Top 6 Baby Cloth Diapers For First-Time Parents

colored cloth diapers

If you were recently deciding between cloth diapers vs disposable ones, we’ve got you covered.

This article allows you to read up on the 6 BEST Baby Cloth Diapers For Beginners wanting to be Pro Parents in a snap!

With Cloth Diapering, turn a crappy situation into a cute and fun addiction…

We’ll be giving you everything there’s to know about:

  • Whether Cloth Diapers are for you
  • The different types of cloth diapers and their features
  • 6 product reviews of the Best Cloth Diapers on the market
  • Lots more…

Let’s get down to it Mommies and Daddies!

Related: 5 Best Baby Swim Diapers

Introduction

Before having kids, I used to spend hours picking out the perfect pair of shoes to match that dress… Now, I do exactly the same  but with my baby’s cloth diapers..

You are NOT the only one mommy….

Cloth diapers have come a long way from the white cloth of your mother’s and grandmother’s days. The stigma of using cloth diapers, and whether nurseries will judge you, are gone.

Cloth diapers have arrived, and are here to stay.

Lots of parents are now making the switch over to cloth diapers. The main reason is its durability, sustainability, and affordability.

Which are the best benefits of cloth diapers!

There is just so much packaged in one small diaper to be happy about.

Then again…

Even the fear of the convenience of traveling with them is also gone. Most cloth diapers are just as good, if not better than disposable diapers.

Making decisions for your baby is not easy….

This is something that your baby will essentially be living in for quite a long time… Make sure you pick what suits your little one the most…

With so many different types of cloth diapers on the shelves, it can be tricky to narrow down the options. Here we help to find one that is the most suitable for you.

I have gone through the same process myself and want to make it super easy to find the right fit for your needs.

Now, it’s time to reveal the tips and tricks Newbies…

Related: Huggies Diapers: How Do I Choose a Diaper For My Baby?

1 – Gerber Birdseye 3-Ply Prefold Cloth Diapers

Best Lightweight Cloth Diapers

Gerber Birdseye 3-Ply Prefold Cloth Diapers

Value

Absorbency

Ease of use

Quick drying

Overall Score
6
Brand: Gerber
Size: One Size
Color: White
Material: 100% birdseye cotton

Bottom Line : These are slim and light under clothing, and has a multi-use-benefits as well

Pros

Thin and quick dry

Lightweight and not bulky

100% birdseye cotton

Cons

Best used with a diaper cover or doubled up

Need to be pre-washed

Less absorbency level

Hard to remove the stains

These Gerber Prefolds are made with 100% birdseye cotton, with a diamond-shaped weave pattern to help with absorbency and drying.

Like most diaper materials, cotton does best with a pre-wash beforehand. 

In a real pinch, these 3-ply gerber cloth diapers will work as a prefold diaper. But generally, it isn’t recommended for any overnight situations.

It’s not surprising,

They work well as a multi-tasking clean up cloth for your little one’s small messes, but not for any large situations, something like using it as a burp cloth

With that being said…

This product would not do well by itself. It is best used in conjunction with another insert or diaper cover


2 – Babygoal Reusable Cloth Diapers

Best Fitted Cloth Diapers

Babygoal Reusable Cloth Diapers

Value

Absorbency

Ease of use

Quick drying

Overall Score
3.5
Brand: Babygoal
Size: One Size
Color: Multi 
Material: Polyester+PUL

Bottom Line : The design is one size fits all, with snaps having three sizes, between 8-33 lb., small, medium, and large.

Pros

Slim fit

Suede-like lining, very soft

Comes with six cloth diapers inserts and a wet bag for travel

Huge selection of prints and designs

Affordable

Cons

Too much leg room causes leaking

Microfiber inserts prone to leakage may need another insert

Suede may not be suitable for all babies

This Babygoal Reusable Diapers set comes in a pack of six, each with its microfiber insert and a wet bag for travel.

The exterior is polyester with TPU for breathability. It is also waterproofing, with a suede-like inner lining

They’re ultimately very similar to Alva cloth diapers…  Yet, they have more variety in designs and come with fewer inserts and a wet bag.

