Using Cloth Diapers for Toddlers

Bo has used cloth diapers since she was about a week old. 

Now that she is 2 1/2, our diaper routine looks a little different than it did when she was younger. 

The main difference in how we use cloth diapers for toddlers is that now, we don’t have her wear cloth diapers when we travel. The main reason we stopped is because the zippers on our wet bags broke. This prevented the containment of smell, which really deters cloth diaper travel. Additionally, Bo is quite wiggly, and it’s just easier to use disposable diapers while traveling.

Cloth Diaper Condition after 2 Years

When I first purchased our cloth diaper collection, I bought a bunch of cheap diapers. One of my goals was to save money on cloth diapers.

A few of the diapers we used (mostly the ones I purchased from Alva Baby) completely delaminated and I had to throw away. I think I’ve thrown away about 5 diapers that I purchased originally for about $5 each.

Prefold cloth diaper wear after 2 1/2 years.

We used a lot of prefold diapers originally (we still use them for night diapering), and those have really worn. Most of them we will be unable to use with any future children that we might have.

What surprised me the most was how well our flat diapers have held up (we purchased these). Even though they are simply one sheet, they haven’t torn or frayed at all.

Our BumGenius diapers have held up the best (no surprises there), but the Kawaii diapers are a close second. I’ve been really impressed with their quality.

Pretty much anything with a Velcro fastener died. Snaps last much longer, but when Bo was small, the snap diapers were too large for her.

Anything with an interior adjustable elastic rather than snaps to change the rise also wore out quickly.

Our Favorite Cloth Diapers for Toddlers and Long-Term Use

I tried a lot of different brands because I really had no idea what to choose when we first started. Although I loved the Velcro closure when Bo was small, past 6 months of age that closure style no longer worked and started to show aging. So for long-term use, snaps are definitely better.

Our favorite cloth diaper brands for toddlers:

• BumGenius
• Flip
• MG Baby
  Kawaii Baby

Originally, I also liked Kanga Care wet bags, but they broke after about a year. The bag that has held up the best for us is the Sweet Pea bag.

Washing Cloth Diapers for Toddlers

Toddlers tend to make a huge mess. Bo’s diapers are usually pretty stinky. I still follow the cold, hot, cold washing method, but I often have to strip the diapers with RLR. I don’t care as much about removing stains at this point. Stains happen.

Potty Training from Cloth Diapers

I had always heard that cloth-diapered babies potty trained faster than non-cloth babies. This has not been the case with Bo. She is still not interested in potty training.

I purchased some waterproof trainers to use for potty training, but sizing runs small. Bo is slightly larger than average, but the large trainer size barely fits her. Larger toddlers may not fit the trainers at all.

Have you used cloth diapers for toddlers? What are your favorite brands? 

More Cloth Diaper Fun