How Many Diaper Covers Do I Need?

Once you determine how many cloth diapers you need for your baby or Toddler, the next step is to match-up your cloth diaper choice with diaper covers. Fortunately, you need less diaper covers than cloth diapers.

Though different styles of cloth diaper covers will dry-out quicker and/or can be used longer than others, a good starting rule of thumb is to have one cloth diaper cover for every three (3) cloth diapers.

Diaper covers like the Aristocrat wool soakers may take longer to wash and air-dry, but they also can be worn longer without having to be laundered. On the other hand, diaper covers like the popular Bummis Super Whisper Wrap, need to be aired out, or even tossed in the laundry pail, from one diaper change to the next.

Have a few extra diaper covers on hand just in case...

Ideally you will have one diaper cover on the baby, a couple ready to go if needed, a few in the wash and at least one in your diaper bag. That way there is always one handy without a great deal of searching or thought.

The absolute minimum number of cloth diaper covers you should have is six (6), and that is with an every other day washing routine, with the average number being closer to eight (8); a dozen (12) is more than plenty.

Most diaper covers can be quickly handwashed in the sink and aired out between uses. With careful use, and the occasional spot removal using a mild detergent, you should not go more than two to three days between washings. Just be sure the diaper cover is wiped down, aired out and any spots removed as soon as possible.

How many diaper covers do you need? Just enough diaper covers to 'cover' the number of cloth diapers you need or purchased.