The Best Cloth Diapers of 2026

For new parents, one of the most overwhelming costs is diapering your baby. The $3 billion cloth diaper industry is projected to jump to over $5 billion by 2030 and while reports—and babies—vary, parents can expect to spend up to $1,000 on disposable diapers the first year, according to the National Diaper Bank Network. And that’s not counting any environmental costs.

On the other hand, parents using cloth diapers can expect to pay just a few hundred dollars in set up for all the necessary materials. With inflation costs soaring, the potential savings means more parents are exploring the world of cloth diapering, which can seem intimidating at first.

While each baby and parent might want a different style, fit, material, or type, there are some universal qualities that all great cloth diapers have. We researched and tested some of the most popular cloth diapers, from prefolds to all-in-ones to pocket diapers, and determined that the Thirsties One Size All in One (available at Thirsties) is the best cloth diaper available on the market right now.

For those who prefer inserts, we recommend the Charlie Banana Reusable Cloth Diaper One Size (available at Charlie Banana). You may choose to purchase additional inserts for more convenience with this product too. Be careful—the super cute designs will have you buying more than you planned to.

Other Cloth Diapers We Tested

How We Tested Cloth Diapers

The Tester

I’m Alex Frost, a journalist with 15 years of experience, much of which I’ve spent researching and testing products for parents and children. I’ve worked with Insider, Parents, Huffington Post, Washington Post, Consumer Reports, and other publications, to bring realistic, helpful, and meaningful parenting information to those fighting the good fight everywhere, with kids of all ages.

I’ve covered everything from diaper bags and strollers to the best toys for older kids, and diving into issues from mental health to trending parenting hacks, often with a baby in my lap and a toddler or three nearby asking for a snack (again). As a mom of 5 under age 8, I’ve been through my fair share of diapers of all kinds, and know the pain points well.

The Tests

We conducted three types of tests in considering cloth diapers. The pee test included pouring three amounts of “pee” (warm water with dye) on the diapers, at 30, 45, and 60 ml, to simulate multiple urinations in the diapers. We observed absorbency and leaks at each increment.

Later, we did a poop test with chocolate pudding, adding an equal amount to each diaper and squishing it down to simulate the force of actual poop in a baby diaper. Finally, I tested the diapers on my own 3 month old, who pooped and peed in each, and we observed absorbency and leaks again, checking her skin for dryness and comfort.

Things to Consider When Selecting a Cloth Diaper

Cloth diapers include lots of trial and error, because it takes time to determine your—and your baby's—personal preference with fabrics and fit. You also have to determine which processes is easiest for you, the parent, and what works best for your baby’s bathroom schedule and skin.

Fit: The fit should be snug around the legs, belly, and back, but not so tight as to leave lines or not be able to put a finger beneath the fabric.

Type: Some people prefer prefolds, some want an all in one, and others want to stuff inserts into pocket style diapers. Some cloth diapers come with a soaker as well, which is an additional pad that helps absorb pee and poop before it hits the diaper or cover itself.

Affordability: You want to choose diapers that seem to be high quality material, but also ones that are affordable, as you presumably would be trying to save money over buying disposables. You can look for options that come with additional inserts, or guarantee their product to last.

Washing Directions/Fabric: Some diapers and fabrics are more sensitive to the washing process than others. If you plan on washing your diapers in a washing machine, follow directions carefully, avoiding detergents and dryer sheets that will damage the diapers. Also, keep in mind some babies might be sensitive to certain fabrics, so finding the right fabrics can take some trial and error.

What You Should Know About Cloth Diapers

What’s the difference between prefold and all-in-one cloth diapers?

Cloth diaper fans might have a specific preference between these two types, but both are generally effective at doing their jobs.

Prefolds have a two step process—fold a prefold diaper, sometimes called a cotton flat, and secure it with a snapping/closure product of your choice. Then, you wrap the cover around the prefold.

All-in-ones, on the other hand, are a bit more like disposables, in that you just pull them on.

How to wash and sanitize cloth diapers?

First, follow the directions carefully on the brand you are buying, as each might have different suggestions specific to that fabric.

But generally, stripping involves adding a stripping solution to hot water in your washer, and letting them soak, before washing the diapers in your machine. To wash them on an ongoing basis after that, some people invest in a sprayer to remove poop, others move the poop to the toilet, and then wash, and others have additional various processes and preferences.

Sanitizing the diapers periodically, such as every few days (though check your diaper’s recommendations here again), keeps stains under control. There are various processes for this, but some involve adding a small amount of bleach to your typical load, and soaking before running the washer.

How do cloth diapers work?

Like disposables, they work to contain pee and poop, and to absorb properly, pulling both away from your baby’s body. They often work by securing with a Snappi or other snapping connector, unless they have their own snaps like most all in ones. They close by adjusting snaps to your baby’s size, and choosing different snaps as they grow to allow more room.

How long do cloth diapers last?

This varies widely by brand and type, and some might last just a few years, while others can last a decade, if properly treated. It also depends on how frequently you use them, and how consistent you are with thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing them.

Sometimes, snaps lose efficacy before other parts of the diaper, so look for guarantees, warranties, and other promises that might allow you to replace them.

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