Ah, the subject parents love to discuss the most—baby diaper messes.
Before the days of disposable diapers, cloth diapers were the standard—and they’re making a comeback. In an age where parents are becoming more environmentally conscious, or are just looking for a less expensive long-term diaper option (disposables are expensive, and with multiple children—even more so), more and more brands are making practical and affordable cloth diapers.
Apart from the environmental and financial upsides, our research showed that cloth diapers are often times a more comfortable fit for baby. Cloth diapers can be tightened more snugly than disposable, which can be abrasive on baby’s skin if on too tight. Many cloth diapers can also grow alongside your baby, removing the worry (and wasted money) on having too many of the wrong size disposable diapers. Disposable diapers also use chemical gels to absorb moisture, whereas cloth diapers nix the chemicals altogether and use super absorbent, self-wicking fabrics instead.
Types of Cloth Diapers
When you think of cloth diapers, your mind may immediately turn to flat and pre-fold cloth diapers. You know, the flat, thick, piece of fabric that needs to be folded and pinned? Those are still around, and are cheap and easy to find. They don’t fit as snug as an elastic band, however, and still need an extra protective waterproof shell to keep any messes from… well, getting messier. Not to mention, the risk of poking baby with the pin can cause quite a few tears for baby and mom (we recommend using a Snappi instead).
Pocket diapers are snazzy in that they have a pocket where you can insert a cloth liner to absorb messes, and you’re able to adjust its position as needed for maximum absorbency. All-in-one cloth diapers are similar, but have the added benefit of not requiring liners. All-in-ones have all cloth interiors and the whole diaper can be thrown into the wash when soiled. Both pocket diapers and all-in-ones are have waterproof exteriors, so an extra shell layer isn’t needed.
We searched the market and analyzed customer needs, questions, and real reviews to choose our favorite cloth diapers across various types. Finding the right cloth diaper takes time, trial, and error, and we want to make it as easy as possible to weigh the differences, benefits, and price points. Remember, however, that one cloth diaper style or brand may not work forever, and that it’s okay to mix and match to customize your perfect fit.
Best Cloth Diapers: Score Sheet
| Cloth Diapers | Amazon Score | Blueprint Score | Overall Score |
| ALVABABY Pocket Cloth Diaper Set | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.4 |
| Charlie Banana Cloth Diaper Set | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.4 |
| SoftBums Omni Shell with Hook and Loop Cloth Diaper | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.5 |
| bumGenius Freetime Cloth Diaper with Snap Closure | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.4 |
| Rumparooz One-Size Cloth Pocket Diaper | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Flip Hybrid Diaper Cover with Snap Closure | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.4 |
| Bambino Mio® Miosolo One Size All-in-One Cloth Diaper | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.5 |
ALVABABY Pocket Cloth Diaper Set
“These diapers work just as well as others at half the cost. We don’t cloth diaper much now, but when our daughter was a newborn we had to use cloth due to skin sensitivity and these diapers did the job!” -Joslin, Amazon Reviewer
BLUEPRINT SUMMARY
- Set comes with 6 unisex diapers and 12 inserts
- Pocket diaper, with absorbent liners that slip inside the pocket and can be adjusted
- Compatible with liners from other brands
- Three rows of snaps to accommodate a growing baby, between 6 and 35 pounds
- Inner fabric is a comfortable and soft suede cloth, with wicks that pull moisture away from baby’s sensitive skin
- Outer fabric is made from waterproof polyurethane laminate (PUL) fabric
- Included inserts are made from 3 layered microfiber, and will not pill
- Diapers and inserts are machine washable and dry-able
CONSIDERATIONS
- These hybrid diapers come with snap buttons—some parents may prefer hook and loop diapers
- Some reviewers noted that they prefer a different brand insert to use with the diaper, or to add pre-folds for extra leak security
Charlie Banana Cloth Diaper Set
“They are super easy. Great way to try out cloth diapering if you are new to it. I have not had issues with leaks. These also feel way cozier than disposables.” -Amazon Reviewer
BLUEPRINT SUMMARY
- Set includes six diapers (bought individually, each diaper is about $22 on Amazon) and 12 reusable inserts
- These are pocket diapers, and inserts are stuffed into a pocket on the back of the diaper
- Inserts come in two sizes, six 12” and six 13”, for day time and night time use
- Outer fabric is made from waterproof and breathable PUL fabric
- Inner fabric is made from hypoallergenic and stain-free microfleece
- Inserts are made from 4 layer microfiber
- Includes a front panel where an extra pad can be inserted for extra leak protection
- Diapers and inserts are washable and dry-able
- Has adjustable elastic leg holes to accommodate a growing baby
CONSIDERATIONS
- Inner fabric is made from microfleece, and may pill after prolonged use
- This pack is one size only, but Charlie Banana also has size adjustable options
- The most expensive cloth diaper option on our list
SoftBums Omni Shell with Hook and Loop Cloth Diaper
“This is our go to diaper for babysitters & grandparents. So easy with the velcro and it has held up really well over three years and two kids.” -Tiffanie, Amazon Reviewer
BLUEPRINT SUMMARY
- Pack includes one cloth diaper
- This cloth diaper can be used as a hybrid, pocket, or as a cover for a prefold cloth diaper
- Outer fabric is made of waterproof PUL fabric
- Uses long lasting hook and loop closures to adjust for a growing baby
