Reading Time: 12 minutes The Best Organic Cloth Diapers
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The decision to go for organic cloth diapers is easy. First up, it lowers your baby’s exposure to toxic chemicals. Secondly, it is better for the environment, reducing the number of disposable diapers, which adds to the overflowing landfills.
Also, the natural, plant-derived raw materials used in organic diapers make them eco-friendly as they are biodegradable. Finally, it is a cheaper option than disposable diapers, given that they are washable and reusable in the long run.
It is not easy to choose the best organic cloth diaper, given the vast number of types and brands available in the market. Each type has its pros and cons, and the initial cost is higher than disposable diapers.
However, finding time to go through all the brands and types is not viable in the limited number of hours you get as a parent. So, we did an in-depth analysis of all the varieties available on the market to arrive at the best organic cloth diapers.
Table of Contents
The Top 9 Best Organic Cloth Diapers
- Alva Baby Six Pack with 12 Inserts Pocket Cloth Diapers – Best for heavy wetters
- GroVia One Size Cloth Diaper – Best machine washable diapers
- Leekalos Reusable Cloth Diapers with Bamboo Inserts – For environmentally-conscious parents
- OsoCozy Organic Cotton Prefolds – The most economical option
- Pacific Neutrals Baby Cloth Pocket Diapers – The Most durable diaper
- The Bee’s Knees 4-Pack Cloth Pocket Diapers – The softest diaper in the marketÂ
- Wegreeco Washable Reusable Baby Cloth Pocket Diapers – Best for baby’s comfort
- Mama Koala One Size Diapers – Works best for newborns
- Babygoal Baby Cloth Diapers – For speedy delivery
- Alva Baby Six Pack with 12 Inserts Pocket Cloth Diapers
Alva Baby’s cloth diapers come with microfiber inserts suited for heavy wetters. If your child uses a disposable diaper every two hours, the child is a heavy wetter. It does not make sense to use a prefold for such a baby. A
lva Baby’s pocket diapers allow you to use a combination of inserts, such as a microfiber cloth along with a bamboo insert, to increase absorbency. The pack comes with two microfiber inserts but you can also buy hemp or bamboo inserts additionally.
The elastic and the outer fabric are of high quality and will serve for a long time. Plus, the prints are cute and attractive. Moreover, despite multiple washes, the colors do not fade for a long time. The microfiber insert does not touch the baby’s skin directly. Instead, they go inside the pockets provided.
The inserts take time to dry after washing. Putting the diapers in the clothesline will quicken the process. However, during the winter months, it may prove to be tricky.
The minimum age for Alva Baby is two to three months. It might feel bulky for newborns, and the baby may find it challenging to move around. Furthermore, they do not have double-leg gussets, the elastic barrier that prevents leakage.
Pros
- Microfiber insert is very absorbent
- Colors stay vibrant after several washes
Cons
- Can be bulky for newborns
- No double gusset for extra protection
The first thing you will love about GroVia is that it is machine washable. You can wash the outer shell directly, and soaking is not necessary. Also, the organic cotton soaker pads are a safe option for both your child and the environment.
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GroVia’s hybrid organic diaper is an excellent option for outings. It is not necessary to change the outer cover every time. Having a set of two covers and a pack of inserts would be enough, which saves much space in your diaper bag. This brand is a one-stop-shop for all your diaper needs, from daycare to overnight use.
This diaper is probably the easiest to put on among all on the list. Even inexperienced people can quickly learn the steps to put the diaper correctly. Also, they have an effective return policy in case the diapers do not fit. Moreover, you can ask for a refund and expect a hassle-free return.
The diaper does not come with inserts, so you need to order them separately. Additionally, other brands’ inserts do not work well with GroVia. Thus, it would be best if you went for GroVia’s inserts for them to fit well.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Environment-friendly
- Absorbent organic soaker
Cons
- Inserts bought separately
- Cannot use with inserts from other brands
If you are keen on buying an environmentally-friendly diaper, then Leekalos cloth diapers with bamboo inserts are the way to go. The bamboo inserts are biodegradable, and so in the case of heavy pooping, you can clean them off with soap and water or toss them.
In addition, because of the plant-based raw material, the diaper is non-toxic and does not contain harmful chemicals.Â
The bamboo cloth diapers package comes with a set of six bamboo inserts which are enough for daily use. However, more inserts from the same brand can be purchased if needed. You can use disposable inserts with these diapers too.
These are the best in business for holding the poop inside. Even the darkest of poop stains do not leave a mark. Moreover, the white inner lining does not change color even after multiple washes.
