10 Must-Have Cloth Diapering Accessories

1 – Cloth Diapers

Not surprisingly, number one on this list is the cloth diapers. The first thing you’ve gotta do is to figure out which type of cloth diapers you are going to use. In general, there are four types of cloth diapers: flats and prefolds, fitted cloth diapers, pocket diapers, and all-in-ones.

Assuming you need 7-8 diapers a day and wash the dirty nappies after two days, you’ll need to have at least 24 diapers to start with (16 for the two days and another 8 for laundry day). Knowing that newborn need more diaper changes it might be wise to add a few extra to your stock, or wash the dirty ones every other day.

2 – Waterproof Covers

You only need waterproof covers if you use flats and prefolds, fitted cloth diapers, or pocket diapers. As the name suggests, the all-in-ones already have a waterproof outer layers, so it’s not necessary for your baby to wear a waterproof cover.

As opposed to the cloth diaper, you don’t have to change the cover every time you change. That why you won’t need to stock up on as many covers as you do on diapers; 4 to 6 covers is usually enough.

3 – Liners

Liners are super thin inserts you place inside the diaper. These diaper liners are usually made of super soft cotton (or bamboo or another environmentally friendly product, depending on the brand). Not only do they provide maximum absorbency, but they also contain your little one’s poop. When changing the nappy, you just take the thin liner (with the poop) out and throw it away.

4 – Boosters

Boosters are thicker inserts for maximum absorbency. These are ideal for during the night as they protect your little one from nighttime leaks. While there are single-use boosters, we recommend the reusable boosters. After all, one of the reasons to use cloth diapers is to save the environment, right?

5 – Pins

If flats or prefolds, which do not have built-in fasteners, are the cloth diapers of your choice, you’re going to need to stock up on pins or snaps to fasten your diapers.

6 – Diaper Pail

Alright, so now you’ve got everything you need for your baby to actually wear cloth diapers. Next on the list are cloth diapering accessories you need to make your job of changing diapers easier. First on the list is a diaper pail. Here you’ve got another choice to make. You can either opt for a special cloth diaper pail, or you can use any kind of bucket with a lid – trust us, it’s of utmost importance you can close the bucket tightly.

7 – Laundry Net

We put a laundry net (like the ones you use for your bras, but then bigger in size), inside the diaper pail. This way we only have to remove the lid, close the net, and throw it all in the washing machine, without touching the dirty diapers.

8 – Laundry Detergent

While there are special laundry detergents for cloth diapers, any baby-friendly detergent will do the job. Just make sure to read the washing instructions as these differ from brand to brand. It’s recommended you avoid using softener, as these can affect the ability to wick water away from your little one’s bottom. They can also irritate your baby’s sensitive skin.

9 – Wet Bag

Here’s a cloth diapering accessory for on the road. Make sure you get yourself a few wet bags in which you can keep the dirty cloth diaper when you’re on the go. Simply close the wet bag tight so you can keep dirty diapers away from other stuff. When you back home dispose of the dirty diaper in your diaper pail. Most wet bags can be machine washed, so they can be used over and over again.

10 – Baby Wipes

Last but not least, baby wipes. It may be obvious, but we still wanted to add them to the list here as you can also choose for reusable baby wipes. You can buy them premade or you can even make them yourself from old t-shirts. And of course, there’s nothing wrong with using disposable wet wipes if you find that more convenient.