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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