Pros
- Can hold severe poop blow-outs
- Inner lining does not stain or discolor
- Cleans easily
Cons
- Site photos vary slightly to actual product
The OsoCozy is the simplest and the most efficient prefold diaper on the list. It is also the least expensive of the lot. However, they would need diaper covers as they are not waterproof. In addition, these diapers need Snappi fasteners to hold them in place.
If you are looking for a diaper that is easier to wash and takes less time to dry, OsoCozy prefolds are a must. The material is made of organic cotton and so goes easy on the environment.
The organic cotton used in OsoCozy prefolds is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard. This standard is internationally recognized, which limits the usage of toxic chemicals. Inexpensive and dries very quickly.
Due to the low cost, you can buy many diapers and wash them once in three days, saving money and time. Sometimes the diapers may shrink in size with regular use. Furthermore, you may want to buy at least one size bigger to account for that.Â
Pros
- Made of organic cotton
- Easy to dry
- Cheap
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Needs diaper pins or Snappis to secure
Are you one such parent who wants to buy a diaper brand and use it until your child gets toilet trained? Then, Pacific Neutral by Nora’s Nursery is a good fit for your needs. Several adjustable buttons are available, which helps you refit the diaper based on the child’s age.
It may feel a little large for a newborn baby. While the adjustable buttons on the hip will help you tighten it, it may still feel bulky on a newborn. After six months, some of the inserts may hold less pee and poo than when they were fresh, especially in the case of a heavy wetter. Thus, you may have to replace one or two inserts when that happens.
Dongguan Fuming Button Co manufactures the buttons used in this diaper. You can place orders separately in case the snaps fail after repeated use. Moreover, they are cheaper than similar brands.
The brand has a “no questions” return policy. Also, the company has a committed customer service department that will respond to your queries.Â
Pros
- Snaps can be replaced
- Cheaper compared to other brands
- Good customer service
Cons
- May be large for newborns
- Inserts may need replacement after a few monthsÂ
If softness is your primary choice, your search for the best diaper ends with the Bee’s Knees brand. Babies will not need diaper cream to reduce the friction, and the possibility of rashes reduces a lot.
The diaper is made of suede cloth that is more breathable and gives that extra softness that babies love. These diapers are a little longer than similar brands in this price range, making them easier to strap on. Plus, the natural fiber inserts provide extra absorption.
Pros
- Breathable and soft
- Easy to strap on baby
- Made of natural fiber
Cons
- Flimsy buttonsÂ
- Some colors are dull
With two outer layers of bamboo, these might be the most comfortable diapers on the list. In addition, the thin elastic ensures that the baby does not feel tightness near their waist. The design perfectly fits a baby’s shape and can be readjusted as they grow.
Wegreeco’s diapers are designed to make your baby comfortable while getting the job done. Moreover, it is a great overnight diaper as there are four inserts – two microfibres and two bamboos. Moreover, there is no musty smell even after repeated washes.
Pros
- Good for overnight use
- Odor-free even after a few washesÂ
Cons
- Only a few designs are available
Choosing an organic cloth diaper for your newborn baby can be frustrating at times. Even top brands may feel bulky, make your child uncomfortable, and restrict their movement.
The Mama Koala’s slightly smaller size is best suited for your newborn. Besides, they can be adjusted as the child grows. The pocket openings used for placing the inserts are wide, so stuffing them in is more manageable.Â
It fits the newborns better because the elastic is slightly narrower around the waist. However, this becomes a problem in the case of babies with wider hips. Some parents feel guilty about using disposable diapers, even for newborns. Thus, they would prefer to use cloth diapers from day one.
Pros
- Customer service is great
- Wide inserts for easier stuffing
- Adjustable
Cons
- May have trouble fitting babies with wide hips
If you ever need a diaper to be delivered quickly, Babygoal is your best bet. Babygoal is also a high-quality diaper that holds large amounts of liquid. Apart from six regular inserts, use the four additional bamboo inserts in the night for extra absorbency.
However, the absorbency levels of the regular inserts are relatively poor, so you may end up using the bamboo inserts more regularly.Â
Pros
- Durable and lasts longÂ
- Bamboo inserts are good for heavy-wetters
Cons
- Regular inserts are not as absorbent
Factors to Consider While Buying a Cloth Diaper
From the type of diaper to the material used, there are many things to consider when buying cloth diapers:
- Type of Diaper
The first thing to decide is the type of cloth diaper you will use. There are five types of cloth diapers that vary from cost to usage:
Prefolds are the most economical of all types. It is just a single piece of cloth that you can fold around the baby and convert into a diaper. You will need Snappi fasteners to hold the diaper in place. Additionally, you will also need a diaper cover as prefolds are not waterproof.
