10 Best Cloth Diapers for Babies in India 2021 (Superbottoms, Bumpadum, and more)
When it comes to diapering your newborn baby, you end up with two choices – disposable diapers and cloth diapers. Where disposable diapers are made from superabsorbent polymers (SAP) called sodium polyacrylate, cloth diapers are made of natural fibres, including organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo blends. You can also find nappy liners and inserts to use with cloth diapers.
Because cloth diapers are all-natural and more comfortable for babies, parents have started choosing these reusable and biodegradable options over disposable ones. Curious to learn more about cloth diapers? Read on as we list the ten best cloth diapers for babies in India. Right from Superbottoms to Bumpadum, we have listed a range of brands to choose from.
Quick List - Top Cloth Diaper for Baby
mybest editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in India in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
How to Choose Cloth Diapers for Babies in India – Buying Guide
When parents think about cloth diapers, they imagine down-and-dirty diaper origami that they need to sew to keep in place. But today’s reusable cloth diapers are much more than a mere poop catching solution. They are eco-friendly, take care of the baby’s health, and are cost-effective.
So, let’s dive into the world of cloth diapers to understand their benefits and help you choose what’s best for your babies.
Choose the Type Based on Your Infant’s Comfort
The cloth diaper industry has seen a drastic change in the last few years. Right from offering a large piece of cloth that had to be folded and clipped to selling ready-to-wear diapers, the brands have truly outdone themselves. And with so many new choices of cloth diapers, it can get both exciting and overwhelming, especially for new parents.
To help you choose the best cloth diaper for your baby, we’ve researched the market to make the buying process easier for you. So, let’s read on.
Prefold Cloth Diapers Offer Maximum Adjustability
As the name suggests, they are “pre-folded” with multiple layers, so you don’t need to worry about the number of layers while you’re folding it. They are the modern version of old-school cotton diapers, having a thicker centre. Prefold diapers are usually made of cotton, muslin, bamboo, or hemp and do not cause any allergic reactions to the baby’s sensitive skin.
These diapers are versatile in sizes, allowing you to fold in different ways to fit your baby, regardless of their age. Parents even use these as burp cloths, thus, eliminating the need to buy an extra baby product. Although prefold diapers are super absorbent, you still need a waterproof cover to contain the wetness and mess.
The covers are usually made of a poly-blend fabric with a waterproof laminated interior that can be tied with buttons, strings, or Velcro around the baby’s hips. When it comes to diaper change, you can replace the prefold cloth with a fresh one and reuse the cover after a quick wipe-off. Along with being a super cheap option, these diapers are easy to wash and quick to dry.
Single Layer Diapers for Newborn Babies Who Need Frequent Changing
This style is already cut into the right shape, so all you need to do is tie the strings. It’s just one layer, so while it is comfortable and breathable, it isn’t the most absorbent, and you will end up changing them frequently. These types are affordable as they’re not too difficult to make, and they come in a variety of cute designs.
They are usually made of cotton, so they are pretty long-lasting and do not cause any allergic reaction. These diapers are great for newborns, but you must be careful while picking the material as the nappies should not be dyed.
All-in-One Cloth Diapers for Hassle-Free Changing
All-in-One or AIO styles have an absorbent layer sewed into the diaper and a waterproof outer shell all in one piece. It is like a cloth version of disposable diapers. All you need to do is get the baby in them and close the buttons.
The insides are made of various fabrics, including cotton, fleece, and synthetic fibres, while the outside is typically Polyurethane Laminated Fabric (PUL). When you need to change your child’s diaper, you can toss the entire thing in the laundry and put on another one that does not require any folding or fastening.
They are undoubtedly the most convenient to use but tend to be more expensive. Also, they feel bulkier than the rest and take longer to dry than prefold cloth diapers. They are recommended for infants over 3 to 4 kgs, who you might want hassle-free changing when you’re out and about.
Hybrid Cloth Diapers for Days When You’re On-the-Go
Hybrid diapers combine the convenience of disposables and the comfort of cloth. They are similar to all-in-ones in structure as they too have a waterproof outer cover, but they feature a removable inner cloth insert. While changing, you need to pull out the inner lining and place a fresh one into the same shell.
As long as there’s no leakage onto the outer cover, you need to replace just the inner lining. This way, you can reuse the diaper cover multiple times. The inner layer is made in a variety of fabrics, including cotton, microfibre and hemp. So, you can choose the one that best suits your baby’s skin.
Pocket Diapers for Infants Who’ve Started Crawling or Consuming Solids
These are the highest level of cloth diapers available in India. They also have a waterproof outer shell that prevents any leaks, and it comes with absorbent inserts that are tucked inside the fabric to act as the main diapers.
