FAQ > About Cloth Diapers > I want to buy my own cloth diapers to wash at home; How many do I need?
Good Idea! Washing at home can save lot's of money. We'll hellp you figure out how many you need. Once you decide, check out our retail shop
Are You Ready for Some Cloth Diaper Math?
Diaper changes times laundry. More diapers, wash less often. Cloth baby diaper math is that simple.
(# of diaper changes per day)
x
(# of days between washing)
__________________________
(# of diapers you need)
More diapers, wash less often
If you change your newborn baby’s diaper 12 times a day, but you only wash twice a week, you need 3-4 dozen diapers. This may be more diapers than you need. If you schedule more washing into your busy life with a newborn, you will only need about 2 dozen cloth diapers.
|
age
|
changes / day
|
washing
|
# diapers
you need |
|---|---|---|---|
|
newborn baby
|
12
|
2 times / wk
|
36 - 48
|
|
newborn baby
|
12
|
every 2 days
|
24
|
Fewer diapers, wash more often
Once your baby is a bit older, you won’t be changing diapers quite as often. For a crawling baby, 8 changes a day may mean fewer washes for you.
|
age
|
changes / day
|
washing
|
# diapers
you need |
|---|---|---|---|
|
crawling baby
|
8
|
2 times / wk
|
24 - 32
|
|
crawling baby
|
8
|
every 2 days
|
16 + extras
|
Very few diapers, wash every day
You can just make cloth diaper washing part of your daily routine. When you wash every day, you need far fewer diapers.
|
age
|
changes / day
|
washing
|
# diapers
you need |
|---|---|---|---|
|
newborn baby
|
12
|
every day
|
12 + extras
|
|
first steps baby
|
6
|
every day
|
6 + extras
|
Toddlers need fewer changes
Once your baby is talking, you may hear, “Diaper! Diaper!” Your baby will let you know when it is time to change. A toddler may even tell you before it is time. It’s time for potty training! Even when your toddler tries to get to the toilet each time, you will likely continue to change diapers for a while.
|
age
|
changes / day
|
washing
|
# diapers
you need |
|---|---|---|---|
|
toddler
|
4
|
2 times / wk
|
12 - 16
|
Last updated on March 10, 2010 by Phillydiaper Team



