How many cloth diapers will a baby use per day?

Question

Average for newborn?
Ave for 3-9 months?
Ave for 9-18 months?

Answer 1

I applaud you for considering cloth diapers for your baby. I think cloth is the best way to go. They breathe better than the disposables and they have a very low incidence of diaper rashes. You do have to change them a little more often than disposables but they are a lot healthier for your baby and they are a lot cheaper to use in the long run.

I'm not sure of the exact count for cloth because there are variables with cloth that you don't have with disposables. With cloth you have the standard rectangle that you have to fold, you have prefolds, AIOs and others.

That being said, with a newborn you will be changing diapers more often than when the baby gets older. You will probably be doing a dozen a day changes so with a large supply on hand then you will be prepared for however many you need. I would probably (depending on type) start with anywhere from 2 to 3 dozen diapers so you don't have to do laundry as often.

When the baby gets older then he/she won't need as many changes during each day. Evenually you will get down to 5 or 6 a day as the get closer to that 18 month old stage.

I know that disposables are much more convenient than cloth diapers but again, keep in mind the comfort of your baby. Washing diapers isn't all that bad as long as you take some steps to help. Make sure you dispose of any waste, place the diaper in a pail of water with some white vinegar to help kill bacteria and keep odors to a minimum.

When you wash the diapers don't use any bleach because it breaks down the fibers in the cloth and wears the diapers out prematurely, don't use any fabric softener, it coats the fibers and makes them less absorbent.

You can dry them in the dryer but if you have the time and desire, you can hang them in the sun for a natural bleaching and that "fresh air" fragrance. Also, make sure you don't use detergent with any addatives to give fresh fragrances to your clothes.

Congratulations on the baby and on choosing cloth diapers for him/her. I thank you as well as our landfills that will have 3,000 less diapers to hold.

Good luck.

Answer 2

newborn at least 12 a day, you have to change more frequently than you do disposables, since they wick away moisture but the cloth doesn't. By the time they are 6 or so months its usually 8 a day, and it keeps decreasing from there. 4 or so a day is average for a 18 month old i'd guess. Its been awhile!

Answer 3

A newborn has a bowel movement every time he eats a big meal. 10-12 times per day, at least. After the newborn period, baby will taper off to 6-8 diapers a day.

Answer 4

I know for a newborn they say you need to change them 8 to 12 times a day...almost everytime you feed them. You should buy enough cloth diapers to last you maybe 3 days without washing...otherwise you'll just be washing and washing. And I have to give you kudos! I was going to try and attempt to do the cloth diaper thing too...I just feel it would be too much for me though. But Good Luck to you.