How Many Nappies Will I Need?

If you’re wondering this, you’re not alone! It’s a question we get asked often, and one that starts with a “that depends…” answer – frustrating I know, but the number of cloth nappies that you’ll need will depend on a few different factors.

The age of your baby

Generally, you’ll need the following numbers of cloth nappies for full time use based on the age of your baby:

For a newborn you’ll need 24-30 nappies (newborns go through around 10-12 nappies per day over those first few months!)
For a young infant (around 4 months old) you’ll need 18-20 nappies
For an older infant (around 8 months old) you’ll need 14-16 nappies
For a young toddler (around 12 months old) you’ll need 12-14 nappies
For an older toddler (from 18 months and older) you’ll need 10-12 nappies

These are average quantities and based on washing every second day. If you wash more often you can get away with less nappies and if you wash less often than every second day you’ll obviously need more to see you through.

Drying times

If you live in a colder climate, your nappies will take longer to dry (likewise over cold, wet winters). So keep in mind that you may need a few extra nappies to get through, or try to include some cloth nappies which are quick drying (such as flats and prefolds)

Part time use of cloth nappies

If you plan to use cloth nappies while you’re at home and disposables while out and/or over night you can get half of the quantities listed above. And remember there is absolutely nothing wrong with using a mix of cloth nappies and disposables – every cloth nappy does make a difference!

Using cloth nappies with subsequent children

Cloth nappies do have a finite lifetime, they’re reusable but not indestructible – and they get a pretty hard life over that life! What other piece of laundry gets as heavily soiled and constantly washed as a cloth nappy? So if you’re keen to use your cloth nappies on other babies that you may have, then the number of nappies that you have in your stash will play a big part in their condition after a few years.

If you’re buying nappies before your baby is born, our best advice would be to try not to get too carried away with buying too many nappies (it can’t be hard, I know!). That way, once your baby arrives you have a chance to try a few styles out to see what suits your baby best and which type you like using best. But if you do want to get your stash all sorted before bubs is born, our generous nappy guarantee does cover you (if you confirm your due date with us) to give you peace of mind with your nappy choices.