Cloth diapers are all the rage these days, and rightfully so. Compared to traditional disposable diapers, they're more cost-efficient and eco-friendly. They also come in different kinds, like AIO, AI2, hybrid, pocket, and prefold. Moreover, you'll find them in various sizes, so whether you need one for a newborn or a 1-year-old, there's surely a suitable pick!
However, choosing the correct cloth diaper for your baby can be daunting. No need to worry, though! In this article, we'll discuss the different types and fabrics of cloth diapers and share some of our top recommendations. To aid you in the selection process, we asked pediatrician Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao to review and fact-check the contents of our buying guide.
Quick List - Top Cloth Diapers
Ellyfun
Made From Cotton and Has Velcro Enclosures for Your Little One’s Comfort
Alva
Keep Your Baby Dry With Its Waterproof Outer Layer and Moisture-Wicking Insert
Aimerie
Features a Double Gusset Design for Optimum Leak Protection
Dr. Joanna Pamela Cuayo-Estanislao is a pediatrician and child health specialist based in Metro Manila. Doc Joey is passionate about health education and empowering families to become informed advocates of their children's health and wellness. She uses social media to educate and raise awareness about important issues and topics in the field of pediatrics and child care.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
While disposable diapers are more convenient to use, cloth diapers actually have more benefits than you might think. They're more than just a great way of reducing your carbon footprint. We've listed down the benefits of using cloth diapers below.
The most significant advantage of cloth diapers is that they're eco-friendly. Unlike disposable diapers, you don't throw them out after they get soiled. This means that you're not adding to the waste in landfills since it takes at least 500 years for a disposable diaper to decompose—so there's a chance that the diapers you used as a baby still exist in a landfill somewhere.
It also takes fewer resources to produce cloth diapers. Disposable diapers are made of different polymers, films, chemicals, and plastics that add to our waste, while cloth diapers use fabrics like bamboo, hemp, or cotton, which naturally wick out moisture. These fabrics don't have many chemicals, so you're not adding to chemical pollution or contaminating water sources either.
Investing in cloth diapers is also marginally cheaper than buying a new pack of disposable diapers every week. While the upfront costs may seem a little expensive, it's best to remember that cloth diapers will last a long time. The money you'll spend buying 10-20 pcs of cloth diapers is still way less expensive than the cost of disposable diapers in a year.
Cloth diapers also save you time as you don't have to run to the grocery every time you run out of diapers! Plus, they can be used as hand-me-downs for younger babies as long as they're still of good quality.
The best thing about cloth diapers is that they're also quite comfortable for the baby. The fabrics used in cloth diapers are soft and breathable, compared to the plastics used for disposable ones. They're gentle on the skin and don't feel hot. Plus, they can prevent diaper rash and UTI, given that parents change them as often as needed.
Cloth diapers are available in several cute prints, so there's no need for shorts or underwear to cover the diaper. Some of them even come with a matching top or sando. Since they're adjustable, cloth diapers are a good investment since they can be used as early as your baby's newborn stage up to their toddler years. A set of cloth diapers can be used for 2-3 years.
Planning to switch to cloth diapers but don't know which one to buy? We got you! Read the buying guide below for tips on choosing the best cloth diaper for your little one.
To avoid feeling overwhelmed by all the terms and categories in choosing a cloth diaper, parents should get familiar with its components or parts. To help you with that, continue reading and learning more about them below.
While there are many different types of cloth diapers to choose from, it's easier to begin with the five most popular types. These are the prefold, hybrid, all-in-one, all-in-two, and pocket cloth. There are also other attachments needed for some of these types, which we'll discuss below.
With all-in-one (AIO) cloth diapers, the cover and the soaker pad are attached together. They're basically the cloth version of disposables. They have a waterproof outer layer, an absorbent inner layer, and fasteners that usually close at the baby's hips. These are a crowd favorite among parents since there's no need to separate the parts to clean them.
