you’re looking for a way to help the planet and keep your baby comfy, cloth diapers are the way to go.
Whether you have a newborn, an almost-toddler, or a little swimmer who isn’t exactly potty-trained yet, cloth diapers are a must-have for parents who are even slightly eco-conscious. But this doesn’t mean you will want to wrap your kiddo up in just any cotton sheet.
What are the benefits of cloth diapers?
While the Earth-friendly, landfill-saving pros of the cloth option are obvious, these aren’t the only benefits that could sway your diapering ways. Cloth diapers tend to allow for more breathability compared to regular disposables. This can reduce irritation to your little one’s sensitive skin and may help to prevent rashes. The Children’s Hospital Los Angeles also notes that cloth diapers are usually free of chemicals that increase absorbency, such as polyacrylate, as well as fragrances/perfumes, and chlorine.
Beyond the skin sensitivity-related reasons to go with cloth, these diapers may also help your tot to potty-train earlier. Unlike disposables that pull moisture away from the skin and lock it into a core, many cloth diapers will leave behind a slightly damp or wet sensation. This makes your baby more aware of the potty process.
Cloth diapers come in four different types
When looking at investing in cloth diapers, it’s helpful to know what you’re looking at. There are four different types of cloth diapers, and each has its own pros and cons.
Prefold and covers
These diapers are likely what you would picture if you’re not familiar with cloth diapers. These have two parts, the cloth diaper (aka the prefold), and a cover that is waterproof. Prefold diapers tend to be more affordable, and they adjust as your baby grows depending on how you fold them. But they also take time to get down how to close them securely.
Fitted and covers
Fitted and cover-style cloth diapers are very similar to prefold diapers, except the cotton insert doesn’t need to be folded, but it does still require the outer cover layer. This can make them easier for beginners to use, but they’re also pricier than the prefold style.
Pockets
Pocket diapers still have two parts — the inner cotton and the waterproof cover. However, these diapers have a pocket in the outer cover where you slide a much smaller cotton insert instead of needing two layers. These are a little less bulky, and they can be easier to wash, but they can take longer to dry.
All-in-one
All-in-one cloth diapers don’t have two separate layers, and they offer a similar look and feel to disposable diapers without the environmental concerns. They’re the easiest of the different types to use, even for parents completely new to the cloth diaper world. But these diapers can feel bulky, they’re pretty expensive, and can take a while to dry.
If you’re ready to explore the wide world of cloth diapers but aren’t sure which ones are the best bet for your baby or toddler, here are some of our favorites to help you get started!
Best Cloth Diapers

Nora’s Nursery Cloth Pocket Diapers
Best Insert-Style Diaper
The bamboo inserts make this top pick easy to use and easy to keep clean. The adjustable snap settings make Nora’s Nursery reusable cotton cloth diapers a comfortable fit for infants 10+ pounds to toddlers who weigh 35 pounds.
- Material
- Cotton/bamboo
- Age
- up to 35lbs
The washable, reusable diaper from Nora’s Nursery is available in a variety of colors and patterns, making it the perfect pick for parents who are looking to combine form and function. Not only do you get seven cute cloth diapers and a pack of bamboo inserts, but your purchase comes with a water-resistant wet bag!
What makes these cloth diapers stand out are the “innovative inserts,” which are made up of two inner layers of microfiber and two outer layers made of bamboo, which, together, help to keep your baby’s skin happy and healthy. Plus, with 2,295 ratings on Amazon with nearly all five stars, they’re a clear favorite.

Bambino Moio All-In-One Cloth Diaper
Best Velcro Diaper
The Bambino Moio All-In-One Cloth Diaper’s Velcro closures are easy to use and grow with baby. This one-size top pick has a super-soft exterior shell that is stretchy, water-resistant, and comes in stylishly adorable patterns.
- Material
- Polyester and nylon
- Age
- Fits babies through toddlers
With a tuck-in pocket design, the Bambino Moio All-In-One Cloth Diaper is an easy-to-prep option that will keep your little one dry. Along with an absorbent core, the polyester and nylon design will help to stop messy leaks day and night. Designed to grow with your kiddo, this machine-washable cloth option fits infants through toddlers.
The velcro on this diaper makes it easier to use, especially for parents who may have dexterity issues with their hands, and it can be more gentle on baby’s skin, too. They’re also machine washable and fits a wide range of weights from infant to three years old, which means the investment now will save money later on.

Babygoal Reusable Cloth Diapers
Best Value
The Babygoal Reusable Cloth Diapers is a one-size cloth diaper that grows with your baby, adjusting to small, medium, or large sizes and accommodating a toddler up to 33 pounds. Made from polyester with breathable TPU and a three-layer microfiber insert, this top pick may just save you money while it’s saving the environment.
- Material
- Polyester with breathable TPU and three-layer microfiber insert
- Age
- Fits up to 33 pounds
You don’t have to spend your kiddo’s college fund on cloth diapers to keep your little one dry 24-7. The Babygoal Reusable Cloth Diaper is a value that parents just can’t ignore. With strong absorbency, plenty of breathability, and an eco-friendly design that is free of BPA, Phthalate, and latex, it’s good for the skin and the environment.
This pack includes six diapers that come in a variety of fun, stylish patterns, six microfiber inserts, and they can be used for years thanks to its snaps which means it fits baby from birth through toddlerhood.

