Cloth Diaper Sizes: The Ultimate Guide and Which Ones You Need!

Photo by @maryyy_may

Choosing the right cloth diaper size not only determines the comfort for your child, but also reliably protects against leaks. While disposable diapers often offer confusingly many sizes, cloth diapers often manage to get you through the entire diapering period with just two sizes.

So, what cloth diaper size do I need? The cloth diaper size you need mainly depends on the weight and body shape of your child. At Judes, size 1 accompanies you from birth to a weight of 8 kg. Size 2 fits perfectly from a weight of 7 kg and accompanies your child until the end of the diapering period.

In the following, we will go through various size options for cloth diapers together and show you which size suits your baby best.

What sizes and systems of cloth diapers are available?

Cloth diapers not only differ in various systems, but each system also has its own sizes. Typically, these sizes are divided into newborn diapers, which fit from birth, and one-size diapers, which are suitable from a certain weight for the rest of the diapering period. Some manufacturers offer additional sizes for children who become dry later or still need a diaper at night. With Judes, you can get through the entire diapering period with two sizes:

• Size 1 fits your child from birth to a weight of 8 kg.
• Size 2 fits perfectly and fits your child from a weight of 7 kg to 15 kg.

Due to flexible cuffs on the back and legs, the diapers grow temporarily and adapt ideally to the body shape of your child.

What cloth diaper systems are there?

• All-in-One (AIO): These diapers combine absorbent material and waterproof cover in one piece.
• Pocket diapers: These cloth diapers have an inner pocket into which various absorbent inserts are placed.
• Fitted diapers: Fitted diapers are worn like underwear and have no closure. Absorbent inserts are simply placed into the diaper before pulling it up.

Photo by @madame.vio

What is the difference between sized and one-size cloth diapers?

One-Size (adjustable diapers)

• One-size diapers are designed to fit from birth to potty training. They can be adjusted with snaps or Velcro to fit the child's body size.

Judes Size 2 is similar to a one-size diaper, as it fits from a weight of 7 kg for the entire diapering period. Flexible cuffs on the legs and back ensure a comfortable fit for your growing child. Judes Size 1, on the other hand, reliably covers the first period after birth.

Sized diapers

• Sized diapers or multi-size diapers are available in specific sizes, each tailored to a particular age or weight.

Advantages of newborn sizes for newborn babies

Newborn sizes, like Judes Size 1, are specially developed for the first weeks and months after birth. They offer a perfect fit for the small body of newborn babies, making them not only comfortable but also reliably leak-proof.

Equipment recommendations for different cloth diaper size systems

Different cloth diaper systems can be especially suitable for certain situations. Below, we show you the moments when different systems can be worthwhile:

Fitted Diapers

• Particularly suitable for night or long wearing times, as they have high absorbency.
• Fitted diapers are combined with a diaper cover to prevent leaks.

Night Diapers

• Specifically designed for nighttime to keep your baby dry and sleeping well.
• Use night diapers with high absorbency and combine them with a waterproof cover.

Pull-on Covers

• A special type of cover that provides leak protection. They are quick to put on and suitable for active babies and toddlers.
• Choose pull-on covers that grow with your child and are easy to care for.

Optimal Use and Fit of Cloth Diapers

The optimal fit of cloth diapers is crucial to avoid leaks and ensure a comfortable fit for your child. Here are some tips:

• The right size: Make sure the diapers fit well. They should neither be loose nor leave red marks. A cloth diaper sits at hip height. It is tight enough if you can easily slip two fingers between the diaper and the stomach.
• Adjust absorbent inserts: Adjust the absorbent inserts to your baby as well as different situations and wear times. With modern cloth diapers like Judes, you can save this step, as the highly absorbent inner diaper is perfectly suited for every moment.
• Regular changes: Change the diaper at regular intervals to avoid skin irritations.