Single-size come in one size and cannot be adjusted as your baby grows. You need to buy them if you are looking for snug-fit diapers for your baby and are not interested in refitting them based on their size. You might have to try two to three different brands as some may not work depending on the shape and comfort levels.
Adjustable diapers can be refitted depending on the baby’s shape and size using a series of buttons placed on them. Usually, such diapers may even serve till your baby gets potty trained. The adjustable diaper is the option to choose if you want to reduce spending. Sometimes, they may look awkward and may not fit your baby’s size exactly.
If you are not interested in refitting or adding accessories to a diaper, all-in-ones are the way to go. These are the most expensive of all types but are hassle-free and most suitable for parents who cannot afford to lose time.
The diaper has layers of cloth fitted into it and includes a waterproof cover. It comes in a single piece with no additional inserts and is easy to use. However, they may take a longer time to dry.
Pockets are similar to the all-in-ones, except they have pockets where you can place and remove an absorbent insert. Some of them may even hold two inserts which babies require during nighttime. These are easier to wash and dry and do not need waterproof covers.
- MaterialÂ
The material used in an organic cloth diaper matters because some babies like the softness provided by the bamboo variant. In contrast, others would be comfortable with hemp diapers that hold more water.
Diapers made of hemp material absorb more water than cotton ones. Hemp is a plant variety that can absorb considerably large amounts of moisture.
Cotton is the most used fabric in cloth diapers. They absorb well and are soft, and will not lead to rashes.
Bamboo is a bio-degradable and environment-friendly material which absorbs a bit more efficiently than cotton. In addition, they are softer than cotton diapers and have antibacterial qualities.
- Price
The price of a cloth diaper depends on the type and design. The prefolds are the cheapest, while the hybrids or all-in-ones are more on the expensive side. If you are building a diaper stash, you can save more if you buy in sets instead of buying them individually. On the other hand, you cannot choose a design when buying a set.
- Fit and Size
Some cloth diapers are true to size, but some run big or small. Always check FAQs or reviews regarding the size and fit of the diapers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many cloth diapers should I buy?Â
You must have about two to three days’ worth of stock at any given point in time, but the number depends on the child’s age. For instance, let us say that you have a newborn who poops a lot, then you may have to change diapers about ten to 14 times a day.
So, if you wash once in two days, you might need about 20 to 25 diapers. You will need at least 15 cloth diapers for infants. Moreover, toddlers will need about ten diapers until they are potty-trained.Â
- Can cotton diapers be worn for a long time?
No. Even if we consider that cloth diapers rarely cause rashes, it is best to have diaper-free time. Make sure it coincides with the time you play with the baby so that you can attend to emergencies.
- How do you wash cloth diapers?Â
First, rinse the poop stuck to the diaper into the toilet. Also, make sure to remove the smaller dirt particles by spraying water on the surface of the diaper. Next, soak the diaper in warm water with a disinfectant used explicitly for cleaning clothes. Finally, gather ten such diapers, and wash them together in a machine.
Remember that cloth diapers, especially the all-in-ones, will take much time to dry. You will also need a place and a separate bag to gather the used diapers. Air dry the washed diapers under the sun and store them in a dry place.
- How much should I spend on diapers?
If you invest in organic cloth diapers, the initial cost can be alarming. Thus, it might be tempting to go for the disposable ones. However, remember that you will be saving money in the long run.
The best way to save is to start with disposable diapers and experiment with the cloth alternative. Buy a prefold and give it a try. If you are not comfortable, go for the adjustable types.
Do not straight-up go for an all-in-one and splurge your money. It is all right for you to use the disposables until you figure out the right brand and type that works for you. Also, once you have landed on a brand, try to stick to them.Â
Final Thoughts
Being a parent is no easy task; you have to make sure that you give your baby the best and make them comfortable. Choosing a diaper brand and specific type that works for you will go a long way in reducing your stress.
Keep in mind that the baby should be comfortable in the diaper you choose. Notice how your child moves around in the diaper.Â
Do not forget to wash the soiled ones regularly. Establish a washing routine for your cloth diapers and inserts. Buy enough work diapers to last the next washing day, depending on your work timings.
Remember, it takes time for the diapers to dry, especially in winters. It can get overwhelming at first, but it gets easier later on.Â
A cloth diaper is definitely worth your money as it helps reduce rashes in babies and saves the environment. More importantly, it is cost-effective in the long run.
However, you have to take your time before deciding on a type. Do not feel guilty about disposable diapers until you decide on the organic cloth diaper brand that works for you.
Happy Fluffing!
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