First-Time Cloth Diapering: Essential Guide for Parents

Cloth diapering for your newborn can feel like navigating a whole new world, but with the right basics, it becomes a sustainable, skin-friendly, and cost-effective choice. In this guide, we cover cloth diapers for infants, how many you need, wash routines, and more to help both new and experienced parents feel confident about reusable diapering.

• What Are Cloth Diapers & Why Choose Them?
• How Many Newborn Diapers Do I Need?
• What Size Diaper Does My Newborn Need?
• How to Use Reusable Diapers for Babies
• How to Prevent Diaper Rash in Infants
• Cloth Diaper Wash Routine
• Cloth Diapering Basics: Common Myths & Tips
• Key Takeaways
• FAQs
• Message from SuperBottoms 
  

What Are Cloth Diapers & Why Choose Them?

Why cloth diaper?

Cloth diapers are reusable fabrics designed to catch infant waste. Unlike disposables, they reduce landfill waste and save money in the long run. For eco-conscious parents or those wanting gentle, chemical-free materials on baby’s skin, cloth diapering basics can feel like a breath of fresh air.

Types of cloth diapers:

• All-in-ones (AIO)
• Pocket diapers (with inserts)
• Prefolds + covers
• Hybrids

Trying a variety helps you figure out what works best for your lifestyle and budget.

How Many Newborn Diapers Do I Need?

Newborns can go through 8–15 changes daily, depending on feeding and sleep patterns. 
Cloth diaper experts often recommend owning at least 2× your daily need to accommodate laundry cycles.

Here’s a simple table to guide you:

So, for most parents, 24–36 quality cloth diapers hit the sweet spot, but 16 diapers is honestly all you need, enough for newborn diaper changes without drowning in laundry.

What Size Diaper Does My Newborn Need?

Which diaper size for a newborn baby?

Typically, “newborn” cloth diapers are designed for babies up to ~10 lbs or around 4–5 kg. If your baby is very small or premature, some brands offer "preemie" sizes.

When to move up a size?

If you see red marks on baby’s legs, leaks, or the diaper looks too tight, it’s probably time to size up. As your baby grows, switching to a larger diaper sooner helps prevent discomfort and blowouts.

How to Use Reusable Diapers for Babies

Step-by-step for everyday cloth diapering:

1. Change frequently. Newborns soil diapers often, every 2–3 hours is common.
2. Remove waste. For solid waste, dump or rinse into the toilet using a sprayer; for breastfed babies’ “poo,” sometimes a simple rinse or swish works. 
3. Store dirty diapers. Use a lidded diaper pail or wet bag until wash day. The CDC recommends a dedicated cloth diaper pail. 
4. Fasten clean diapers. Make sure the fit is snug but not too tight; adjust inserts or covers as needed.

Using SuperBottoms’ Freesize UNO cloth diapers makes this process smooth; their elastic, breathable materials help prevent leaks and maintain comfort.

How to Prevent Diaper Rash in Infants

Cloth diapering doesn’t automatically mean more rashes; if anything, it can help, when done right. Here’s how:

• Change diapers promptly. Frequent changes reduce exposure to moisture and irritants.
• Use cloth-safe protectants. Avoid thick petroleum-based creams, as they may affect absorbency.
• Follow a clean wash routine. Residue from detergent or build-up from creams can irritate skin.
• Line dry in sunlight (if possible). Sunlight naturally disinfects and can help minimise bacteria.
  

These simple habits go a long way in keeping your baby’s skin healthy.

Cloth Diaper Wash Routine

A good wash routine is the heart of cloth diapering. Here’s a beginner-friendly process:

1. Pre-rinse / Cold rinse (no detergent). Begin your cycle with a cold rinse to remove loose waste.
2. Main wash (hot/warm + detergent). Use a cloth-diaper–safe detergent (preferably fragrance-free). You may add a small amount of baking soda for odour control. 
3. Extra rinse cycles. Run 2–3 rinse cycles to ensure all soap is gone. Residue can lead to skin irritation or reduced absorbency. 
4. Drying:

• Line-dry in the sun: Best for sanitisation and preserving waterproof layers. 

• Indoor line dry: If outdoor drying isn’t possible.

• Dryer: Use low heat if the diaper fabric allows, but avoid high heat to preserve elastics.

Stripping diapers:
If you notice build-up, persistent odour, or reduced absorbency, you may need to “strip” the diapers. Use very hot water cycles and a cleaning treatment designed for diapers. 

Cloth Diapering Basics: Common Myths & Tips

• Myth: Cloth diapers are harder than disposables. Reality: They require a routine, but many parents find them manageable, and even fun once you settle in.
• Tip: Use wet bags. SuperBottoms wet bags are handy for storing dirty diapers when you’re out.
• Tip: Try before buying in bulk. Start with a small sample of SuperBottoms Freesize & Newborn diapers to see what fits your baby best.
• Myth: Cloth = more rashes. Not true: With a clean wash routine and regular changes, cloth can be gentle on sensitive newborn skin.

Cloth diapering your newborn may feel like a leap, but with the right number of diapers, a solid wash routine, and preventive care, it’s not just doable, it’s empowering. You’re choosing a greener, gentler path for your baby’s bottom that can save you money and give you peace of mind.

Key Takeaways

1. Stock smart: 24–36 newborn cloth diapers usually cover your needs, depending on laundry frequency.
2. Routine matters: A two-cycle wash routine (pre-rinse + hot wash + extra rinses) keeps diapers clean and skin safe.
3. Prevent rash naturally: Frequent changes, residue-free washing, and sun-drying help minimise diaper rash.
   

FAQs

1. How many cloth diapers do I actually need for a newborn?

As mentioned earlier, for newborn phase, aim for 24–36 cloth diapers based on how often you’ll wash.

2. What’s the best diaper size for a newborn baby?

Newborn cloth diapers usually fit up to ~10 lbs; move to a bigger size if you see red marks or leaks.

3. How do reusable diapers compare to disposables in cost?

While cloth diapers have a higher upfront cost, they save money over time since they are reusable.

4. What’s the best way to prevent diaper rash in infants using cloth diapers?

Keep a routine: change diapers frequently, wash properly, use cloth-safe creams, and dry in sunlight when possible.

5. How should I wash cloth diapers for babies?

Use a cold pre-rinse, then a hot wash with gentle detergent, followed by 2–3 rinse cycles, and dry appropriately.

6. Can I use fabric softener with cloth diapers?

No, fabric softeners can leave residue that reduces absorbency and irritates skin. 

7. Which SuperBottoms products do you recommend for beginners?

We recommend starting with SuperBottoms Newborn UNO diapers. Use their wet bags for dirty diaper storage and consider their laundry detergent sheets for an eco-friendly wash routine.

Message from SuperBottoms

Hi there, new parents! SuperBottoms brings you doctor-recommended cloth diapers — the best rash-free diapering solution for your baby’s sensitive and delicate skin. Unlike disposable diapers loaded with chemicals, our newborn cloth diapers, when used and washed properly, can help eliminate the risk of diaper rashes. SuperBottoms offers a wide range of safe, skin-friendly essentials for the whole family — including Reusable Cloth Diapers, Diaper Pants, DryFeel langots for diaper-free time, Padded Underwear for potty training, SuperSoft Underwear for everyday comfort, Joggers for playful days, and Period Underwear for women. Not just for everyday use, SuperBottoms products also make the best gifting choice for babies — thoughtful, eco-friendly, practical, and loved by parents. Now available on Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, FirstCry, Zepto, Swiggy and Blinkit