A Detailed Guide to Using Cloth Diapers for Newborns (From A to Z)


Currently, there are many types of diapers for babies, however, cloth diapers are one of the types that mothers prioritize. However, how to use them correctly so that the baby always feels most comfortable is a question for many mothers. The article below will guide mothers on how to use cloth diapers correctly!

Types of Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers are a great help for mothers in taking care of their babies, and currently, there are 3 main types of cloth diapers on the market so that mothers can easily choose the right one for their baby’s needs.

  • Flat/Pre-fold Diapers: These are triangular diapers made of cotton or plant fibers, very breathable for the baby’s bottom and genitals, avoiding diaper rash.
  • Fitted Diapers (without inserts): These diapers have snaps along both sides and a waterproof outer layer. Because there is no insert, the baby can only use them for 1-2 urinations.
  • Pocket Diapers (with inserts): These diapers have both an inner absorbent insert and a waterproof outer layer, so they are very convenient to use. If the baby urinates or defecates, the mother removes the insert, throws it in the trash, and uses another one, saving laundry effort.
BabyMommy Colored Cloth Diaper size XS (Under 5 kg)

BabyMommy Colored Cloth Diaper size XS (Under 5 kg)

How to Use Cloth Diapers for Newborns

When using cloth diapers, although mothers have to do many steps, it is not too complicated, mothers only need to perform 3 extremely simple steps below.

Step 1: Fold the diaper into a triangle so that the two folds overlap.

Fold the diaper into a triangle

Fold the diaper into a triangle

Step 2: Place the baby in the center of the diaper, with the apex of the triangle pointing downwards, the two sides on either side, and the baby’s bottom placed snugly inside the diaper. For baby boys, mothers should point the penis downwards to prevent the baby from “messing up” the edge of the diaper.

Place the baby's bottom snugly inside the diaper

Place the baby’s bottom snugly inside the diaper

Step 3: Wrap the diaper and secure the two ends with a knot, use the bottom of the diaper to cover the baby’s genitals, tie it with the excess fabric of the knot on both sides, and tie the knot right in front of the baby’s belly. For babies who haven’t had their umbilical cord fall off yet, the knot must be below the navel.

Note: After wrapping the cloth diaper around the baby, lift the baby up slightly to check if the diaper is too loose or tight, avoiding discomfort for the baby when using the diaper.

Wrap the diaper securely at both ends

Wrap the diaper securely at both ends

How to Change Cloth Diapers Correctly

Changing diapers is also a big concern for many mothers because if the diaper is placed incorrectly or the front and back of the diaper are confused, the baby will get urine all over them. So let’s learn how to change diapers correctly below!

Step 1: Prepare the necessary items for changing cloth diapers.

First, wash your hands with hand soap and dry them. Next, prepare a cloth diaper, a clean pair of pants, tissues, cloth wipes, warm water, and baby bath soap. If the baby has diaper rash, have a tube of diaper rash cream ready.

Note: When changing diapers for your baby, always wear a safety belt or keep one hand on the baby, do not leave the baby lying alone to avoid the baby rolling off the changing area unexpectedly.
Wash hands with antiseptic solution before changing the baby's diaper

Wash hands with antiseptic solution before changing the baby’s diaper

Step 2: Clean the baby thoroughly.

First, use one hand to prevent the baby from turning and gently remove the old diaper. Then, lift the baby’s legs, use your hand to pull the dirty diaper from front to back so that the waste does not have a chance to come into contact with the baby’s private area.

Next, use tissues or wet wipes, warm water, and mild soap to gently clean the baby’s skin and then dry with a cloth. Note: For babies with diaper rash, wait until the skin is completely dry before applying diaper rash cream.

Clean the baby thoroughly

Clean the baby thoroughly

Step 3: Put on a clean cloth diaper for the baby.

After cleaning thoroughly, roll up the dirty diaper and put on a clean diaper. Also, apply the method of using cloth diapers for babies above to avoid putting it on incorrectly, causing discomfort for the baby.