- Elastic leg holes have toggles to accommodate babies from infancy to potty training
- Diaper is slim, but can fit inserts and even additional prefold cloth diapers
- Compatible with variety of inserts and dry pods, so it’s fully customizable
- Bamboo inner fabric becomes leak-proof after about 10 washes, and protects baby’s skin against rash
CONSIDERATIONS
- Omni shell does not come with inserts, but you can use any of your favorites
- Bamboo fabric is great for sensitive skin, but requires a bit of breaking in before it’s truly leak-proof
bumGenius Freetime Cloth Diaper with Snap Closure
“They don’t leak through the night, baby stays in them for usually 8 hours till he asks for a new diaper. He stays comfortable and hasn’t had a rash so far.” -Cristina, Amazon Reviewer
BLUEPRINT SUMMARY
- This all-in-one diaper doesn’t come with or require additional inserts
- The entire diaper is machine washable and dry-able
- Can be used over prefold diapers for heavy wetters or for night time
- Includes two absorbent semi-attached inserts that pull moisture away from baby’s sensitive skin
- Semi-attached inserts can be folded in different ways to customize absorbency
- Uses snap closures with several size adjustments, and elastic leg holes to grow alongside your baby (between 7 and 35 pounds)
- Outer fabric is made of waterproof and breathable PUL
- Inner fabric is soft and sueded
CONSIDERATIONS
- All-in-one diapers need to be changed as soon as they have been wet or soiled, like disposables, so you may need to have a steady supply of diapers if you’re not washing every day
- Because of the semi-attached inserts, this is a slightly bulkier cloth diaper—and especially if a pre-fold is also used
Rumparooz One-Size Cloth Pocket Diaper
“Easy to size, easy to use, easy to launder! “ -Amazon Reviewer
BLUEPRINT SUMMARY
- Pack includes pocket diaper and two inserts, one newborn soaker and another one-size soaker
- Inserts can be snapped together and adjusted for a total of 6 absorbency options
- Diaper can accommodate newborns (6 pounds) through toddler years (35+ pounds)
- Plenty of snap closures are available to adjust the size of the diaper
- Rumaprooz uses Kanga Care brand patented dual inner gussets along the expandable leg and waist holes for ultimate leak protection
- Outer layer is made of waterproof eco-glue bonded PUL fabric
- Inner layer is made from pill-proof, hypoallergenic microchamois
- Washer and liners are machine washable and dry-able
CONSIDERATIONS
- Even at its biggest size, this cloth diaper may be too small for larger toddlers, especially at the legs
- Reviewers noted that the leg gussets need to be lined up pretty well with underwear lines to work best
- Can be a bit bulky, especially when using both inserts
Flip Hybrid Diaper Cover with Snap Closure
“Nothing seems to escape them. I’ve been using this cover for a few months now and it has held up well.” -T. Miller, Amazon Reviewer
BLUEPRINT SUMMARY
- Flip Hybrid is a waterproof shell that can be wiped down and reused by removing soiled inserts
- Works great with prefolds and has flaps to hold them in place without pins or a Snappi
- Outer and inner layers are made with waterproof and breathable PUL fabric
- A variety of snap closures help the shell adjust to growing babies
- Leg holes and waist band are elastic and fit babies between 7-35 pounds
- The Flip shell can be machine washed and dried
- Compatible with most inserts from other brands, so you can customize and use your favorites for different levels of absorbency
- Because this is just the shell, it air dries very quickly
CONSIDERATIONS
- Does not include liners, but can be mixed and matched with your favorite cloth or disposable liners
- Does not have inner leg gusset, just the elastic band
- No snaps or velcro to hold insert in place, and may move around if baby is between sizes
Bambino Mio® Miosolo One Size All-in-One Cloth Diaper
“I love this diaper. Easy to put on, take off, hang dry, and it’s adorable. I bought more of the same brand I like them so much. It’s not super bulky, it’s soft, and gentle on the legs.” -Amazon Reviewer
BLUEPRINT SUMMARY
- This one-size cloth diaper uses snap and hook and loop velcro fasteners to adjust to growing babies
- Outer layer is made from waterproof PUL fabric
- Inner layer is made with super soft self-wicking fabric to pull mess moisture away from baby’s skin
- Entire diaper can be machine washed and dried
- Includes semi-attached internal absorbent microfiber pad and a pocket to insert extra liners for heavy wetters or for night time use
- Has elastic leg holes to help prevent leakage
- Comes in a variety of fun patterns for all babies
- Eases up on bulkiness since liners are not required
CONSIDERATIONS
- Because all-in-one cloth diapers don’t use liners, they must be washed after each use
- Reviewers noted that the Bambino Mio is slightly bulkier than other all-in-ones
- May run a bit big for small or skinny babies
How to Clean Cloth Diapers
If you’re new to cloth diapers, you’ve probably wondered how the heck you’re supposed to get them clean. Worry not—our handy infographic for basic cleaning and washing tips will get you through even the messiest of times. Keep in mind that some cloth diaper brands use special fabrics (like bamboo) that may require special wash treatment, so always double check the diaper’s care label before jumping in.
It’s important to remember that babies and their needs change, and sometimes in an instant. Cloth diapers can be a solid chunk of change up front—in return for long-term savings—so we recommend starting with a few different styles and brands, and mixing and matching to see what combinations work best for you and baby. A good mix of cloth diaper options will serve well if and when your needs change, and you’ll be able to customize accordingly.
If you’ve been around the cloth diaper block before, we want to hear about your experience! Let us know which types and brands are your favorite on Twitter and Instagram.