The number of diapers you need depends on how often you want to wash. Generally, the rule of thumb is:

• Waterproof outer diapers: 4 to 6 pieces
• Absorbent inserts: 20 to 25 pieces
• Fitted diapers: 4 to 6 pieces
• All-in-One diapers: 15 to 20 pieces
• Pocket diapers: 15 to 20 pieces and at least the same number of inserts

To avoid this effort, Judes cloth diapers are the best choice. Judes is a self-contained system, so you don't have to worry about the number of different inserts, etc. The waterproof cover is perfectly matched to the highly absorbent inner diaper, and you don't need any additional materials. On the Judes Family website, the right quantities are automatically calculated for you. Nevertheless, for completeness:

• Quantity: For newborns, you need about 8 to 10 diapers a day, while older babies and toddlers can manage with about 5 diapers.
• Variety: Ensure you are prepared for every situation and different wear times.
• Absorbent inserts: Increase the absorbency with boosters for particularly long wear times if necessary.

Judes Cloth Diaper Sets

With Judes, you are best prepared for every situation. The absorbent inner diaper made of organic cotton reliably absorbs and locks in liquids. The waterproof cover provides optimal protection against leaks. With two sizes, you get through the entire diapering period without your child having to sacrifice safety or comfort.

Our sets include everything you need for the diapering period. So you don't have to worry about details like sizes or matching inserts.

Advantages of Judes Cloth Diaper Sets

• Complete solution: We put together our sets to include all the important components. Depending on how often you want to wash and whether you want to combine with disposable diapers or other cloth diaper systems, you will find different packages with us. For example, our Cloth Diaper Classic Set (0-8 kg) is perfectly suitable to sustainably diaper your baby from birth. It includes enough diapers to cover 50% of the need and leaves you enough room to combine with other systems.
• Cost savings: Buying a set saves you money compared to buying individually, while still getting the same quality.
• Flexibility: The sets include not only inner diapers and covers, but also boosters as well as our Poo Paper, so you are prepared for every situation. Additional accessories such as Judes Family Care detergent, wash cloths, and wet bags are also included.

What cloth diaper size do I need for a newborn?

Especially for newborns, the fit of the diaper is crucial. It should be adjusted to the proportions of the baby and neither too thick nor too heavy. Newborn sizes, like Judes Size 1, are specifically designed for the first weeks and months after birth, to offer your baby the highest possible comfort and to protect sensitive skin.

One-size sizes, on the other hand, are designed to meet the needs of growing babies and toddlers and are therefore the perfect choice from a certain weight.

For an optimal start to babyhood, we have put together our Cloth Diaper Premium Set (from birth to 15 kg). This set includes everything you need from birth to the entire diapering period:

• 35 inner diapers in Size 1
• 35 inner diapers in Size 2
• 10 covers in Size 1
• 10 covers in Size 2
• 3 wet bags (small) for on the go
• 3 wet bags (large) for at home
• 60 washcloths
• 6 booster inserts for night or long wear times
• 1 x Poo Paper in Size 1
• 1 x Poo Paper in Size 2
• 1 x Judes Family Care detergent
• Judes Family diapering coaching

Newborn Sizes vs. One-Size vs. Sized Systems

With cloth diapers, you have the choice between several options: newborn sizes, one-size, and sized systems. Below, we have summarized the advantages and disadvantages of the various options:

Newborn Sizes

Advantages:

• Perfectly adapted for the first weeks and months after birth. They offer an optimal fit for the smaller proportions of newborns.
• Ensure a smaller diaper package, making them always comfortable and preventing leaks.
• Due to the tailored fit, pressure points and leaks are effectively prevented.

Disadvantages:

• Since they only fit up to a certain weight, the usage period is limited.

Newborn diapers are the perfect choice if you want to start using cloth diapers right after birth and ensure your baby is comfortably and safely diapered.

One-Size

Advantages:

• Offer a long usage period as they grow with flexible materials or adjustable snaps.

Disadvantages:

• Often do not fit directly after birth, as they are somewhat bulky. This can be uncomfortable for your baby and lead to leaks.

Sized Systems

Advantages:

• Each size is tailored to a specific weight class or age group, providing an ideal fit and effective leak protection.