Put a clean cloth diaper on the baby

Put a clean cloth diaper on the baby

Step 4: Dispose of and wash/dry the baby’s dirty cloth diaper.

To dispose of the baby’s dirty cloth diaper, first put the disposable wipes used after cleaning the baby into a plastic bag and throw them away. Then rinse the feces and waste stuck on the baby’s cloth diaper thoroughly before soaking in soap, washing, and drying.

Wash the dirty cloth diaper

Wash the dirty cloth diaper

How to Wash Cloth Diapers

Step 1: Use a spray nozzle to remove waste stuck on the baby’s cloth diaper. If the snaps on the cloth diaper are still fastened, unfasten them for easier cleaning.

Use a spray nozzle to remove waste stuck on the cloth diaper

Use a spray nozzle to remove waste stuck on the cloth diaper

Step 2: Pay attention to the notes on the cloth diaper label to wash with the appropriate water temperature, avoiding damage to the baby’s cloth diaper.

Carefully check the notes on the cloth diaper

Carefully check the notes on the cloth diaper

Step 3: Use specialized detergent to wash the baby’s cloth diapers, and don’t forget to choose laundry products derived from natural and gentle ingredients to ensure safety for the baby’s delicate skin.

Kirasara Baby Laundry Detergent Lavender and Roman Chamomile scent 900g bottle

Kirasara Baby Laundry Detergent Lavender and Roman Chamomile scent 900g bottle

Step 4: After washing all the stains, wring out and dry the baby’s cloth diapers in a well-ventilated place with direct sunlight to prevent bacteria and mold from clinging to the diapers and negatively affecting the baby’s health.

Dry cloth diapers in a well-ventilated place with sunlight

Dry cloth diapers in a well-ventilated place with sunlight

Notes When Using Cloth Diapers for Babies

To ensure that your baby is always comfortable and safe when using cloth diapers, mothers should note the following:

  • Do not wrap the diaper too tightly to avoid discomfort and difficulty in the baby’s movement, and even worse, it can affect the baby’s joints.
  • If using safety pins to secure the diaper, be very careful as the pins can injure the baby.
  • Do not use adult detergent to wash the baby’s cloth diapers, but use a separate baby detergent because the baby’s skin is thin and easily irritated by chemicals.
  • Wash hands with hand soap before and after wrapping the diaper for the baby to ensure the safety of the baby’s skin.
  • Change the baby’s diaper as soon as it is wet or soiled.
Be careful when using safety pins to secure cloth diapers on your baby

Be careful when using safety pins to secure cloth diapers on your baby

Frequently Asked Questions about Using Cloth Diapers

1. How many cloth diapers does a baby need?

  • Normally, each baby will need from 10-15 cloth diapers per day. The number of cloth diapers used during the day will be more than at night.
  • This is because the child’s activity and eating needs are higher during the day. Mothers can use cloth diapers for their babies from the 2nd month until the baby is 2-3 years old.
  • Therefore, when buying diapers, mothers only need to choose two different sizes for their baby. (Diapers for babies from 3-16kg and 13-24kg)
BabyMommy Printed Colored Cloth Diaper size M (6 - 11 kg) - Random Color

BabyMommy Printed Colored Cloth Diaper size M (6 – 11 kg) – Random Color

2. How long is the lifespan of a cloth diaper insert?

  • Cloth diaper inserts can be reused many times.
  • Whether hand-washed or machine-washed, it does not affect their quality. Surprisingly, the more the diaper insert is washed, the better its absorbency.
  • This is also a big plus for many mothers choosing cloth diapers for their babies.
Cloth diaper inserts can be reused many times

Cloth diaper inserts can be reused many times

Hope the sharing from AVAKids will help mothers gain more knowledge on how to use cloth diapers for their babies. For consultation and purchase, please visit avakids.com or contact hotline 1900.866.874 (8:00 – 21:30).