ALVA Pocket Cloth Diapers Reusable
Best Style Option
$38 $40 Save $2
The Alvababy cloth diaper is an adorable, adjustable pick that fits infants starting at 6.6 pounds and toddlers up to 33 pounds. The breathable TPU and waterproof polyester outer layer will keep your kiddo’s clothes dry and can help to stop middle-of-the-night accidents.
From funky foxes with glasses to pretty patterns, these cloth diapers have a wide variety of stylish designs to choose from. Alvababy’s 15-inch by 13-inch design is a one-size option that you can snap into a small, medium, or large – depending on your baby’s weight and shape.
The hip and crossover snaps stop side wing droop and the elastic legs add to the leak protection. You’ll get one pack of six diapers plus 12 microfiber inserts to start!

Mama Koala 2.0 Cloth Diapers
Best Slim Fit
The Mama Koala pack of cloth diapers and inserts fits infants and toddlers zero to 36-months who are eight to 33-pounds. An athletic wicking jersey /suede cloth lining keeps moisture off of baby’s skin, while the gentle elastic legs provide fitted protection.
- Material
- Polyester/bamboo
- Age
- Fits eight to 33 pounds
Mama Koala 2.0 does everything it can to avoid the dreaded wing droop. The crossover snaps on this cloth diaper make it perfect for babies who need a slimmer fit. Not only will the snaps keep baby snug, they adjust to make room as your kiddo grows into a toddler. And that’s not all! The four-layer bamboo microfiber insert adds extra protection for dry days and no-leak nights.

Oso Cozy Organic Cotton Prefold Cloth Diapers
Best Flat Diaper
The 100% GOTS certified organic cotton diaper by Oso Cozy is a traditional flat type of diaper that parents can fold to fit baby’s shape and size.The traditional size fits infants seven to 15-pounds and measures 12 x 16-inches (pre-washing).
- Material
- 100% GOTS certified organic cotton
- Age
- Fits seven to 15 pounds
The Oso Cozy Organic Cotton Prefold Cloth Diaper isn’t the standard snap or Velcro pocketed diaper you may see absolutely everywhere. Parents who are looking to go old school and try out a flat cloth diaper will enjoy this contender. If the “Traditional” size doesn’t work for your little one, you can choose from one of the two “Better Fit” options.
Don’t worry about absorbency with this cloth diaper. Even though it isn’t made with super-high tech materials, the thick cotton will keep your kiddo dry.

Skhls Toddler Training Pants
Best Potty Training Diapers
The Skhls Toddler Training Pants cloth diaper is a pull-on style that fits most 12-month through three- to four-year-olds. Made from polyester, cotton, and TPU, the training diaper provides leak control when needed – but still lets your tot feel some moisture.
- Material
- Polyester, cotton, and TPU
- Age
- Sizes fit 12 months through 3-4 years
Skhls Toddler Training Pants are everything your toddler needs and more. If the big kid underwear transition isn’t going as planned, explore this in-between cloth option. Even though the pull-on pants may look like real underwear, they feature thick fabric and an absorbent pad.
The 2T, 3T, and 4T sizes create a custom fit by waist circumference, height, and weight that will take kids through toddlerhood with fun patterns they’ll happily wear until they’re ready for the real thing.

Wegreeco Reusable Swim Diapers
Best Swim Diapers
The Wegreeco Reusable Swim Diaper comes in a three-pack and is available in sizes that fit children up to three years. The Small fits infants who weigh 10 to 19 pounds, while the large is ideal for older kiddos who weigh 20 to 40 pounds.
- Material
- Polyester
- Age
- Fits birth through three-years
Regular cloth diapers are a no-go in the swimming pool or the ocean. But Wegreeco Reusable Swim Diapers are a must-have for parents who don’t want to deal with disposable options. The front and waist snaps allow you to adjust the diaper easily, making it easy to fit your slimmer kiddo.
Each diaper comes with an interior mesh design that holds in whatever your baby puts out. The polyester outer material doesn’t just add another leak-protecting layer. It also has a stylishly sweet pool or beach-friendly design!
How to care for cloth diapers
You’ve made the choice to go with cloth! But now you need to take the next step and learn how to keep these reusable diapers…well, reusable. And safely. Proper care is crucial for cloth diapers. Without the right cleaning techniques, you could leave behind germs and stains or seriously affect the durability of the diapers.
Before you toss your baby’s new diapers into the washer, look at the manufacturer’s care instructions. The way you clean the cloth and the products you use will depend on the material makeup. Many brands of cloth infant diapers are made from materials that aren’t safe to bleach.
You will need to remove solid waste from the material and flush it away. Use a sprayer to wet the diaper and scrub or scrape any stains away. While it’s tempting to wash the diaper after each use, the steady stream of water needed for individual cleanings won’t do much to help the environment out. Instead, pack away the dirties in a diaper pail until you have enough to wash.
Some diapers will require a pre-wash rinse cycle first. After the pre-rinse, it’s time to wash the cloth in hot water with the manufacturer’s recommended detergent. Along with the detergent, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for drying. Most cloth diapers won’t hold up well in a dryer. This means you will need to line-dry them.
It might sound like a lot at first, and a little intimidating but you’ll get the hang of cloth diapers in no time!
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