The biggest advantage of pocket diapers is that you can adjust the insert according to different absorbency levels and position it where your child needs the most coverage. The outer shells are usually made of synthetic fabrics, while the inserts can be made of cotton, fleece, bamboo fibre, and hemp.
Since these styles offer the most protection, they also tend to be quite expensive. These are perfect for when the baby starts consuming solids and you need to change their diapers less often, usually after six months. They’re also easier to use for infants who’ve begun crawling and need something that won’t slip easily.
Avoid Diaper Rash With Soft Cotton Diapers
Diaper rashes are common among kids, but with a careful selection of material, they can be avoided. Cotton diapers are the most preferred cloth diapers in India. They have a smooth texture that feels cushiony soft on the baby’s skin, leaving them feeling comfy all the time. But most cotton diapers tend to shrink after the first wash.
To avoid shrinkage, you can either hand wash them or use a delicate cycle on the washing machine. While getting a cotton diaper, make sure that it is not dyed or bleached, as the chemical residue from the bleaching process can lead to skin irritation and allergies.
Another common diaper material is synthetic, which includes fabrics like suede cloth and microfleece. Both the diaper materials are made from polyester, which effectively absorbs wetness, but it retains the smell and is hard to clean. Polyester might be a good fabric for the outer cover, but inner layers should be made of soft materials, like suede cloth or bamboo.
Get Stretchy Diapers With Perfect Fit
When picking up cloth diapers, neither get too tight nor too loose ones. If the diaper is too tight, it’ll leave painful marks, making the child feel uncomfortable. And the loose one will not be able to hold the blowout, leading to leakage.
So, look for diapers with stretchy sides, especially around the legs and the waist, to get a perfect fit. Nowadays, you’ll find one-size diapers with multiple snap buttons, which allow you to adjust the fit as your baby grows. This way, you can tighten or loosen the grip as per the child’s comfort.
Focus on the Absorbency of the Inner Layer
Diapers main task is to absorb the liquid, keeping your little one dry and comfortable at all times. So, the inner layer/insert of the cloth diaper should be super absorbent and should not retain any moisture. Bamboo, suede cloth, and cotton are highly absorbent materials that will keep the moisture at bay, keeping your child safe from diaper rash.
For extra absorbency, you can also use inserts with more than two layers. You’ll also find diapers in polyester, which is a water-resistant material but does not absorb moisture quickly enough. Therefore, you might not want to use it as an insert.
Check Breathability of the Outer Layer
Yes, the inner layer should be absorbent. But there should be an equal focus on choosing the outer later of the cloth diaper. It should be breathable to avoid conditions like diaper dermatitis. PUL and polyester fleece are some of the breathable diaper materials that should be into consideration.
To check a fabric's breathability, check that it is dyed or not, as the minimal dye design will be more breathable than its counterpart. Breathable fabrics have tiny pores that allow water vapour and odours to easily escape, keeping the baby fresh and comfortable.
10 Best Cloth Diapers for Babies in India
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Freesize UNO SuperBottoms | | Adjustable, Skin Friendly Diapers Designed by Parents | |
2 | PAW PAW Reusable Fabric Diaper | | Chemical Free Cloth Diapers in Fun Prints and Colours | |
3 | Bumpadum One Size Stay-Dry Diaper | | Prefold Style Diaper That Lasts upto 12 Hours | |
4 | Bembika Baby Pocket Cloth Diapers | | Adjustable, One-Size-Fits-All Diaper | |
5 | Bumberry Pocket Style Diaper | | Pocket-Style Diaper for an Active Baby | |
6 | Motherly Dry Bundle Cloth Diaper | | Affordable Single Layer Nappies for Newborns to Prevent Rashes | |
7 | BabyCenterIndia Plus Diaper | | Mid-Range Option to Keep Babies Between 2-5 Months Dry for 2 Hours | |
8 | Babysoft Reusable Cloth Diaper | | Absorbent Pocket-Type Diaper to Keep Heavy Wetters Dry for 3 Hours | |
9 | Mummamia Cloth Diaper | | Pocket Diaper With Waterproof Outer Shell in Fun Colours | |
10 | Kuchipoo Premium Quality Padded Baby Nappies | | Single Layer Cotton Nappies for Newborns |
Adjustable, Skin Friendly Diapers Designed by Parents
If you’re looking for a pocket-type diaper that’ll work not only during the day but also at night, then this one is for you. It comes with two inserts - one dry feel pad and one booster pad, and both are made of 100% organic cotton. Where the dry pad consists of nine layers to boost absorbency, the booster pad consists of eight layers.
