How Many Cloth Diapers Do I Need? A Guide by Age and Wash Frequency | Bayrli®
How Many Cloth Diapers Do I Need?
The short answer is 20 to 30 for most families. The precise number depends on three things: your baby's age, how often you plan to wash, and which type of cloth diaper you use. This guide will help you calculate the right stash size for your specific situation.
The Simple Formula
Take the number of diaper changes your baby needs per day, multiply by the number of days between washes, and add three to five extra as a buffer. That is your target stash size.
For example: a 6-month-old who needs 8 changes per day, with laundry every 2 days, needs approximately (8 × 2) + 4 = 20 diapers.
Stash Size by Age
Newborn (0 to 3 months): Expect 10 to 12 diaper changes per day. Newborns have small bladders and frequent bowel movements. If you wash every two days, plan for 24 to 30 diapers. If you wash daily, 14 to 18 will suffice.
Infant (3 to 12 months): Expect 8 to 10 changes per day. As your baby grows, changes become less frequent but volumes increase. Plan for 20 to 24 diapers if washing every two days.
Toddler (12 months to potty training): Expect 6 to 8 changes per day. A stash of 16 to 20 diapers is typically sufficient with a two-day wash cycle.
These ranges assume full-time cloth diapering. If you plan to use cloth part-time and disposables at other times, scale accordingly.
Adjusting for Wash Frequency
We recommend washing cloth diapers every two to three days. Washing more frequently than every two days means more loads but a smaller stash. Waiting longer than three days risks ammonia buildup, odour, and staining.
| Wash frequency | Newborn stash | Infant stash | Toddler stash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every day | 14–18 | 12–14 | 10–12 |
| Every 2 days | 24–30 | 20–24 | 16–20 |
| Every 3 days | 34–40 | 28–32 | 22–26 |
Adjusting for Diaper Type
If you use a two-piece system — fitted diapers paired with waterproof covers or inserts with covers — you need fewer covers than absorbent pieces. Covers can be wiped down and reused for two to four changes unless soiled. A typical configuration is 24 absorbent pieces with 6 to 8 covers.
If you use pocket diapers or all-in-one diapers, you need one shell per change because the entire diaper goes into the wash each time.
Starting Small
You do not have to buy your full stash on day one. Many parents start with 6 to 8 cloth diapers and supplement with disposables while they build confidence with the routine. This is a perfectly reasonable approach. Every cloth diaper you use is one disposable that does not end up in a landfill, regardless of whether you are cloth diapering full-time or part-time.
Our Try It Kit is designed for exactly this purpose: a small starter set that lets you test the system before committing to a full stash.
If you prefer to start with a complete setup, our kits and bundles are pre-configured with the right quantities for full-time use and represent the best value per diaper.
Building Your Stash Over Time
A practical approach for budget-conscious families is to build your stash incrementally. Start with a core set of 12 to 16 diapers and add more over the first few months as your routine stabilises and you know what works for your baby. Because cloth diapers save you money on disposables from day one, each purchase partially funds itself.
Many parents also acquire cloth diapers second-hand. Well-made cloth diapers have a long usable life. If you buy pre-loved diapers, strip them before use to ensure they are clean and absorbent.
What Else You Need
Beyond the diapers themselves, a complete setup includes:
Two wet bags for home storage (one in use, one in the wash), one or two smaller wet bags for your changing bag, a supply of inserts appropriate to your diaper type, and optionally, liners for easier solid waste removal and cloth wipes if you want to eliminate disposable wipes as well.
Our diaper calculator will generate a personalised recommendation for your stash size based on your baby's age, your wash frequency, and the Bayrli products you are interested in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cloth diapers do I need for a newborn? Plan for 24 to 30 diapers if you wash every two days. Newborns typically need 10 to 12 changes per day. Having a few extra provides a comfortable buffer for high-volume days.
Can I cloth diaper with fewer than 20 diapers? Yes. You will need to wash more frequently, potentially every day. Some parents manage well with 12 to 15 diapers and daily washing. The trade-off is more laundry but lower upfront cost.
How many cloth diapers do I need for twins? Double your single-baby calculation. For twins washing every two days, most families need 40 to 50 diapers. Alternatively, maintain a stash of 24 to 30 and wash daily.
Do I need separate diapers for daytime and overnight? Not necessarily, but dedicated overnight diapers with higher absorbency can improve sleep quality for everyone. Most families use their standard pocket or all-in-one diapers during the day and a fitted diaper system with boosters overnight. You typically need 3 to 4 overnight setups.