You simply have to throw them in the washing machine, then they're good for another use. However, AIOs take a lot longer to dry because the middle layer and the outer layers are all attached together. If you want to add another layer, you will also need to add a separate insert to adjust the absorbency.
All-in-two (AI2) diapers have a removable insert or soaker pad. Since the pad is separate from the waterproof outer layer, you can reuse the cover multiple times and only replace the insert every time it gets soiled. Similar to All-in-Ones, they fit like disposable diapers and have the same closures that ensure a snug fit.
Whether your family is always on the go or you simply want more flexibility, hybrid cloth diapers are a great choice. With these, you have the option to use disposable or cloth inserts.
Unlike disposable diapers, however, the disposable inserts of hybrids contain fewer chemicals and can usually be composted. Their shape is also similar to disposable diapers, so the fit is more precise.
Pocket cloth diapers are a combination of hybrids and All-in-Ones. If you're worried about leakages, this type allows you to customize the absorbency since it has a pocket where you can add more inserts. Like All-in-Ones, they are also shaped like disposable diapers, so you don't have to worry about the closures or the fit on your baby's bum.
Aside from being all-natural and very absorbent, prefold diapers also dry very quickly. And like other cloth diapers, they are long-lasting as well. Besides functioning independently, they can be used as inserts for pocket diapers, too.
But their edge is that their folding can be customized to your baby's size, making them ideal for newborns who usually don't fit into usual one-size diaper options. The only drawback is that they require a waterproof cover since they are not waterproof on their own.
The outer layers of cloth diapers are usually made of cotton or PUL. Made from natural fibers, cotton is known for its breathability and softness. However, it is more prone to leaks. On the other hand, PUL (polyurethane laminate) is waterproof, but it's not remarkably breathable. To take your pick, it is best to weigh which one would suit your baby's nappy needs best.
Making the switch to cloth diapers is usually done in the name of comfort. The fabrics used can help ease the heat on your little one's skin, and with babies, comfort is key. Below, we've listed some of the most used fabrics in cloth diapers as well as their benefits.
Although it's the least absorbent among the fabric types and can last for only 2-3 hours, it's an excellent pick for daytime use because it's presko. It especially comes in handy during sweltering hot days. Parents won't also have a hard time cleaning it since it's a thin material that dries faster.
Since cotton can soak up moisture well, it is one of the key fabrics used in cloth diapers. This plant-based fiber is naturally absorbent, thick, and great for all types of cloth diapers, even inserts. In fact, additional inserts are usually made of cotton to increase the absorbency of a diaper. It can also refer to the ordinary lampin that most of us are familiar with.
Nowadays, bamboo fibers are becoming more popular and widely used in cloth diapers. An advantage of using bamboo fabrics is that they are naturally resistant to bacterial growth. Like cotton, bamboo is naturally absorbent, breathable, and light, so your baby won't experience any discomfort due to the heat.
One common type of bamboo fabric is Bamboo Charcoal. It has antibacterial properties and it can neutralize odors. However, it takes time to dry after washing. Aside from that, there is also the Bamboo Viscose type known to be presko and very absorbent, making it perfect for overnight use.
Although polyester isn't organic, it's commonly used in cloth diapers because of how absorbent and durable it is. This fabric is often used in inserts and can last the wear and tear of washing. While it's great at wicking out moisture, it should be used in moderation as it can irritate the skin.
The number of cloth diapers you'll need to buy will mainly depend on your budget. Some parents begin with 5 to 10 pieces just to test how cloth diapers work. And once you get the hang of it and become more comfortable handling cloth diapers, your baby's age and routine then become the deciding factors.
