Best Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers require extra cleaning and laundry time but may save you money in the long run, given their reusability. There are three different types of cloth diapers—we note each product’s type in its description. Below, you can also learn the differences between each of the diaper types.

The types of cloth diapers we evaluated include flat-folds, prefolds, all-in-one diapers, and reusable inserts for pocket diapers.

Flat-fold diapers: These are squares of unfolded, single-layer fabric that require folding and separate fasteners and diaper covers. Prefold diapers are prefolded sheets that similarly require covers and clips or fasteners to close. Both are much less expensive compared with the other types of cloth diapers but aren’t the easiest to use for beginners.

All-in-one diapers: This type, on the other hand, is easier to change and launder because it comes as one piece—no inserts, pins, or covers required. But these diapers are more expensive, and their absorbency levels are usually less customizable than flat-folds and prefolds. They also take longer to dry.

Pocket diapers: These contain two components—an outer layer and a removable insert that absorbs liquid. Their absorbency levels are customizable. Similar to all-in-one diapers, they’re easier to use than flat-folds and prefolds, but they’re more expensive.

We tested and scored 12 cloth diapers on this main criteria.

Absorption speed: We doused each diaper with 25 milliliters of saline solution four times. On the fourth douse, we measured how long it took for the diaper to absorb the solution completely. This test helps show us how quickly the cloth diaper can absorb urine.

Dryness: Five minutes after the last saline solution dousing, we placed a paper towel under a weight on top of the diaper. After 30 seconds, we weighed the paper towel to see how much moisture had come back out of the diaper. The lower the weight, the better.

This test examines whether the diaper is capable of retaining liquid after absorbing it and keeping the moisture away from the baby’s skin.

Sturdiness: We put each cloth diaper through 50 washing and drying cycles and measured whether the diaper had shrunk in size or showed other signs of wear and tear.

The other products we tested are Gerber Unisex Flatfold Cloth Diapers, Gerber Unisex Prefold Cloth Diapers, Green Mountain Diapers Cloth-Eez Flat Cloth Diapers, Green Mountain Diapers Cloth-Eez Prefold Diapers Classic White, GroVia Prefold Cloth Diapers, Mama Koala Snap Bamboo Cloth Diaper Insert, and Nicki’s Diapers Organic Cotton Flat Cloth Diapers.

These cloth diapers didn’t absorb liquids as quickly, and many struggled to retain the moisture they had soaked up. Nearly all of the diapers that didn’t make the cut for our recommendations are flat-fold and prefold diapers. They tend to score lower in absorption speed and dryness than the all-in-ones and inserts we tested because the fabric is much thinner, Deitrick says. The flat-folds and prefolds also tended to shrink slightly in size after washing and drying.

For those undecided on which type of diaper they should choose, cloth diapers or disposable diapers, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each.

Price: Cloth diapers can be slightly cheaper than disposable diapers, especially if you wash them yourself rather than using a laundry service.

Absorption: The best cloth diapers we tested still aren’t as absorbent as the disposable diapers that received the highest scores in our ratings. That’s because they lack the super-absorbent gel that is part of every disposable diaper, Deitrick says. Because cloth diapers aren’t as absorbent, they need to be changed more frequently to prevent diaper rash.

Environmental impact: Cloth diapers are marginally better than disposable diapers. While cloth diapers require more water for cleaning and produce more waterborne waste, disposable diapers use more natural resources and wind up in landfills more.

Still undecided? It might be helpful to know that the cloth vs. disposable debate isn’t a strict "either/or." Many parents who use cloth diapers at home also use disposable diapers for travel, day care, or while on the go. If a combination of cloth and disposable diapers works for your family, that means you’re still helping to reduce diaper waste while saving money by not having to buy as many disposables.