How Many Cloth Nappies Do I Need?

Congratulations on your New baby. There are so many parenting decisions to make as a first time parent, one of these is deciding on whether to use disposable nappies, modern cloth nappies or a mixture of both. In this guide I hope to take away some of the confusion and hurdles to making the switch to cloth so you are not put off imagining the amount of research needed and the initial financial outlay.

Cloth nappies are an environmentally sound choice and most find them more reliable than disposable nappies - no nappy leaks and no poonamis in cloth! Reusable nappies have a positive health advantage for your baby.

Reducing the chemicals that are around your baby is important and cloth diapers are more comfortable too. Reusable diapers will save you money, they can be used from your first born through subsequent children and have great resale value once you are finished with them. You can buy preloved nappies to really keep the costs down too.

Having the right number ensures you’re covered for every change without worrying about laundry. We will help you determine the ideal number for your family’s needs, covering full-time use, newborn size requirements, wrap and insert needs, whether you're just starting out or even part-time usage.

How many cloth nappies for full time use?

How many reusable nappies do I need for a newborn?

How many nappy wraps do I need?

How many inserts / boosters do I need?

Will my baby need more than this?

Can I do cloth nappies part time?

How Many Cloth Nappies for Full Time Use?

The number of nappies you'll need largely depends on how frequently you plan to have the washing machine on and the age of your baby. You'll need 6-12 nappy changes a day.

To allow for washing and drying, ensuring you always have clean nappies on hand aim for between 15-25 nappies.

For comparison, disposable nappies require similar numbers, but with cloth nappies, once you make the initial purchase, you can reuse them, offering significant cost savings in the long term and reducing waste.

How Many Reusable Nappies Do I Need for a Newborn?

Newborns need more frequent nappy changes than older babies and toddlers, around 10-12 times a day dropping to 5-8 as bladders grow and solids are introduced. For a full-time cloth nappy routine from birth, aim for 20-25 nappies so you always have clean ones available.

Newborns have more frequent, smaller outputs due to their tiny bladders and liquid diet, so they’ll go through cloth nappies quickly, and you may find yourself washing more often in the first few months.

Some parents start with a smaller stash if they’re unsure about committing to full-time cloth nappy use, or they may want to try a few brands to find the best fit. Others wait til the new baby has settled in and is big enough for one sized nappies or birth to potty nappies.

Keep in mind that newborn nappies are usually smaller, and babies grow quickly, so you may need a new set as they transition to larger sizes.

To keep costs down you can get by with wraps (the waterproof layer), muslins and a few inserts for the first few months. Have a read here for advice on how to choose the right nappy types for you.

How Many Nappy Wraps Do I Need?

If you're using a two-part nappy system (a cloth nappy with a separate wrap), you'll need fewer wraps than nappies. Unless soiled 1 wrap can be used for 2-3 nappy changes, just wipe it over with a cloth wipe and let it air while you change baby. So, if you have 25 nappies, 5-7wraps should be enough. 

You can explore different types of cloth nappies in our guide.

How Many Inserts/Boosters Do I Need?

Inserts and boosters are absorbent layers added to nappies to boost their absorbency.

These are especially useful for naps, nights, or heavy wetters. Aim for one booster to every 2-3 nappies so 10-12 boosters should suffice.

Nappy boosters are an efficient way to increase the absorbency of your cloth nappies. For daytime, you may find that a single insert does the job, but overnight you might need two or even three absorbent nappy liners stacked for added absorbency.

Will My Baby Need More Than This?

Every baby is unique, and some may need more nappies than others - heavy wetting, health issues, or wanting to do fewer washes can influence the number of nappies you need. Heavy wetters might require more frequent changes or additional boosting, so having a few extra nappies and inserts can be helpful.

You may find that adding a few extra nappies to your rotation provides peace of mind.

I fell in love with all the beautiful designs and liked having nappies to match outfits so the amount increased!

Can I Do Reusable Nappies Part-Time?

Absolutely! Many families choose to use cloth nappies part-time. If you plan to use cloth nappies during the day (or when you are at home) and disposables at night, you can halve the recommended number. 10-12 nappies might be enough for daytime use, with fewer inserts and wraps needed.

Part-time use still offers environmental advantages and cost savings, and allows you to try cloth nappies without fully committing right away.

Choosing the right number of cloth nappies is a balance of your baby's needs, your washing routine, and your personal preferences. Whether you go full-time or part-time, the benefits of cloth nappies are undeniable—eco-friendly, cost-effective, and better for your baby’s skin. If you have questions or are just starting out, feel free to reach out or explore more of our blogs for helpful tips and guides. We’d also love to hear your experiences or answer any questions in the comments!

You can contact us directly for advice, the team chat pee, poo and periods all day long and are happy to help! You may also find this article useful for further reading:

Whats the difference between nappy inserts, boosters and liners?

Best nappies for newborns

Nappy wraps: Everything you need to know

Understanding different types of cloth nappy

About the Author: Kirstin on our customer services team loves spending her days helping customers with their reusable period product needs and advising cloth nappy using families. Kirstin lives with her three teenagers and loves walking, cycling and sea swimming year round in our beautiful bay.She is excited to share her extensive knowledge and enthusiasm for all things reusable, helping a new generation of parents navigate eco-friendly choices for their children.