Are you looking for the kind of diapers that grow with your little one? 

You got it…

The babygoal washable diapers can easily fit babies from birth to potty training (8lbs – 35lbs). You can adjust the size as your baby grows…

But wait…

Make sure to keep the drying rack around… Yeah! These thick cloth diapers need to breathe outside for better drying…


3 – ALVABABY Baby Cloth Diapers

Best Affordable Baby Cloth Diapers

ALVABABY Baby Cloth Diapers

Value

Absorbency

Ease of use

Quick drying

Overall Score
3.5
Brand: Alvababy
Size: One size fits all
Color: 01
Material: Polyester TPU

Bottom Line : Perfect unit-leaking and can be used without insert during night and nap times

Pros

Good quality

Has brackets to adjust the size

Economical

Cons

Needs few washes to become soft

Inserts need to be pre-washed

The design is too simple

So, Have you ever bought a product and found that it has many hidden extra things to surprise you with? 

Here it is…

These ALVABABY diapers are advertised as “all-in-one” but in reality they are not totally the same, as these have a refillable pocket.

This includes two microfiber inserts per diaper to reinforce the diaper’s absorbency level and can do it by:

  • Placing these absorbents inside the pocket. Or
  • Placing them on the protector directly. 

Who does NOT like getting more and more??

These cloth diapers come in a pack of six, with twelve cloth inserts… Yoo-hoo!

The outside of the ALVABABY is also TPU-lined, with a suede-like interior lining.

But what about my fast growing baby..?

Oh Mommy…

The design is one size fits all, with snaps having three sizes, between 8-33 lb., small, medium, and large. 

And here comes the hmm part…

They are cloth diapers with a simple design, with a clasp closure that, although it is not as comfortable a system and as easy to use as velcro, is also safer.

It also has hooks on the front to make the diaper adjustable and fit the baby.

One more thing…

These are machine washable and you can put them in the dryer too.. no need to hang them on a drying rack! unless you want to do so for extra breathability.

Overall, these are cheap cloth diapers that get the job done perfectly! 


4 – Mama Koala One Size Reusable Cloth Diapers

Best Pocket Cloth Diapers

Mama Koala One Size Reusable Cloth Diapers

Value

Absorbency

Ease of use

Quick drying

Overall Score
4
Brand: Mama Koala
Size: One Size
Color: Jagger
Material: Polyester TPU

Bottom Line : This is a fan favorite among a long time cloth diaper users and those that have tried a variety of brands

Pros

Sturdier elastic and snap buttons

Larger insert pocket for easy replacement

Affordable

Cons

Smaller and slimmer fit

Inserts not as absorbing

Material may not be the best for sensitive skin

Mama Koala cloth wipes are the best for tinny little babies, they do  run smaller than Babygoal and Alvababy…

But Yeah… the diaper grows as your little one does!

The one size fits all feature makes these diapers serve as long as your baby feels comfortable wearing them… adjustable size is what you need to ensure comfort!

Sizes run a little smaller, thou…

They have three size ranges, for babies between 8-35 lb. Make sure to consider your baby’s wait before choosing them.

To provide extra protection, the outside of the diapers is lined with TPU polyester, and polyester, and nylon lining.

Also, this brand comes in a pack of six with a microfiber insert each.

But here is the kicker Mommy…

If your little one likes to move a lot, I mean a lot, then this is the right for you…

The snap buttons are generally more sturdy and have stronger elastic, they hold on while your baby is moving, walking, or running around.

Plus, 

Their pockets are a little bit larger for easier changing. And if you don’t mind the bulky bottom, you can add an extra insert to provide extra protection and absorbency- especially during the night.


5 – Simple Being Reusable Cloth Diapers

Best Newborn Cloth Diapers

5. Simple Being Reusable Cloth Diapers

Value

Absorbency

Ease of use

Quick drying

Overall Score
4.5
Brand: Simple Being
Size: One Size
Color: Whimsical
Material: Polyester, Microfleece

Bottom Line : A great choice for new cloth diapers users and newborn babies

Pros

Lightweight

Cute and adjustable designs

High quality and durable

Super absorbent inserts

Included is a diaper bag for disposal

Good leaking and blowouts protection 

Cons

The leg openings on these diapers are snug

The thickness makes these bulkier

Runs a little bit small

Lose absorbency after few months 

New to cloth diapering? Or a newborn is around?

