The Best Cloth Diapers

I know cloth diapers - for Elba I bought all the different types of diapers. Some in Canada. Some I shipped from Sout Africa. And very quickly I realized I do not like pocket style diapers or all-in-ones, basically I do not like diapers where the cover is attached to the diaper.

I get that it seems convenient to have only 1 piece, but it isn't - the wash is so much better if the cover and the diaper are separate. Covers do not (and should not) be washed with each use. They can dry and be reused several times before washing. Washing wears the waterproofing away.

Long story short - I ended up only using fitted and flats! With hook & loop - because we do elimination communication and one handed opening is very helpful.

But when we decided to embark on Baby #2 - I knew I wouldn't want to reuse the diapers I used with Elba. I felt a little greenwashed with those ones because of a lack of transparency from the company I assumed they were 100% cotton, but turns out they were a blend (that information was omitted from their website at the time of purchase and is not on the diapers)

I knew for Baby #2 I would want organic cotton diapers. I search high and low, but couldn't find exactly what I wanted. P.S. Esembly Organic Cotton Diapers are great and I do use them, but I prefer hook and loop, and I prefer the boosters be separate from the diaper. If you don't plan on making your own, or you want to supplement your stash - I do recommend Esembly Organic Cotton Diapers.

Because I couldn't find what I was looking for - I embarked on making them...

At the time my sewing skills were SUPER limited. Like seriously... Super beginner. But I was determined.

And also sewing was my pregnancy activity. I tried and tested the newborn pattern and made all the diapers before Baby #2 came (with the help of my husband who cut out the fabric).

Black because that was on sale. I made them in black, white and grey.

I used these diapers with little Marshmallow from birth until 12 to 15 weeks (because it took me that long to finalize the Size 2 Pattern to exactly what I want). They are so lovely!

Get the Newborn Pattern

I used 340 gsm (that is the weight of the fabric) organic terry cotton for the diapers.

The Pattern is also available on ETSY

Because I loved the newborn ones so much - I set about making the next (and final) size! Size 2. I took me several diapers to perfect the pattern - but I got there! Don't worry I use all the testers, they are great, just not perfect. Now the pattern is exactly how I want the diapers to fit!

Get Size 2 Pattern

The patterns include 13 pages of detailed instructions for making these fitted cloth diapers + tips.

Size 2 is also available on ETSY

My recommendation with cloth diapers

In short here is my cloth diaper recommendation -

1. Fitted diapers - keep the diaper and cover seperate

2. Cover fitted with PUL or wool (or have some of both)

3. Make the diapers out of organic terry cotton - the best against your baby's skin.

4. If you want to save on fabric - make the part touching baby organic terry cotton and then use a cheaper fabric for the back (but still absorbent)

5. Use boosters

6. Do a quick wash with the diapers seperately from the covers

7. Strip diapers are needed rather than damaging them by harsh washing - Here is how to strip diapers

8. Use my DIY laundry detergent - it works! And you won't be using unhealthy detergents in the name of cleaning diapers.

9. Hook & Loop is less durable, BUT more convenient for changes. Especially if you're doing elimination communication.

And also it would be super if you sewed your own and used my pattern! Please share if you do - I absolutely want to see your creation.

Let me know if you'd like more information on what goes into making your own diapers!

Thanks for being here!

Carmen