On average, newborns use around 8 to 12 diapers in a day. But since this number decreases at around 3 to 6 months old, they'll only use about 6 to 8 diapers per day. Then, at 6 to 12 months old, they'll use between 4 to 6 diapers. Lastly, at 18 months and older, they can use between 2 to 4 diapers in one day.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Cover Material | Insert Material | No. of Pieces | |||||
1 | Ellyfun Reusable Organic Cotton Diaper|BC0017 | ![]() | Made From Cotton and Has Velcro Enclosures for Your Little One’s Comfort | Hybrid | Cotton | Cotton | 1 | |
2 | Alva Baby Cloth Diaper|With 4-Layer Bamboo Charcoal Insert | ![]() | Keep Your Baby Dry With Its Waterproof Outer Layer and Moisture-Wicking Insert | PUL | Bamboo Charcoal | 1 | ||
3 | Aimerie Double Gusset Cloth Diaper Special | ![]() | Features a Double Gusset Design for Optimum Leak Protection | PUL | Not Applicable | 1 | ||
4 | Enfant 809 Baby Cloth Birdseye Diaper (Lampin) | ![]() | Soft and Absorbent Birdseye Fabric for Long-Term Use | Pre-fold | Cotton | Not Applicable | 6 or 12 | |
5 | Elinfant Diaper Cloth|4 Pcs/Set | ![]() | A Set of 4 Cloth Diapers With Unmatched Comfort and Value for Money | PUL | Bamboo Charcoal or Microfiber (Sold Separately) | 4 | ||
6 | Happyflute Baby Cloth Diapers Double Gusset|Bamboo Charcoal Inner | ![]() | Features Square Wings, Adjustable Snaps, and Double Gussets for a Better Fit | PUL | Bamboo Charcoal (Sold Separately) | 1 | ||
7 | Socone Infant Reusable Cloth Diaper | ![]() | A Breathable and Absorbent Cloth Diaper for Babies 0-12 Months | Bamboo | Not Applicable | 1 | ||
8 | Ecobum Elite Ai2 Cloth Diaper | ![]() | Stays in Place No Matter How Your Baby Sleeps | All-in-Two | PUL | Organic Bamboo Velour (OBV) | 1 | |
9 | Child Care Cloth Diaper (Lampin) | ![]() | Multipurpose Lampin for Baby’s Daily Needs | Pre-fold | Cotton | Not Applicable | 3 or 6 | |
10 | Bumboss POCKETPLUS 3.0 [Homestead] Reusable Pocket Cloth Diaper | ![]() | Highlights Side, Back, and Tummy Elastics for Maximum Comfort and Leak Protection | PUL | Preactivated Heavy Organic Bamboo Cotton Terry (HOBCT) Trifold | 1 |
Type | Hybrid |
---|---|
Cover Material | Cotton |
Insert Material | Cotton |
No. of Pieces | 1 |
Does your little one end up whining because of messy diaper leaks? Alva's Baby Cloth Diaper might be the solution! It keeps your baby's bum dry, featuring a breathable yet waterproof PUL outer layer that is guaranteed to prevent leaks while ensuring comfort. Apart from that, it also has a moisture-wicking suede cloth inner.
This material is able to repel moisture because it allows the liquid to pass right through the cloth and go straight to the absorbent bamboo charcoal insert. It is a one-size cloth diaper that your child can use from birth to potty training. Plus, it has snap buttons and side elastics that help you get the perfect fit. If you need more convincing, this high-quality cloth diaper has received positive ratings from satisfied buyers!
Type | |
---|---|
Cover Material | PUL |
Insert Material | Bamboo Charcoal |
No. of Pieces | 1 |
Type | |
---|---|
Cover Material | PUL |
Insert Material | Not Applicable |
No. of Pieces | 1 |
Type | Pre-fold |
---|---|
Cover Material | Cotton |
Insert Material | Not Applicable |
No. of Pieces | 6 or 12 |
Type | |
---|---|
Cover Material | PUL |
Insert Material | Bamboo Charcoal or Microfiber (Sold Separately) |
No. of Pieces | 4 |
Type | |
---|---|
Cover Material | PUL |
Insert Material | Bamboo Charcoal (Sold Separately) |
No. of Pieces | 1 |
Type | |
---|---|
Cover Material | Bamboo |
Insert Material | Not Applicable |
No. of Pieces | 1 |
Enjoy leak-free nights with this All-in-Two cloth diaper from Ecobum! Made with a unique snap-in soaker, it ensures that the inner layer—which absorbs your baby's mess—doesn't budge, even if your little one sleeps on their side or back. The soaker is made of three layers of organic bamboo velour, ensuring maximum absorbency.
