The Beginner's Guide to Cloth Diapering: Everything You Need to Know

Switching to cloth diapers is one of the most rewarding decisions a new parent can make — for your baby, your budget, and the planet. But if you're just starting out, the world of cloth diapering can feel overwhelming. Fitted diapers, prefolds, contours, inserts, covers — where do you even begin?

This guide walks you through everything you need to know to get started with cloth diapers confidently, from choosing the right style to building a stash that works for your family.

Why Choose Cloth Diapers?

Parents choose cloth for many reasons, and the benefits are real:

  • Cost savings: A full cloth diaper stash typically pays for itself within the first year compared to disposables — and can be reused for subsequent children.
  • Gentler on baby's skin: Natural fibers like cotton, hemp, and bamboo are breathable and free from the chemicals found in many disposables.
  • Better for the environment: Disposable diapers are one of the largest contributors to landfill waste. Cloth diapers dramatically reduce that footprint.
  • Adorable: Let's be honest — a beautifully crafted fitted diaper is a work of art.

Understanding Cloth Diaper Styles

There are several types of cloth diapers, each with its own strengths. Here's a quick overview of the most common styles:

Fitted Diapers

Fitted diapers are shaped like a disposable and fasten with snaps or hook-and-loop closures. They're made entirely of absorbent material, so they need a waterproof cover worn over them. Fitteds are beloved for their trim fit, excellent containment, and cozy feel against baby's skin. North Country Fluff's Reversible Fitted Diapers are a customer favorite — they're handcrafted, reversible, and designed to grow with your baby.

Prefold Diapers

Prefolds are flat, rectangular diapers with extra layers sewn into the center panel. They're folded and fastened with a Snappi or pins, then covered with a waterproof cover. Prefolds are incredibly versatile, fast-drying, and budget-friendly.

Contour Diapers

Contours are shaped like a fitted diaper but without closures — they're folded and held in place with a Snappi or cover. They offer a trim fit and dry faster than fitteds. Browse our Contour Diapers for handmade options in natural fibers.

Preflats

Preflats are a hybrid between a prefold and a flat diaper — a single layer of fabric that folds down to a trim, absorbent diaper. They're incredibly versatile and fast-drying. See our Preflats collection for options.

All-in-Ones (AIOs) and Pockets

These are the most convenient cloth diaper styles — they work similarly to a disposable with no separate cover needed. They tend to be bulkier and take longer to dry, but are great for caregivers or daycare settings.

What Else Do You Need?

Beyond the diapers themselves, here's what you'll want to have on hand:

  • Waterproof covers: Required for fitteds, prefolds, contours, and preflats. Look for PUL or wool covers.
  • Wet bags: Waterproof bags for storing dirty diapers on the go or at home.
  • Diaper sprayer: Attaches to your toilet for easy solid waste removal once baby starts solids.
  • Cloth-safe diaper cream: Many conventional diaper creams can reduce absorbency — look for cloth-safe formulas.
  • Snappi or pins: For fastening prefolds and contours without a cover.

How Many Diapers Do You Need?

A good rule of thumb:

  • Newborns: 24–36 diapers (they go through 10–12 per day)
  • Infants (2–6 months): 18–24 diapers
  • Older babies (6+ months): 12–18 diapers

This gives you enough to wash every 2–3 days without running out. Starting with a smaller stash and adding as you learn what works for your baby is a perfectly valid approach.

Getting the Right Fit

Fit is everything in cloth diapering. A well-fitting diaper prevents leaks and keeps baby comfortable. Key things to check:

  • The diaper should fit snugly around the legs with no gaps — you should be able to fit two fingers at the waistband.
  • The rise (front-to-back length) should cover the belly button and sit below the waistband of pants.
  • No red marks after removal — if you see them, the diaper is too tight.

For detailed sizing guidance by weight and age, visit our North Country Fluff Sizing Guide.

Washing Cloth Diapers

Washing cloth diapers is simpler than most people expect. The basic routine:

  1. Cold rinse: Rinse dirty diapers in cold water first to remove residue.
  2. Hot wash: Wash on hot with a full dose of a cloth-diaper-safe detergent.
  3. Extra rinse: An additional cold rinse ensures all detergent is removed.
  4. Dry: Tumble dry on low or line dry in the sun (sunning is a natural stain remover!).

For a complete washing guide including detergent recommendations and troubleshooting, see our Care Guide (coming soon).

Starting Small Is Perfectly Fine

You don't need to go all-in on day one. Many families start with a trial stash of 6–12 diapers to find what styles and brands work best for their baby before committing to a full stash. North Country Fluff diapers are handcrafted in small batches, so each one is made with care and intention — a great place to start.

Have questions? We're always happy to help you find the right fit for your family. Reach out anytime.

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