Reviewed by The Mom Store editorial team, October 2026. See our editorial policy.
Cloth diapers are washable nappies made of an absorbent pad (the insert or soaker) and a waterproof outer cover. Indian families have used cotton langots for generations; modern versions add snaps, a waterproof shell and a pocket for the insert, so they stay on better and leak less. Neither cloth nor disposable is the medically right answer. The choice comes down to your routine, your water and washing setup, your budget and how your baby's skin copes.
The main types
- Pocket diapers: a waterproof cover with an opening at the back. You push an insert inside, then pull it out before washing.
- All in one diapers: the absorbent layers are sewn in. Simple to put on, slower to dry.
- Cover plus insert systems: one cover can be reused through a few changes while you swap the pad, as long as the cover stays clean and dry.
- Traditional langots and cotton nappies: cheap and breathable, but they need changing very often and offer no leak protection.
What cloth does well, and where it is harder
The clear advantages are practical. You buy a set once and reuse it, so the running cost is mostly detergent, water and electricity. You throw far fewer nappies away. And snap systems adjust as your baby grows, so one size can last a long time.
The trade offs are real too. Cloth is bulkier under clothes, it means a load of laundry every day or two, and drying can be slow during the monsoon. Many parents settle on a mix: cloth at home in the day, disposables for travel, long outings and nights.
On skin, the evidence does not favour either side. The American Academy of Pediatrics page on diaper rash notes that cloth diapers are typically less absorbent than most disposables, and that there is no current evidence showing which type best prevents rash. What matters most is how long wet or dirty skin stays covered.
Getting the fit right
Most leaks come from fit rather than the diaper itself. Snug at the waist, close around the thighs without leaving red marks, and the insert lying flat with no fabric poking out at the legs. Wash new inserts once or twice before first use, because many natural fibre inserts absorb better after a few washes.
Daytime usually needs one standard insert. For naps, nights or a heavy wetter you can add a second, thicker insert such as a 4 layer bamboo charcoal insert, or switch to a disposable for the longest stretch of sleep.
How often to change
Change a wet or dirty nappy as soon as you can. The NHS guide to nappy rash lists skin staying in contact with pee or poo for a long time, and nappies not changed often enough, among the main causes of rash. Newborns wet and poo often, so expect frequent changes in the first weeks.
Washing routine
- Tip solid poo into the toilet. A health faucet makes this quick.
- Take the insert out of the pocket.
- Rinse in cold water and keep in a dry, lidded bucket until wash day.
- Wash every one to two days, following the care label. The care instructions on our own diapers say to wash separately at warm or hot with a mild detergent, skip fabric softener and bleach, avoid wringing, and hand dry.
Most cloth diaper makers, ours included, say to skip fabric softener because it can make inserts less absorbent. You do not need a special baby detergent: the AAP advice on washing baby clothes says a milder or fragrance free detergent is worth trying if your baby shows signs of skin irritation. Let inserts dry fully before you use them again.
How many you need
For part time use, six to twelve diapers is a workable start. Full time cloth with washing every other day usually needs around twelve to eighteen, plus a few spare inserts. Starting small lets you see whether the routine suits your home before you buy more. Our cloth diaper collection lists the sizes and inserts each style uses.
If a rash appears
The NHS advice is to change nappies as soon as they are wet or dirty, clean with water or fragrance free, alcohol free wipes, pat dry, and leave the nappy off when you can. A pharmacist can suggest a barrier cream; the AAP names zinc oxide and petrolatum, ideally fragrance free. If you use reusable nappies, the NHS suggests dry nappy liners changed often. The NHS also says to avoid talcum powder, soap, baby lotion and tight nappies on irritated skin.
Because cloth is usually less absorbent, the AAP suggests you may want to use disposables until the rash heals, then go back to cloth.
When to call your doctor
See your doctor if:
- the rash is not getting better, or is getting worse, after two to three days of treatment
- it spreads to other areas
- you see pimples, blisters, peeling skin, pus filled, oozing or crusty sores
- your baby has a fever with the rash, or seems very uncomfortable or in pain
- your baby is on antibiotics and a bright red rash with red spots at the edges appears, which can be a yeast infection
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your doctor.
