Cloth Diaper Sizing Guide

Cloth diapers are far from a new concept. Evidence of cotton strips being used for diapering purposes dates back the practice to around 4,000 BC. The cloth diaper we see today became a commercial product in the late 19^th century and while the concept has evolved to offer more comfort and better protection, the premise remains the same.

Choosing cloth diapers over disposable products allows you to enjoy numerous benefits but getting all these advantages depends on picking the right diaper design and making sure the size is also correct.

The right size gives you the perfect fit and significantly reduces the likelihood of leaks. With various brands and cloth diaper designs, however, you may feel a bit lost when attempting to purchase for the first time. The following guide will acquaint you with all sizing essentials, as well as the little things you can do to ensure a great fit every single time.

Why Proper Sizing Is So Important

Snug fit makes the diaper comfortable. It allows your baby to move freely, without having their nappy coming undone.

The right size also reduces the risk of leaks and poo explosions. Neither too big nor too small is good. Diapers that have become small are going to be too tight, they’ll get saturated quickly and they will leak. Too big of a diaper will be uncomfortable and you’ll once again experience leakage.

Like disposable diapers, cloth ones are marked with a weight range you can use as a sizing guideline. This is only an approximation, however. There could be some size differences and design specifics that make one brand better than the other. Doing your research, seeing the diapers and even getting a test pair will help you make an optimal choice for your child.

Cloth Diaper Sizes Explained

Before discussing sizes, it’s also important to mention the various kinds of cloth diapers.

Prefolds are one of the most affordable choices. Because they are considered the most old-school choice design-wise, however, prefolds can be a bit more difficult to measure and size correctly. Pocket diapers look like regular underwear and they have an insert that gets fit inside an internal pocket. These diapers ensure more comfort and a better fit. While a bit more expensive, pocket diapers are durable, lightweight, and very easy to size correctly.

All-in-one diapers work in a similar manner but they don’t require inserts. The design is reminiscent of pocket diapers, which is why the sizing considerations are similar.

Speaking of which, here are the sizes commonly associated with cloth diaper products:

• Newborn: These diapers are created for the smallest of babies, those in the four to 12-pound weight range. The issue with newborn diapers is they’ll be outgrown very fast. Many parents find them too expensive to buy, which is why they opt for pre-folds or short anti-leak inserts with a small-sized pocket diaper. Investing in newborn diapers makes sense for preemies and very tiny babies.
• Small: For most brands, this size is meant to fit babies that weigh 10 to 17 pounds (as you can see, there’s some overlap with the newborn size, allowing you to skip the first one if your child has a higher birth weight).
• Medium: This size is typically suitable for kids in the 17 to 27-pound weight range.
• Large: While there are some variations, large diapers are designed for children in the 27 to 35+ pounds weight range.
• One size fits most: Getting a cloth diaper that will fit your child from birth to potty? Most parents will be ecstatic about such a choice. This concept allows for adjustments on the rise (the front of the diaper) with snaps or buttons that add some length or take away from it. As a general rule of thumb, these diapers can’t really fit a newborn well and are going to be a bit roomy. They will give a good fit at a starting weight of about 10 pounds and up until your toddler starts using the potty.

Sizing Charts and Measurement Guide

As already mentioned, there will be some variations based on the cloth diaper design and brand you choose.

Always look for the sizing chart that the manufacturer features alongside their products. It will give you the most accurate idea about the particular diaper.

To give you some idea about what sizing charts look like, here’s an example for prefolds:

For pocket diapers and diaper covers, here’s an example of a sizing chart and the kinds of measurements you’ll need to take to ensure the best fit:

Note: the rise is measured by taking the length from the top of the diaper in the front to the top of the diaper in the back. The measurement is taken through the legs.

Adjusting Cloth Diapers for a Perfect Fit

The perfect fit depends on choosing the right cloth diaper size for your child. Pay attention to weight guidelines. If the manufacturer asks for additional measurements (like waist and rise), measure the respective body part – you’re most definitely going to benefit from a better fit this way.

In the event of having adjustable cloth diapers, you’ll need to tweak the rise setting for the best fit.

Most often, you’ll get a double row of snaps in the front – they allow for length adjustments.

Some designs also have waist snaps that allow for additional size adjustments.

The manufacturer will give you some instructions on how the size of the cloth diaper is to be adjusted. Always try the snaps and the ease of opening and closing those on an empty diaper. Once you put the nappy on a baby, you’ll find it much more challenging to get used to the adjustments.

You don’t need to unsnap your adjustable diapers before laundry.

Adjusting the rise will require some getting used to. There will be a learning curve, just like with most other contraptions meant to go on your baby. In time, however, you’ll become an expert and you’ll probably even become capable of doing single-hand adjustments in a matter of seconds.

One final tip – if your baby is in between two rise settings, test them both to get a good fit. Your child should feel comfortable and there should be no leaks – that’s your sign for a perfect size adjustment.