Disadvantages:

• Since you need different sizes, the costs accumulate over the diapering period.
• It requires planning and preparation to have the right size at the right time.

Advantages and disadvantages of cloth diaper size systems

Various factors play a role in choosing the right cloth diaper size system. Here are some tips on the cost-effectiveness, care, comfort, and sustainability of cloth diapers:

	One-size diapers	Sized diapers
Cost-effectiveness	Advantages: One-time investment for the entire diapering period. Cost-efficient, as you don't have to buy new diapers in different sizes. Disadvantages: Often too large for newborns initially, requiring alternatives.	Advantages: Provide the best fit at every stage, reducing the number of diapers needed. Disadvantages: Higher initial investment, as you need multiple sets in different sizes.
Care	Advantages: Low maintenance. Disadvantages: Must be adjusted regularly to ensure the best fit. Tend to leak.	Advantages: Easier to care for as they offer a better fit and leak less often. Disadvantages: Require a bit more organization to have the right size available.
Comfort	Advantages: Generally offer an acceptable fit. Disadvantages: Often cannot be adjusted to fit the individual body shape of the child. Initially very bulky, which can affect the comfort for newborns.	Advantages: Provide an optimal fit in every developmental stage, increasing wearing comfort. Disadvantages: The size needs to be changed in time as the child grows.
Sustainability	Advantages: Reduce consumption, as they are designed to cover the entire diapering period. Disadvantages: Due to poor fit, periods often need to be covered with disposable diapers or other systems.	Advantages: Made from high-quality and sustainable materials. Disadvantages: Multiple sets mean higher overall production, but the long-term environmental impact is still lower than with disposable diapers.

Advantages of Judes Cloth Diapers

Judes cloth diapers offer numerous advantages, making them an excellent choice for eco-conscious parents:

• Easy to use: Our diapers are extremely user-friendly and just as easy to change as disposable diapers.
• Sustainable: With Judes cloth diapers, you save about one ton of plastic waste per child and significantly reduce CO2 and water usage.
• Healthy skin: Made from breathable organic cotton, which supports natural skin regulation and minimizes skin irritations.
• Earlier diaper-free: Thanks to the bio-feedback of our cloth diapers, children learn to be dry faster.
• Cost savings: In the long run, cloth diapers are cheaper than disposable diapers. You can use them for other children or resell them second hand.
• Better leak protection: Our innovative weaving ensures that Judes diapers are absorbent and leak-proof, both during the day and at night.
• Hygienic: Breathable materials prevent unpleasant odors and ensure a comfortable diaper climate.

Learn more about the advantages of cloth diapers on our blog and find out why Judes is the best choice for your baby.

FAQs

How often should I change cloth diapers?

Cloth diapers should be changed every 2 to 3 hours during the day to keep your baby's skin dry and healthy. At night and during longer wear times, special boosters can be used to provide higher absorbency.

Are cloth diapers really more environmentally friendly than disposable diapers?

Yes, cloth diapers are significantly more environmentally friendly. They greatly reduce plastic waste as they are reusable. Additionally, the energy and water consumption over the entire usage period is lower, especially with sustainable materials such as organic cotton.

Can I use cloth diapers at night?

Yes, cloth diapers can also be used at night. Special night diapers or additional absorbent inserts ensure the necessary absorbency to keep your baby dry all night. Judes booster inserts offer extra protection and comfort for an uninterrupted sleep.

What types of absorbent inserts are there and which are best for my baby?

There are absorbent inserts made from cotton, bamboo, hemp, and microfiber. Bamboo and hemp offer high absorbency and are ideal for heavy wetting. Cotton is soft and breathable, while microfiber dries quickly. The best choice depends on your baby's individual needs.

How many cloth diapers do I need?

For newborns, you will need about 20 to 25 cloth diapers, as they need to be changed more frequently. For older babies, 15 to 20 diapers are sufficient. This amount ensures that you always have enough diapers available, even when some are being washed.