Newborns (whether you’re using cloth or disposables) need their diaper changed every 2 - 3 hours, or right away if there’s a poo. That number will naturally decrease as your baby grows and starts sleeping for longer stretches (we’re all mamas over here and know how exciting this is 🎉), but in the early weeks, frequent changes and sneaky tiny newborn poos are part of the rhythm of newborn life.

Because newborns go through so many diapers, it’s important to have enough in rotation to keep up with changes and a consistent washing rhythm. Your cloth diapers should be laundered every 2 - 3 days to keep them clean, fresh, and performing their best.

You can find the complete guide to washing your diapers at home here!

Really quick, let’s start with a quick rundown of how the Esembly system works – our reusable diapers are made up of two simple parts:

• The Inner – This is our fitted diaper (made of 100% organic cotton!), which provides all the absorbency you’ll need – and is oh-so-soft on delicate baby skin

• The Outer – This is the waterproof cover that goes over the Inner to keep messes contained (and outfits dry!)

(You can find a step-by-step fit guide for the Esembly system in this blog post!)

Together, they make one leak-free blowout-proof diaper that’s easy to use, easy to wash, and incredibly effective at keeping your baby comfortable and your routine simple. 

• 24 Size 1 Inners (8 Inner 3-Packs // 4 Inner 6-Packs)

• 6 Size 1 Outers

This setup allows you to wash every 2 - 3 days, which’ll keep your diapers fresh and ensure you always have enough clean ones on hand for those frequent newborn changes. (Here’s our washing guide again)

Pro Tip: because your Outers can be reused a few times before washing (as long as there’s no poop!), you’ll find that you need fewer of them than Inners. And bonus – they double as adorable reusable swim diapers, too!

You might be surprised to hear this, but lots of cloth-diapering parents say the newborn stage is actually the easiest!

Since newborn poop is water-soluble, there’s no need for any pre-treating while your little one is on a milk-only diet (breastmilk or formula). You can simply toss poop and pee diapers right in your Pail Pouch and follow our simple washing routine every 2 - 3 days. Use, wash, re-use, repeat!

Plus, you’ll be saving a surprising amount of waste right from the get-go. Newborns typically use around 300 disposable diapers in their first month of life alone. Choosing cloth means those 300 diapers never have to be purchased – or thrown away. (See the visual on our TikTok – it’s pretty staggering!)

Our Size 1 diapers are designed to fit from approximately 7 - 17 lbs, and they’ll serve you well through those quick early growth spurts. Once your baby reaches around 17 lbs, you’ll be ready to transition into Size 2s, which will take you all the way through potty training!

Need a little more help building your cloth diaper stash? Our Esembly Quiz has you covered!

In just a few questions, the quiz will create a personalized stash recommendation based on your diapering plans – whether you’re going in full-time or part-time alongside disposables.

You’ll get clear guidance on how many diapers and accessories to have on hand so you can start with confidence and keep your routine simple.

And if you’d like a quick list of do’s and don’ts (plus helpful tips on what you might need beyond diapers), check out this blog post: Cloth Diaper Do’s and Don’ts: Quick and Easy Cheat Sheet.

With your newborn stash sorted, you’re one step closer to a diapering routine that’s gentle on your baby, your wallet, and the planet! 💚