Newborn Diapers - How Do You Choose?

If you're an expectant parent and looking at choosing cloth diapers you might be wondering what options there are for you and if you should consider newborn diapers. Babies come in many shapes and sizes and there are definitely some great choices available for newborn diapers. No matter if you're on a budget or are wanting products that will last beyond those early, early days, there's something for everyone and every baby.

We will sometimes hear parents say that they're going to start using cloth diapers but only after the first month or so once baby is bigger. Did you know that the newborn size disposable diapers are the most expensive when you look at the cost per diaper? They will average between $0.32-0.40+/diaper compared to the larger sizes that average $0.18-0.27+ each. That may not seem like much of a difference but when you are changing so often in those early days after baby arrives, the costs will add up and a good portion of your disposable diaper costs will be incurred with the newborn and smaller sizes.

Parents often ask about whether they can use cloth diapers while baby is still passing meconium. The answer is yes, you can. There are both disposable and reusable liners that can be laid in a diaper to help keep the solids off the fabric and help reduce staining. There are tools available to help make the clean up easier. Sunning out stains or proper use of a stain remover product when laundering can certainly keep them stain free.

So what type of newborn diapering options are there? The most economical option, which is also very simple to use, are prefolds and diaper covers. Newborn cotton prefolds coupled with sized diaper covers like the ones made by Bummis, are a great combination. You can get a set of 36 newborn preemie prefolds and 4-6 covers for about $110.00, depending on the style of cover you choose.

Bummis Super Lite

Bummis Cotton Prefolds

AMP Diapers Hemp Fitteds

In keeping with a two piece system and natural fabrics, a hemp fitted with a separate cover is also a great system for those wanting the look of a disposable with the benefits of cloth.  AMP Diapers Hemp Fitteds are a two size snap closure diaper made from super soft, super absorbent hemp and their size small will fit babies 7-18 lbs.  Combine this with a Bummis Sized cover or Mommy's Touch or Happy Heiny's One Size Cover and you've got a bullet proof diaper option for your little one.

If you want some two piece options that give you a bit more flexibility, then a system like the Mommy's Touch Budget Bottoms is one to consider. They have a double layer shell with a set of snaps at the top of the back end. It is here that you can snap in and snap out microfleece topped microterry soaker pads. As long as the shell is not soiled with solid waste you can reuse it by simply placing a clean soaker into the shell. These could also be used with cotton prefolds, but the microterry inserts will definitely give you a bit more absorbency as compared to the cotton. A set of 4 shells and 36 soakers will cost you approximately $250.00. Keep in mind these shells can also be used as covers over fitteds for a great nighttime solution.

Mommy's Touch Newborn Budget Bottom and Snap in Soaker

Mommy's Touch Newborn Budget Bottoms

Another system we love that we have recently added to our boutique is the Omni system of one size shells by Soft Bums.

Soft Bums Omni as a pocket diaper

They can be used three ways: as a cover for a prefold, as a pocket diaper or with the Soft Bums pods which can be snapped in and out of the shell allowing it to be reused if not soiled. These diapers will truly fit any size baby right from newborn to toddler without a lot of bulk to their fit like some one size styles can have on newborn or tiny babies. These are great for families with more than one child in diapers as well since they can be

Soft Bums Omni as a diaper cover

Soft Bums Omni with snap in pod

adjusted to fit any child, eliminating the need to have two sets of diapers.  If you wanted to start out with them being used as shells then a set of 8-12 shells and 24-36 pods will work best.  This would cost approximately $364-498 depending on your choice of pods.  You could always add more shells as baby grows or if you return to work post maternity leave and wish to have enough shells and pods for a complete pocket diaper system for daycare.

bumGenius! All In One Size XS

All in one newborn styles mimic disposables so they offer the greatest convenience.  A set of 24 bumGenius! Newborn All In One diapers will cost you approximately $528 and will last baby to approximately 10  lbs.  They will easily last through more than one baby and offer a trim, customized fit just like a disposable.

Tots Bots Tiny Fit 5-12 lbs.

Tots Bots Tiny Fits are another all in one style that also offer a pocket opening allowing you to add extra insert material if needed for naps and overnight.  These currently have a rayon from bamboo interior and this combined with thirsty Turkish microterry offer a super absorbent yet soft option for your little one.  Aplix closures make them Grandparent and babysitter friendly so changes are very quick and easy to do.  A set of 24 Tiny Fits will cost you approximately $605.  These are rated to fit babies 5-12 lbs. so you can get a bit longer time frame for wearing them before baby grows out.  This style will allow you to transition into a regular one size system when baby is a bit bigger so that they don't endure the added bulk that comes with some styles.

If you are looking for a pocket diaper style, you have numerous options to choose from.  Happy Heiny's makes a sized line of pocket diapers that will fit baby from XS right through to toilet learning.  They also offer a Mini One Size and Regular One Size product.  The Mini One Size will fit babies 4-16 lbs. and like the Tots Bots, will offer a size range that will transition baby into a regular One Size product or a larger sized option.

The last type we want to note is the Mums Bums All In One diaper.  This is a sized line of all in one product and the size small will fit babies 8-14 lbs.  These diapers have 7 layers of hemp built into the body of the diaper and also have three options for the interior fabric:  microfleece, suedecloth and bamboo velour with organic French cotton terry for those looking for more natural fabric options.  These are the "Cadillac" of cloth diapers and will cost $27.00-28.00 per diaper but they are a very absorbent, trim fitting all in one product.  Once the interior hemp is fully primed, there would likely be no need to add any further absorbency to this diaper as the hemp is a heavy gauge. 

Mums Bums All In One (Sized)

As you can see there are numerous newborn options for cloth diapers to choose from.  No matter if your family is on a budget, has preferences for or sensitivities to certain fabrics, there truly is a diaper for you.  There is no need to wait until baby is bigger.  With these types of products it is possible to start cloth diapering right from day one.

If you aren't sure where to start, think about what you want out of a diaper.  What type of closure system do you prefer?  There are snap or Aplix options for a number of products.  If you have a budget, you can always find something that fits it.  If you want to try a few styles to see what works best, that allows you to get a feel for the various types.  Once you've done that, you can choose more of your favorites.

We're always pleased to help our clients.  If you are thinking about choosing cloth for your new little bundle, contact us.  We commend you on your choice and would be happy to chat more about what newborn options would be right for your family.  Visit us at Baby Luv Boutique today!