This is the right option to go for now…

If you don’t mind the bulky bottom, they are a great choice for parents trying out cloth diapers for the first time.

Cute BUT stinky… Eww!

Take a closer look now….

This cloth diaper has a waterproof TPU outside the diaper, a bag for disposal and washing, and a microfiber insert per diaper, making it one of the best cloth diapers for newborns!

That is why this set is a great starting point for parents trying out cloth diapers for the first time.

Besides,

Their snaps are sturdy, with extra snaps to prevent hip droop and their design includes the double gusset around the leg openings. It helps to prevent leaks and blowouts

It may be more accurate to say this diaper is better for babies less than 30 pounds or with smaller legs.

Last but not least…

The whimsical designs are eye-catching. This makes the experience much cuter and enjoyable…


6 – Bambino Mio, Miosolo Cloth Diaper Set

Best Overall Baby Cloth Diapers

Bambino Mio, Miosolo Cloth Diaper Set

Value

Absorbency

Ease of use

Quick drying

Overall Score
4.5
Brand: Bambino Mio
Size: One Size
Color: Dream Traveller
Material: Polyester PUL

Bottom Line : It is a comfortable diaper for the baby that is simple and easy to use, being a true “all in one”

Pros

Comfortable

Excellent absorption level

Uses hooks and velcro to make it tight on the body

Cons

Sometimes the groin area does not fit perfectly

Are you looking for the simplest cloth diaper to use?

Luckily, Bambino Mio diapers are the option you can trust if you decided to go with the one-step cloth diapering route…

Super Easy….

These diapers are very easy to use: simply put it on -in one step- and go.

Accidents do happen…. especially with kids! 

But don’t worry Mommy,, we got your back again!

The outside material of the Bambino Mio diapers is polyester and polyurethane, which provide perfect waterproofing

Plus,

You have the option to add absorbent reinforcement to enhance its effectiveness, and there is a hidden pocket inside the diaper to store extra absorbent cores… Phew!

With that being said…

You can use this diaper until the child is 3 years old…

Yes, you read it right…

The hooks are there to adjust the size in the front and the frontal velcro to adjust the waist.

The velcro is preserved with folding taps, which gives more protection during many washes… and makes it durable.. Whoa!

Even if you go with buying the diaper separately,

for an economical option, you can get these diapers in a pack for a much cheaper price.


Why Trust Us?

New to cloth diapering? Looking for recommendations about the best cloth diapers in the market? 

Don’t worry, we are here to help…

We’ve reviewed many kinds of cloth diapers in terms of absorbency and quality, washing and drying process, and other values included to assist you in getting the suitable one for your little one

We focused on using our personal experience -as parents– together with real customers’ reviews to identify which type provides better performance.

Besides,

We included a detailed buyers’ guide to make sure you are getting the right type and to save you money – if you are new to cloth diapering.

sleeping baby diaper

When talking about baby products, no one can give an honest opinion as much as parents can do…

Newbabysmell.com focuses on getting the practical point of view and be detailed in the comparison to help all parents get the best option that suits their needs…

We care about making the parenthood journey as easy as possible…

And for a better assistant,

We included different types of cloth diapers, taking this review to a higher level that could help as many parents as possible…  

With baby diapering… there is always one more time!

Thus,

We included tips and tricks to consider when choosing and buying cloth diapers for your little one… especially if you are new to the cloth-diapering system or the parenthood world… Yoo-hoo!

Keep reading to reveal the unrevealed Mommies and Daddies… 

Buyers Guide: What To Look For In Cloth Diapers

colored clothe diapers 2

When deciding on cloth diapering, few things must be taken into consideration to get the most suitable type for you and your little tiny pooper…

Here are the most important questions to think about when choosing one:

1. Is the quality reliable?

The most important thing for the baby’s personal use of products is to ensure that the quality is safe and reliable.

