Finding the Right Fit

Welcome back to the Cloth Diapering Expert Series! Once you know which of the five diapering systems you want to use, you need to decide which fit you would like, Newborn, Small and Large or One Size fits all. 

You didn't begin wearing your 40-week maternity clothing the minute you found out you were pregnant. Why? Becuase it would be much too large for you at that point, of course. So tell me, will you be happy with a one-size diaper when cloth diapering a newborn?

Let's take a detailed look at each fit.

 One Size Diapers

One size diapers seem ideal as one set of diapers will fit from newborn until the day they are potty trained, making them a very economical investment.

Some things to consider:

Most parents idealize the concept of a one-size-fits-all diaper. It makes economic sense, after all, babies grow quickly. However, very few parents are happy with the fit of a one size diaper when they see their tiny newborn in it and end up using disposables until the one size diaper starts to fit properly. The money spent on using disposables until the one size fits nicely can significantly offset the cost of a better fitting, smaller set of cloth in the first place.

You really need to be honest with yourself to make the best choice. One thing is for sure, a bulky diaper will not hurt or be uncomfortable for the baby to wear. In fact, all cloth diapers encourage proper hip placement!

  Small and Large Diapers

A two-sized cloth diapering system breaks the fit down into two specific size ranges: small, fitting from about 8 to 20 lbs, and large, fitting from about 20 to 35 lbs. The fit is much better than a one size diaper and parents are more inclined to use this diaper early on.

Also, if you are just starting your family and plan to have more children, you should seriously consider a two-sized diaper system. Wear and tear is distributed over two sizes so the diapers can be used for future children* if cared for properly.

 Newborn Diapers

There are also newborn cloth diapers that fit from 6 to 12 lbs, providing a perfect fit for your brand new baby right away. You could start with the newborn cloth diaper and then graduate to the one size diaper at 12 lbs, or you can start with the newborn cloth diaper before moving into the small and then large cloth diapers. Although choosing the newborn to small to large diapers will cost the most, they are a joy to use. When you consider how much time your baby will spend in their diapers and consider the cost of disposables which also give you a perfect fit, you can put the cost and fit relationship into perspective.

Overview

No matter if you choose a one-size, two-size, or start with a newborn diaper, they will all work and perform as intended. But when you stop to consider that disposable diapers set the bar for fit, come in many sizes and cost a lot of money, it is not unreasonable to select a two-size system, or even start with a newborn cloth diaper when using cloth - it still saves you money! When you consider how much time your baby will wear their diapers, you will find that fit does matter!

Still not sure which fit is right for you? Click below to take our Diaper Selector Quiz for help to decide which style and fit is best for you! And be sure to enter your email address at the end to receive an additional 10% off our Trial Packages!

Stay tuned for the next installment of the Mother-ease Expert Series, where I talk about stashing and why it's best to stick to one brand. Or, click here to subscribe to our blog notifications and get an alert right to your inbox!

Next Issue: To Stash or Not to Stash?

*Mother-ease recommends having a minimum of 24 diapers if using 100% Organic Cotton diapers to last for one child. There is no polyester core sewn into the Organic Cotton to add the durability, as there is in our Unbleached and Colored Cotton or Bamboo Terry diapers.