Step by Step How to Use Cloth Diapers

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use cloth diapers, perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a simple overview:

Step 1: Choose Your Cloth Diaper Type

There are a few types to choose from:

• All-in-ones (AIO): Most like disposables—diaper and cover are sewn together.
• Pocket diapers:Outer waterproof layer with a pocket for absorbent inserts.
• Prefolds or flats + covers:Traditional cotton layers folded and placed inside a waterproof cover.
• Hybrids or AI2s:Reusable cover with snap-in or lay-in inserts.

👉 Start with a few types to see what works best for your baby.

Step 2: Prep the Diapers Before First Use

• Wash new diapers 1–3 times to increase absorbency (especially natural fibers like cotton, hemp, or bamboo).
• Synthetic materials(like microfiber) usually only need one wash.

Step 3: Assemble the Diaper

• For pocket diapers, stuff the absorbent insert into the pocket.
• For prefolds/flats, fold the cloth and place it in the cover or secure it with a Snappi.
• For AIOs, they’re already ready to go!

Step 4: Put the Diaper on Baby

1. Lay your baby on the open diaper.
2. Pull the front panel up and fasten snugly using snaps or Velcro.
3. Check the leg openings and waist—snug, but not too tight. You should be able to fit a finger or two under the edges.
4. Tuck any absorbent fabric inside the cover to avoid leaks.

Step 5: Change Every 2–3 Hours (or When Wet/Soiled)

• Cloth doesn’t have the same chemical moisture-wicking layer as disposables, so change regularly.
• If there's poop: shake off solids into the toilet (once baby is on solids), or rinse using a diaper sprayer.

Step 6: Store Dirty Diapers

• Use a wet bag or diaper pail with a liner to store used diapers until washing (try to wash daily).
• Keep the pail or bag in a dry, ventilated space. You don’t need to soak them!

Step 7: Wash Diapers Every 1-2 Days

Typical wash routine:

1. Pre-rinse or short wash with cold water (no detergent) to remove pee/poop. Cold water doesn't set...hot water sets stains.
2. Main wash on hot with cloth-diaper-safe detergent.
3. Extra rinse to remove any detergent residue.

Step 8: Dry the Diapers

• Hang dry or machine dry on low to medium heat.
• Sun-drying helps remove stains naturally.

Step 9: Reassemble and Store

• Stuff inserts back in pockets or fold prefolds so they’re ready to grab.
• Store clean diapers in a drawer or basket near your changing area.

Step 10: Repeat and Adjust as Baby Grows

• You may need more absorbency at night (e.g., hemp boosters).
• As baby grows, you’ll snap the diapers to a bigger size setting or switch to different inserts.