Parents should not think that expensive things are always the best… 

Check it out first…

Buying cloth diapers should be based on many aspects, and the most important ones are product ingredients, brand reputation, and consumer reviews.

2. Is it convenient to clean?

Taking care of cloth diapers can be a very headache thing to do sometimes…

Yes, they do need time and effort…

If the parents don’t have much time and energy to do this, it’s best not to buy a hard-to-clean one such as All-in-One cloth diapers.

Watch out Mommies…

It is recommended to wash cloth diapers before using them and not to use fabric softeners as it affects the absorbency level.

Note: some parents use a cloth diaper sprayer to get rid of the sticky poop before they throw the cloth diapers in the washing machine!

3. How good is the fit?

Only when the cloth diaper fits the baby’s buttocks well, can it effectively prevent urine and stool leakage and make the baby feel more comfortable.

And here is where the best baby diaper stands out..

4. How to choose different types?

There are many types of cloth diapers in the market, Prefold Cloth Diapers, Fitted Cloth Diapers, Pocket Cloth Diapers, All-in-One Cloth Diapers. 

Clearly…

Different types have different uses and have their advantages and disadvantages. 

We included details about each type of these diapers in this article… 

Just scroll down.. you won’t regret it!

Size Guide

So here comes the tricky part…

Usually, cloth diapers come with extensions to adjust the size so it works for babies of all ages..

They usually use them up to two and a half or three years, on average.

You got it…

You can simply do it by adjusting the front part with the brackets and thus reducing the size of the panties.

Growing and Bouncing kiddos…

This possibility of “gaining sizes” as the baby grows makes them even a cheaper option to consider (in the long run)..

You can use them over and over again until you stop needing them…

pile of colored diapers

Accessories 

Crawling, walking, or running around..?

Babies move a lot, I mean a lot… no matter their age or stage! These movements make controlling the diaper a little bit hard.. 

Luckily thou…

Cloth diapers have accessories to help us deal with these little trouble makers….

So, to secure cloth diapers and prevent wing droop, most either use snap buttons, snappies, or velcro.

But honestly speaking…

Most moms prefer snap buttons because they last longer than velcro… Especially on cloth diapers after many washes.

Types Of Baby Reusable Diapers

Colored diapers in a room

There are generally four types of cloth diapers out there to consider..

Let’s take a look…

1. Prefolds & Inserts

You might be wondering why we included prefolds and disposable inserts in the same category, but here’s why:

  • Prefolds are almost like the predecessor to the insert.
  • They are what you think of when you hear of the older style of cloth diaper.

By getting used to the washable diapers, you learn a certain fold to help catch the mess, with a pin to secure the diaper. 

Let’s dive in more now….

Cotton or hemp make up the materials of the diaper. These materials need to be extra soft since they are the closest thing to touching your baby’s skin.

That brings us to the insert!

It’s not feasible to use prefolds and inserts alone or doubled up in a waterproof covering…

But..

You can stuff them in a diaper cover, all-in-one, or pocket diapers because alone they will leak through.. Eww!

Cotton or hemp make the best cloth diaper inserts and prefolds as well… Also, newer materials like microfiber or bamboo claim to be more absorbent and use less water to make.

2. Diaper Covers

As the name states, they hide something inside..!

Yes, you got it…

Prefolds and inserts are usually used with covers… 

The covers are the waterproof part of the two-piece system. They are worn over a tight-fitting to prevent moisture held inside from soaking through clothing.

Who minds extra pees and poops protection?

This is why you need a cover, to get extra protection…. Yeah!

These cloth diaper plastic covers can be used on top of the all-in-ones or pocket diapers to give extra protection, and they don’t need to be washed after every use as they don’t stain easily

Also, you can find covers with a pocket to add an insert for extra protection – especially during bedtime, which is usually made of microfiber material.

3. All-in-Ones

All-in-ones are a newer style in the world of cloth diapering…

The cloth that absorbs the mess is attached to the lining of the diaper cover. 

An all-in-one has many layers; they are often lined with the same material as a prefold, and attached to another liner to catch even more mess.

The outside is a layer of TPU or PLU to make things breathable down there, but also catch the mess.

