A Guide to Cloth Diapering

By Meri Wild

Cloth diapering is a journey that most parents start with the best intentions—save money, reduce waste, and make healthier choices for their babies. However, the reality is that lots of parents give up on cloth diapers within weeks, frustrated by persistent leaks and the hassle of managing them. If you're one of those parents, I get it—I was there too.

When I first tried cloth diapers, I jumped all in and bought a full-time stash, thinking I was making the best choice for my family and the planet. But frustrated after a few months of constant leaks and outfit changes, and endless laundry, I gave up and went back to disposables. It wasn’t until my second baby came along and I realized how much waste we were producing that I decided to give cloth diapering another shot. This time, I took a different approach—focusing on quality materials, especially natural fibers, and that made all the difference.

If you're considering cloth diapering or giving it another try, choosing the right materials is key to success. Let’s dive into what makes or breaks the cloth diapering experience and why natural fibers are the way to go.

Why most parents quit cloth diapering: the polyester problem

One of the biggest mistakes new parents make when starting with cloth diapers is opting for cheap, polyester-based options. On the surface, polyester sounds like a budget-friendly solution—it's widely available and dries quickly. However, polyester is essentially plastic, and as we all know, plastic doesn't absorb liquid.

Instead of holding moisture efficiently, polyester-based inserts and diaper linings often lead to compression leaks—meaning the liquid gets pushed out when pressure is applied, like when your baby is sitting or scooting around. This results in constant leaks and frustration. It's easy to see why so many parents end up hating cloth diapers when every diaper change turns into a soggy disaster.

Why natural fibers are the better choice

Instead of polyester, investing in natural fiber options like cotton, bamboo, and hemp can make a world of difference. These materials offer superior absorbency that actually holds onto the liquid instead of letting it leak out.

Here's a quick breakdown of popular natural fiber options:

Cotton: affordable, absorbent, and easy to clean. Organic cotton is an excellent option for sensitive skin.

Bamboo: incredibly soft and highly absorbent. Bamboo retains moisture well and is a great choice for overnight diapers.

Hemp: hemp holds the most liquid but takes longer to dry, making it ideal for layering with faster-absorbing fibers like cotton.

While natural-fiber diapers might cost more upfront, they last longer and perform better, saving you money in the long run and making your cloth diapering experience much smoother.

Part-time cloth diapering

Another common misconception is that cloth diapering must be an all-or-nothing commitment. In reality, most families use a hybrid approach, combining cloth with disposables based on their lifestyle.

Here are a few flexible ways to incorporate cloth diapers without feeling overwhelmed:

Daytime use at home: cloth diapers work great when you're at home, where frequent changes and washing are easy.

Overnight solutions: many parents use cloth diapers at night—while it may seem daunting, it's actually one of the easiest ways to integrate cloth diapering since it’s usually just pee.

Weekend cloth diapering: if you work full-time, using cloth diapers over the weekend can still make a big impact on reducing waste.

Remember, every cloth diaper used means one less disposable in landfill, and that’s a win!

Why cloth diapers are worth the effort

Once I cracked the code with the right materials, I realized how simple and cost-effective cloth diapering can be. Instead of spending roughly ฿25,000 on disposables each year, I wash and reuse the same diapers over and over.

Here are some compelling reasons why cloth diapering is worth considering:

Eco-friendly choice: disposable diapers take hundreds of years to break down. By switching to cloth, you’ll be shocked to see how much you cut down on household waste.

Cost savings: disposables can cost between ฿20,000 and ฿25,000 per year, while a full-time stash of high quality cloth diapers are a one-time investment of about ฿12,000 and can be used for multiple babies.

Healthier for baby: cloth diapers are free from the harmful chemicals found in disposables, reducing the risk of rashes and skin irritations.

Aesthetic appeal: let’s be honest—cloth diapers come in the cutest prints and colors that disposables just can’t match.

Tips for success: making cloth diapering work for you

If you're ready to give cloth diapers a try, or a second chance, here are some tips to ensure success:

Start small: don’t overwhelm yourself by buying a huge stash upfront. Start with a few high-quality, natural-fiber diapers and gradually build your collection.

Invest in the right accessories: wet bags, diaper sprayers, and proper storage solutions will make cloth diapering much easier.

Have a washing routine: a simple wash routine is key—pre-rinse, wash with a good detergent, and air or tumble dry.

Mix and match: remember, it's OK to use disposables; find a balance that works for your family.

Cloth diapering doesn’t have to be all or nothing, and it doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience. By choosing natural fibers, investing in a few key items, and adopting a part-time approach, you can enjoy the benefits of cloth without the stress.

If you're on the fence, just remember—every cloth diaper used is a step towards a greener, more sustainable future, and your wallet will thank you too.

About the Author

Meri is the founder of Tush Diaper and a mom of two. After 12 years in Thailand she currently lives in Chiang Mai with her Thai family. Passionate about sustainable living, she is dedicated to helping families embrace a healthier and more eco-friendly lifestyle. Find her on Instagram and TikTok @mummaofwilds