How many? What kind?

So, you have decided to cloth diaper your baby. That's a good start, but now you're overwhelmed with the options!

No matter what type of diapers you choose to use, if you are diapering a newborn, you will go through about 12 diapers a day. Newborns poop alot.(every diaper change for the most part) and absorbency is less of an issue, except at night Once they are 2-3 months old, they will poop less often and pee more. Still, you will need about 8-10 diapers per day after the newborn stage. So, if you want to wash diapers every other day (which is the norm) you'd want to have minimum 20 diapers. I'd suggest around 24 though, so you're not cutting it close before its time to wash.

So now you know how many you'll need, but what kind do you want to use?

The cheapest way to go (whether on a budget or not) is using prefolds and covers. You can buy a dozen small prefolds brand new for around $30, and you'd want 5-6 covers ($12 or so each new). With prefolds you need diaper pins or snappis, which are inexpensive. If you go this way, it would cost you around $120 for 24 diapers and 5 covers. Of course prefolds and covers aren't for everyone. And if your baby is in daycare or at a sitter, this may not even be an option.

If you're looking for a easier option, all- in-ones (AIOs) might be for you. They can cost anywhere from $17-$25 each new, so it can really add up if you were to build your entire stash with these. It could cost closer to $500 for 24 AIOs. Still though, when comparing to disposables, this is 1/4 of the cost (over the entire time your babe will be in diapers).

There's no reason why you can't mix it up, though. I suggest you do, actually! You could use prefolds at home, AIOs for daycare and being out and about. Or why not throw in some pocket diapers as well? They are less expensive than AIOs (anywhere from $8 to $18 each new) and are great for daycare, grandmas and dads!

You can definitely build a stash to get you through 2-3 days of diapering for a couple hundred dollars, no need to go crazy. But be warned, you can also spend much more. Some people (including myself) admit to be a little addicted to buying adorable cloth diapers!