Many layers mean more work…

These types of cloth diapers are very time-consuming to clean.. and not easy to dry..

But with that being said, they are a fav. of many parents who seeks extra protection and absorbency…

If this is what you are looking for, just be prepared for extra work Mommy…

4. Pocket Diapers

Pocket diapers are like diaper covers. They provide you the flexibility to experiment with them

The “pocket” refers to an opening in the back or front that lets you stuff inserts or prefolds into it. 

Perfect for your peace-of-mind…

For a nap or a day trip, pocket diapers are the best for you! They provide extra coverage for those situations, where stinky accidents are highly expected from your little trouble maker…

It gives a space for extra inserts as well..

Frequently Asked Questions

baby using a laptop

Q1: I’m going to switch from disposable to cloth, what can I expect?

Cloth diapers are thicker than disposable ones and bulkier. Your baby’s clothes may now fit differently. It usually takes longer to put on a cloth diaper than a disposable one (except for all-in-one diapers), especially when you don’t have much practice. If your baby is very active, it is best to distract him before putting the cover on. Toys or games such as the peacock can help to keep it quiet, at least almost!

Q2: How do I do it at night?

To achieve more absorbency a thicker diaper is needed. But if you regularly change your baby every three hours, cloth diapers won’t be much different. To make the diaper more absorbent, you can put a special absorbent pad for the diaper. They are disposable or washable and with different degrees of absorbency levels.

Q3: How many cloth diapers do I need to start?

The number of diapers you need depends on how often you want to wash them and the age of the baby. Newborns wear 10 to 12, and older ones 6 to 8. Most parents wash them every 2 to 3 days, so you’ll need 20 to 36 diapers. It also depends on the type of diaper you use. All-in-one cloth diapers take a long time to dry, but refillable ones with a polyester layer come out of the washing machine almost dry. However, the inner absorbent takes longer to dry, so if you choose this type of diaper you may need less, but you should have more inner absorbents.

Q4: How do I take care of my diapers and covers?

Diapers should be washed and dried a minimum of a couple of times before using them for the first time. Don’t use fabric softener because it limits absorbency and can irritate your baby’s bottom. For the same reason, bleach should not be used. It is preferable that the soap is not very greasy, since it can limit the absorbency, and that it does not have phosphates or additives. Do not wash more than twelve diapers at a time.

Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results

girl graphics

Finally… here comes the final result…

All the diapers reviewed by Newbabysmell.com bring something different to the table. 

Thus, our comparison is based on the main features most parents consider when buying cloth diapers, which are:

  • Value for money
  • Absorbency
  • Ease of use
  • Quick drying

Below we lined up the 6 best cloth diapers on the same platform to give you a comparative analysis.

And here you go…

Value For Money

This means to get something worth the money you pay for!

Diapering is something you do multiple times during the same day and will continue until your kid is around 3 years old…

Think about it one more time…

Below, we compare the 6 reviewed washable baby diapers in the same platform to better help you choose what suits you the most.

Let’s see the comparison results…

money bag

Based on our comparison…

Simple Being and Bambino Mio Diapers appear at the top of the list because of their good quality – even after using them several times… 

They both wash easily and hold up well after many washes, which is what distinguishes them from other cloth diaper brands.

Mama Koala and ALVABABY Diapers are very similar but with very small differences to consider and they are fav. of many parents who use the cloth diapering system for too long…

Babygoal diapers are an affordable option, however, they are not that durable after several washes. Especially when you talk about their inserts… 

This makes their service life a little bit short compared to the other reviewed cloth types

Gerber prefolds diapers are at the bottom of the list because they don’t stand alone as reusable cloth diapers.. 

They need a cover to protect from leaking and they are usually used as an insert to the other types of cloth diapers

Absorbency

It is essential to opt for a model that guarantees the highest possible absorbency level..

This way your baby will stay dry for longer hours

But here is a tip for you…

Adding an extra insert or prefold will make the cloth diaper hold more of your baby’s mess and prevent the possibility of leaking.

But check it out first Mommy..

Some of these diapers don’t have room for an extra insert.

Then again…

To make it easy for you to compare the different models of washable cloth diapers, we included various types in this review..