You can use one insert for four hours and two inserts when you want to use the diaper for eight hours. Therefore, during afternoon naps and nighttime, you can use one and two inserts, respectively. Even for heavy wetters, two inserts can hold for at least five hours. The outer layer is waterproof, so you can take the baby out without thinking about possible leaks. Reviewers say that the organic cotton inserts are more skin-friendly and absorbent than the competitive brands.
Chemical Free Cloth Diapers in Fun Prints and Colours
Designed by a team of parents, PAW PAW's reusable fabric diapers are biodegradable cloth diapers made with chemical-free material. They're made using unique Rapisoak Technology, which instantly soaks baby's urine, without making them feel the wetness. The diapers are CPSIA certified, which makes them safe for the baby's skin.
The diapers are available in different sizes, from S to XL, giving you the freedom to choose as per your baby's age. Their inner pads are made of multi-layered fabric with a patented technology that allows maximum fluid retention. The outer cover has an adjustable button system to tighten or loosen the grip. Parents are happy with the purchase as they have not faced any diaper rash issue.
Prefold Style Diaper That Lasts upto 12 Hours
Bumpadum diapers also hold up the longest i.e., with one insert for almost five hours and with two inserts for almost ten hours. This is one of the rare diapers where the inner fabric dries really quickly, without making the baby feel uncomfortable. It is perfect for infants, toddlers, and babies, and aside from high absorbance levels, it is also leakproof, so you need not worry about any potential pee accidents.
Adjustable, One-Size-Fits-All Diaper
Other than that, the snaps on the diaper's pocket make it one-size-fits-all which is beneficial for the long run. You can use the same diaper as your baby grows. This particular set comes in five different colours. Reviewers say these are a good investment as the material is soft and skin-friendly, and the inserts hold pee for three hours. And, they suggest pre-wash before using it for your child.
Pocket-Style Diaper for an Active Baby
Bumberry's diapers are lined with bio-soft liners which make changing it a quick and simple process. They are available in three unique and colourful prints, including retro, violet, and white flowers on pink print. So, you can match different colours with your child's outfits.
Affordable Single Layer Nappies for Newborns to Prevent Rashes
Although, just like all other single-layer nappies, these are limited to newborns, and are not for older infants. You will also need to wash these immediately if they’re soiled, else the stains won’t go. Also, the nappies come with snap buttons, allowing you to tighten or loosen the fit as per your baby's comfort.
Mid-Range Option to Keep Babies Between 2-5 Months Dry for 2 Hours
Its inserts are made of bamboo cotton with eight layers to keep heavy wetters dry for a long time. With this diaper, you get three levels of absorbency - one with an attached soaker, second with an additional soaker that you can attach with the snap, and third with a boost soaker that you can place in the back pocket.
Absorbent Pocket-Type Diaper to Keep Heavy Wetters Dry for 3 Hours
The diaper has similar features to its competitive brands but still, it is one of the most expensive pocket-type diapers in the market. So, if you’re on a budget, we would recommend you choose one of the other products on the list. Additionally, the insert takes really long to dry and doesn't dry completely without sunlight, so you would have to buy quite a few inserts to keep using it regularly.
Pocket Diaper With Waterproof Outer Shell in Fun Colours
It does come with another insert, but even when both the inserts are used, it doesn’t hold for more than three hours. Therefore, it’s better to use this diaper at home because if you do not change it after two or three hours, it will start leaking. Even at home, it is also a good idea to reserve this for daytime use only, as it wouldn’t hold up well during the night.
Single Layer Cotton Nappies for Newborns
While it does have padding in the middle, it is not the most absorbent nappy in the market, and this is despite the hefty price tag. Furthermore, as you would expect, it is not leakproof either, so we would suggest keeping these for at-home use only, and using something leakproof for when you’re out.
How to Wash Cloth Diapers?
Most parents get scared of the idea of getting a cloth diaper because of its washing and care hassle. However, laundering cloth diapers is like washing any other cloth in your house. You can wash them using your hands or simply throw them in a washing machine. The following tips will help you wash them easily in a washing machine:
- Remove inserts from the diaper pockets
- Use the highest water level allowed by your washer
- Start with a cold rinse, without using a detergent
- Now run a regular hot water cycle with 1/4 cup detergent
- To get rid of all residual detergent, run an extra rinse on cold
- Dry on hot
For detailed wash instructions, you can follow the link here
More Products to Take Care of Your Baby
Every parent wants only the best for their child. And, we are here to help you get access to all the best baby care products available in the market. Here, we have compiled a list of articles that'll be beneficial for your research.
Summary
People often encourage new parents to save money by using cloth diapers instead of disposable ones, but they rarely offer any useful alternatives. With the multitude of choices on the market, parents-to-be rarely have enough time to do intensive research and look for the one that’s most suitable for them. We hope our article was able to help such people, as well as others who wanted to learn about cloth diapers.
Author: Srishti Sikka
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.