It's specifically designed for heavy wetter babies because the insert can perfectly hug your little one's bottom, leaving no gaps around the waist or thighs. Reviewers said it can last for 4-6 hours, lessening changing times! This diaper also comes with other excellent features like waist-tab snaps and gussets for a secure fit, as well as a waterproof PUL outer layer to keep your baby dry. Plus, you can purchase additional 3-layer soakers if needed.
Type | All-in-Two |
---|---|
Cover Material | PUL |
Insert Material | Organic Bamboo Velour (OBV) |
No. of Pieces | 1 |
Type | Pre-fold |
---|---|
Cover Material | Cotton |
Insert Material | Not Applicable |
No. of Pieces | 3 or 6 |
Type | |
---|---|
Cover Material | PUL |
Insert Material | Preactivated Heavy Organic Bamboo Cotton Terry (HOBCT) Trifold |
No. of Pieces | 1 |
It's hard to say which kind of diaper is actually more environmentally friendly. Both disposable and cloth diapers do have a negative impact on the environment, especially when taking into account the full life cycle of a diaper, from production to eventual disposal (whether disposable or cloth diapers).
This would factor in how much energy, water, and raw materials are used, atmospheric emissions, and the waterborne and solid wastes created. So while disposable diapers use more raw materials and produce more solid wastes, cloth diapers can significantly consume more water, detergent, and energy and produce more waterborne wastes.
Ultimately, the choice of diaper would really depend on the family and their lifestyle—it can definitely be a mixed-use or even a hybrid of both!
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
The frequency of diaper changing would depend on your baby's age and routine. If a diaper is soiled, it's best to change it as soon as possible to avoid skin irritation. For babies under 1 month, it's ideal to change their cloth diapers every 2 hours during the day and also during night feeds. On the other hand, changing every 3.5 hours during the day should be enough for those under 6 months.
Surface irritation is the main cause of diaper rash, and it can happen with cloth diapers, too. According to studies, since some cloth diapers are not as absorbent, there are instances that they can cause diaper rash. This is especially possible if the protective covers aren't very breathable and not cleaned properly.
It's just the best practice to change your baby's diaper as soon as it is soiled, whether disposable or cloth.
Generally, it's good to follow a 3:1 ratio if you're using a reusable cover. This means you should have at least three clean inserts to use with every cover. However, do note that this would still highly depend on the type of cloth diaper you're using.
Parenthood has many hurdles, and changing diapers is one of them. There are a few things that you need, which include baby wipes, baby powders, diaper rash creams, and changing pads. Check out our other articles on diaper-changing essentials below!
10 Best Baby Wipes in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Pediatrician
10 Best Baby Powders in the Philippines 2024 | Tiny Buds, Uni-Love, Johnson's, and More
10 Best Diaper Rash Creams in the Philippines 2025 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Pediatrician
10 Best Changing Pads for Babies in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Pediatrician
Author: Chloe Gian S. Jundez
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Ellyfun|Reusable Organic Cotton Diaper|BC0017
No. 2: Alva|Baby Cloth Diaper|With 4-Layer Bamboo Charcoal Insert
No. 3: Aimerie|Double Gusset Cloth Diaper Special
No. 4: Enfant|809 Baby Cloth Birdseye Diaper (Lampin)
No. 5: Elinfant|Diaper Cloth|4 Pcs/Set
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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