How Many Cloth Diapers Do You Really Need? (Age-by-Age Guide)

If you’re new to cloth diapering, one of the first (and most confusing) questions that pops up is: “How many cloth diapers do I actually need?” Some parents say 10 is enough, while others swear by 40. So who's right?

Well, it depends—on your baby’s age, how often you plan to do laundry, and your daily routine. Whether you’re prepping for a newborn or just switching from disposables, this guide will break down how many cloth diapers and waipes you'll realistically need, age-by-age. And yes, we’ve factored in the busy lives of parents in the USA, where time is precious, and convenience matters.

Newborns (0–3 Months)

Newborns are adorable… and they poop. A lot.

Diaper Changes per Day: 10–12

Recommended Diapers: 24–36

Waipes: At least 2 packs of reusable waipes (or ~60–80 disposable per week)

At this stage, having a bigger stash of cloth diapers is essential. Babies can go through a diaper almost every hour during the first few weeks. If you’re washing every other day (which is typical), you’ll want at least 24 to stay sane.

Pro Tip:

Go for prefolds or all-in-ones designed for newborns—they fit snugly and make clean-up easier during those 3 AM changes.

Infants (3–6 Months)

Things slow down a bit here—but not by much!

Diaper Changes per Day: 8–10

Recommended Diapers: 20–28

Waipes: 1–2 packs of reusable or ~50–70 disposable per week

At this age, your baby is more alert and starting to develop a routine. You’ll still go through quite a few diapers, but you may find you don’t need to change every single hour like before.

Laundry Tip:

If you live in a humid area in the USA, drying time can be slower. Consider having a few extra cloth diapers just in case.

Babies (6–12 Months)

Solid foods enter the picture, and with them… a change in diaper duty.

Diaper Changes per Day: 6–8

Recommended Diapers: 16–24

Waipes: 1 pack reusable or 40–60 disposable per week

Your baby’s digestive system is maturing, and diaper changes may become a little more predictable. This is when many parents experiment with hybrid systems or try nighttime cloth diapers.

Nighttime Tip:

Invest in a few extra-absorbent overnight diapers to prevent leaks. You might only need 2–4, but they’re worth it.

Toddlers (12–24 Months)

You’ve got a little mover now! Diapering is less frequent, but mobility can bring new challenges.

Diaper Changes per Day: 4–6

Recommended Diapers: 14–20

Waipes: 1 pack reusable or ~30–50 disposable per week

Your stash can be smaller now, especially if you’re closer to potty training. Some toddlers may even start to “hold it” for longer stretches during the day.

Pro Tip:

Switch to pull-up style cloth diapers or training pants for an easier transition to the potty.

Potty Training Phase (24+ Months)

You're nearing the finish line!

Diaper Changes per Day: 2–4

Recommended Diapers or Trainers: 6–12

Waipes: Less, but still good to have on hand

At this point, most parents in the USA switch to cloth training pants or padded underwear. Accidents are expected, so you’ll still need a few waterproof covers and some waipes—especially when you're out and about.

But What About Laundry?

Let’s face it—laundry is the real MVP in cloth diapering.

Washing Every Day: You can get by with a smaller stash (around 12–18)

Every 2–3 Days: Aim for 24–36, especially if you don’t want to stress about running out

Most cloth diapering parents in the USA find their rhythm with every-other-day washing. Make sure you’ve got a good diaper pail liner, reusable waipes, and a solid laundry routine to keep things easy.

Final Thoughts

So, how many cloth diapers do you really need? There's no one-size-fits-all answer—but with this age-by-age breakdown, you're off to a solid start.

If you're just beginning your cloth journey, start with 20–24 and adjust based on your baby and laundry schedule. And don’t forget the waipes—they’re just as important as the diapers themselves, especially in the messy moments.

Cloth diapering doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a bit of planning and the right tools, it can be a money-saving, eco-friendly, and surprisingly satisfying part of parenting.