Let’s now see the comparison results…

mother sleeping her baby

Based on the results above,

Bambino Mio Diapers nailed it and appeared at the top of the list…

…and you can tell why!

They are comfy, absorbent, and soft… Yeah!

And these are what all parents are looking for when looking for washable cloth diapers for their baby!

Mama Koala and Simple being diapers are also a great choice in terms of their absorbency and show a relatively high level of protection…

The fit sizes make them tight on the body and help in holding the baby’s mess better than other brands..

ALVABABY and Babygoal Diapers show average protection..

Most parents tend to add extra inserts and do more diaper changes to prevent the leak or blowout…

Gerber Birdseye prefolds cannot hold any mess by themselves…

A waterproof cover is always needed to prevent the baby’s mess from spreading all over the place! Yeah! 

Ease Of Use

Generally, a diaper with a Velcro closure will put on more quickly..

Some types need like 1 or 2 steps to get it done, and some may need up to 3

It all depends on the type of reusable cloth diapers that you ended up choosing

The baby’s age makes a big difference in this part.. 

Babies are always little discoverers. They LOVE crossing their fingers in almost EVERYTHING…. 

With that being said… 

Snap closures are sometimes what parents are looking for in a cloth diaper, especially if your baby has learned to undo the Velcro.

Let’s now see the comparison results below…

numbers

The comparison results show that…

Simple Being, Bambino Mio, and Mama Koala Diapers are the easiest types to use.. with just 1 or 2 steps, your baby is ready to go

ALVABABY and Babygoal Diapers are acceptable compared to the ones above.. the clasps are challenging sometimes!

Gerber Birdseye needs few steps to make them work.. but the easiest way is to insert them inside one of the reusable diapers that have a pocket for an extra layer! Oops!

Quick Drying

In general, the more the diaper can be torn apart, the faster it will dry..

With so many options available in the market, you will find many different materials and parts that distinguish one brand from the others… 

It is a great choice to go with a thick material to help prevent leaking!

But Be prepared for extra work Mommy… 

Sometimes you need to dry these diapers out for a couple of hours to get them dry and ready to use! 

While some types dry quicker than others, parents may prefer one type or the other

Let’s see the comparison results below…

colored clothes hooks

Clearly…

Gerber Birdseye are the lightest which makes them dry super fast… and Bambino Mio are just a one-step option that makes them easy to be dried! Whoa!

Babygoal Diapers are made out to be in a good thickness… extra care is needed after washing them to make them good to go! 

The rest of the brands show average drying level…

Our Final Verdict: Best Baby Cloth Diaper

We’re almost done with the detailed reviews…

Now, you can take a look at the final results below

We have the 5 best baby washable diapers lined up based on their overall performance and features 

In the end, you will need cloth diapers that give a more than the acceptable result and withstand the rhythm of washing well, and that determine whether your choice is worth the investment or not..

So the final choice will rely upon your exact needs…

ProductRating out of 5
Bambino Mio Diapers⭐ 4.5
Simple Being Diapers⭐ 4.25
Mama Koala Diapers⭐ 4.0
ALAVABABY Diapers⭐ 3.75
Babygoal Diapers⭐ 3.5
Gerber Birdseye⭐ 3.0

Bambino Mio Cloth Diapers are the winner here…

These diapers show the highest rate in most of the features that most parents are looking for in a cloth diaper!

Then again…

All of the reviewed reusable diapers include specific and unique features. All you have to do at the moment is to pick the one that best suits you and your little one

Conclusion: Best Baby Cloth Diaper

Here we come to the final part…

Each brand offers something a little different than the competitor, providing excellent choices for varying needs and budgets.

With that being said…

Our in-depth review of the 6 best reusable baby diapers ended up having some brands that perform better than others.. 

Finally…

it’s time to look at our top 3 picks out of these best 6 washable baby cloth wipes..

  • The Editor’s choice goes to: Mama Koala One Size Reusable Cloth Diapers
  • The Best Value choice goes to: Bambino Mio, Miosolo Cloth Diaper Set
  • The Top Pick choice goes to: ALVABABY Baby Cloth Diapers