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 a confusing number of sizes, cloth diapers often manage to accompany 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 your child's weight and body shape. At Judes, size 1 accompanies you from birth to a weight of 8 kg. Size 2 ideally fits from a weight of 7 kg and accompanies your child until the end of the diapering period.

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

What sizes and systems of cloth diapers are available?

Cloth diapers differ not only in various systems, but each system also has its own sizes. Generally, 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 take longer to become dry or still need a diaper at night. At Judes, you 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 afterwards and suits your child from a weight of 7 kg to 15 kg.

Through flexible cuffs on the back and legs, the diapers grow temporarily and adapt ideally to your child's body shape.

What cloth diaper systems are there?

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

Photo by @madame.vio

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

One-Size (grow-with-me diapers)

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

Judes Size 2 is similar to a one-size diaper, as it fits from a weight of 7 kg right up to the end of the diapering period. Flexible cuffs at the legs and back ensure a comfortable fit for your growing child. Judes Size 1, on the other hand, reliably covers the initial 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 sizing systems

Different cloth diaper systems can be particularly suitable for certain situations. Below, we show you in which moments the various systems can be worthwhile:

Fitted diapers

• Particularly suitable for nighttime or long wear, as they have high absorbency.
• Fitted diapers are combined with a cover to ensure leak protection.

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 baby and are easy to care for.

Judes provides an all-round solution here, allowing you to manage all situations with a single system. The inner diaper made of organic cotton has a high absorbency, which can be further increased with booster inserts to safely last through nights or long wear.

Optimal use and fit of cloth diapers

The optimal fit of cloth diapers is crucial to prevent 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 level. It is snug enough if you can easily slide two fingers between the diaper and the belly.
• Adjust the absorbent pads: Adapt the absorbent pads to your baby as well as to various situations and wear times. With modern cloth diapers like Judes, you can skip this step, as the highly absorbent inner diaper is perfectly suited for any moment.
• Change regularly: Change the diaper at regular intervals to avoid skin irritations.

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

• Waterproof diaper covers: 4 to 6 pieces
• Absorbent pads: 20 to 25 pieces
• Fitted diapers: 4 to 6 pieces
• All-in-One diapers: 20 to 25 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 or materials of the different inserts. The waterproof cover is perfectly matched to the highly absorbent inner diaper, meaning you need no additional materials. On our website, the correct quantities are automatically calculated for you. Nevertheless, again for completeness:

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

Judes Cloth Diaper Sets

With Judes, you are optimally prepared for every situation. The highly absorbent inner diaper made from organic cotton reliably absorbs and locks in liquids. The waterproof cover provides optimal protection against leaks. With two sizes, you can go through the entire diapering period without your child having to compromise on 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 suitable inserts.

Advantages of Judes Cloth Diaper Sets

• Complete solution: We put our sets together to include all the essential components. Depending on how often you want to wash and whether you want to use Judes part-time or full-time, you will find different packages with us. Our Cloth Diaper Classic Set (0-8 kg) is perfectly suited to diaper your baby sustainably from birth. It contains enough diapers to cover 50% your diapering needs and gives you enough flexibility to combine with other diapers.
• Savings: By purchasing a set, you save money compared to buying diapers individually without compromising on quality.
• Flexibility: The sets include not only inner diapers and covers but also booster inserts to increase absorbency as well as our Poo Paper, so you are prepared for every situation. Additional accessories like Judes Family Care Detergent, washcloths, and diaper 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 adapted to the baby's proportions 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 the sensitive skin.

One-size sizes, on the other hand, are designed for 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 for 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 diaper bags (small) for on the go
• 3 diaper bags (large) for at home
• 60 washcloths
• 6 booster inserts for the 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 Diaper Coaching

Newborn Sizes vs. One-Size vs. Sized Systems

With cloth diapers, you have several options to choose from: newborn sizes, one-size, and sized systems. Below, we have summarized the advantages and disadvantages of the different options:

Newborn Sizes

Advantages:

• Perfectly adapted to the first weeks and months after birth. They offer an optimal fit for the smaller proportions of newborns.
• Ensure a smaller diaper package, so they are always comfortable and prevent 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 with cloth diapers right after birth and ensure that your baby is wrapped comfortably and safely. Due to their short usage period, newborn diapers can be resold well, allowing you to get back a significant part of the costs.

One-Size

Advantages:

• Offer a long usage period as they grow with your child through 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, offering an ideal fit and effective leak protection.

Disadvantages:

• Since you need different sizes, higher costs arise over the course of the diapering period.
• It requires planning and preparation, as you must have the right size ready at the appropriate time.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cloth Diaper Sizing Systems

Various factors play a role when choosing the right cloth diaper sizing system. Here are some insights on the cost, care, comfort, and sustainability of cloth diapers:

	One-Size Diapers	Sized Diapers
Cost	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 at first, 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 regularly adjusted to ensure the best fit. Prone to leaking.	Advantages: Easier to care for as they offer a better fit and leak less often. Disadvantages: Require slightly more organization to have the right size to hand.
Comfort	Advantages: Usually provide an acceptable fit. Disadvantages: Often cannot be adjusted to the child's individual body shape. Initially very bulky, which can affect the comfort for newborns.	Advantages: Provide an optimal fit at every stage of development, enhancing comfort. Disadvantages: The size must be changed in time for when the child grows.
Sustainability	Advantages: Reduce consumption as they are designed to cover the entire diapering period. Disadvantages: Due to a poor fit, disposable diapers or other diapers will be needed to fill in for certain time periods.	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 disposable diapers.

Advantages of Judes Cloth Diapers

Judes cloth diapers offer numerous advantages, making them an excellent choice for environmentally 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 a ton of plastic waste per child and significantly reduce CO2 and water consumption.
• Healthy skin: Made from breathable organic cotton, which supports natural skin regulation and minimizes skin irritations.
• Earlier potty training: Thanks to the bio-feedback of our cloth diapers, children learn to become dry faster.
• Cost savings: In the long run, cloth diapers are cheaper than disposable diapers. You can use them for additional children or resell them second-hand.
• Better seal: 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 pleasant diaper climate.

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

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. Once there is a bowel movement in the diaper, you should change it immediately.

Are cloth diapers really more environmentally friendly than disposable diapers?

Yes, cloth diapers are significantly more environmentally friendly. They greatly reduce plastic waste because they are reusable. In addition, energy and water consumption over the entire lifespan is lower, especially with sustainable materials like 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 provide the necessary absorbency to keep your baby dry all night. Judes booster inserts offer extra protection and comfort for an undisturbed sleep.

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

There are absorbent inserts made from cotton, bamboo, hemp fiber, 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 the individual needs of your baby.

How many cloth diapers do I need?

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