Cloth Diapering Twins 101 – What You Should Know

Are you planning on using cloth diapers but then found out you were pregnant with twins? Don’t worry, you don’t have to give up on cloth diapering just because you’ll have two babies to care for.

You just need a guide to get you started!

How Do Cloth Diapers Work?

Cloth diapers are reusable and are washed instead of thrown out after each use. They have an inner part to keep moisture away from your baby’s skin and an outer part that keeps anything from leaking out. 

Cloth Diaper Benefits

Cloth diapers are better for the environment, better for baby’s skin, and better for your wallet. When you have twins, the cost of diapers can be astounding, so investing in some good cloth diapers can save you money.

Cloth Diaper Disadvantages

Cloth diapers don’t absorb as much, so you will have to change them more often. While the cost of cloth diapers is cheaper up front, they can cause a slight increase in your energy bill since you have to wash them regularly. 

It can also be harder to travel with cloth diapers. Some families choose to use disposables when they are on the road.

Types of Cloth Diapers

Brightly colored cloth diapers with a yellow one on top.

When it’s time to choose the right cloth diapers for your little ones, you’ll find you have tons of options

Pocket Diapers

Pocket diapers come with two parts: a shell and an insert. The shell on the outside has a pocket for the insert on the inside.

The outside shell is often waterproof and keeps anything inside the diaper from getting out. The insert pulls moisture away from the baby and absorbs whatever messes they make. You’ll find a great deal on this type here.

Pros: 

  • Simple to use
  • No diaper cover needed

Cons: 

  • More expensive than other options
  • Two pieces required

Flat Cloth Diapers

Flat cloth diapers are exactly what they sound like. A flat piece of fabric, usually cotton, is folded until you create a multi-layered piece of material that will work as a diaper.

You need safety pins or clips to secure it so nothing leaks and it doesn’t fall off your baby. 

Pros:

  • Cheapest option for cloth diapering
  • You can adjust them as your child gets bigger

Cons:

  • You have to learn to fold them so they fit properly
  • Requires a diaper cover

Hybrid Diapers

Hybrid diapers offer a cross between disposable and cloth diapering. The outside cover can be reused while the disposable insert is simply thrown away after it’s used.

Those intimidated by the idea of cloth diapering twins will find this option easier to manage.

Pros:

  • Less laundry to deal with
  • Much easier when traveling

Cons:

  • Not as eco-friendly as other options
  • You still have to purchase reusable inserts

All-in-One Diapers

If you want to skip the process of putting in an insert, go for all-in-one diapers. The layers that absorb a baby’s waste are sewn into the cover, so all you have to do is put the diaper on.

These cloth diapers make the entire process straightforward and simple.

Pros: 

  • Fasteners and inserts are already built in
  • Easy for babysitters to use if they are not familiar with cloth diapering

Cons:

  • They are more expensive than other options
  • They won’t dry as quickly 

Fitted Diapers

Fitted diapers come in two pieces, but they are still very easy to use. The absorbent layer fits easily into the cover, and elastic leg holes make them easy to get on your babies.

Velcro or other fasteners are attached to the diaper, so you don’t need to purchase them separately. You can reuse the cover multiple times because the absorbent inner layer fully covers the baby.

Pros:

  • Easy to get on your babies
  • Full-coverage absorbent inserts

Cons:

  • Expensive compared to other options
  • Still requires two pieces

Cloth Diaper Covers

Cloth diaper covers are usually made of the following: polyurethane laminate, waterproof nylon, wool, vinyl, or fleece. The option you choose will depend on the price you want to pay and the sensitivity of each baby’s skin.

You can use diaper cover wraps that snap in the front for simple convenience. Pull-on covers are also an option, though it can be messier to get a baby out of a pull-on cover after leaky stool. 

Cloth Diaper Sizes

There are options when it comes to sizes for cloth diapers. Sized diapers generally go from small to large, or they may be labeled sizes 1-6.

They will specify what weight they are made for, and you will need the right size for your twins as they age.

If you want to skip buying new sets of sized diapers, you can choose one-size cloth diapers. These claim to fit kids from newborn to potty training.

However, they tend to be very bulky on newborns and may sag the first several weeks or months. You technically only have to buy one set of these, but they may wear down faster since you will be washing them for years.

A woman hanging cloth diapers on a clothesline outside.

How Many Cloth Diapers You Need for Twins

How many diapers you will need will likely depend on what type you choose. It will also depend on if you are comfortable relying on disposables for travel or wash days.

The general consensus is anywhere between 36-50 cloth diapers for twins. However, if you are going with a two-part diaper, you might not need as many covers as inserts since covers don’t have to be washed as often. 

How Long Can Cloth Diapers Sit Before Washing?

You don’t want to do laundry every day while taking care of twins, but you should wash cloth diapers every 2-3 days to ensure they stay sanitary.

Waiting too long can lead to them absorbing less and developing mildew and odors.

How To Store Cloth Diapers Until Wash Day

  1. Clean the Diaper

Even if you are going to keep your diapers in a pail for a couple of days before a wash, you still have to clean the waste out of them sooner. Some parents do it right after they change a diaper and some wait until the end of the day. 

A diaper sprayer is probably the easiest way to clean poop you don’t want stuck in the diaper pail until wash day.

A handheld bidet toilet sprayer lets you spray diapers without soaking them to the point of them being drenched. They are easy to install and efficient.

  1. Take out Inserts

If your cloth diapers have inserts, take them all out before storing them.

  1. Deal with Snaps and Velcro

Undo all snaps, and make sure Velcro is secured so it won’t stick to the other items in the diaper pail.

  1. Place in Container

How To Clean Poopy Cloth Diaper Without Sprayer

To clean a diaper, you can scrape waste directly into the toilet or dunk the cloth diaper insert directly into the toilet water to clean waste. Scrapers are available to make removing waste easier. 

How To Keep Cloth Diaper Pail From Smelling

One of the most important ways to keep your diaper pail from smelling awful is to faithfully wash cloth diapers every 2-3 days. Any longer than that will result in a stench.

You should also make sure all solid waste is removed from the diaper before placing it in the diaper pail.

You need to disinfect your diaper pail every time you empty it. Wash the inner liner to make sure it doesn’t hold an odor. You can even add a deodorizer to minimize the scent. 

How Often To Wash Cloth Diapers

You should wash cloth diapers every 2-3 days to ensure they don’t develop stains you can’t remove.

How To Wash Cloth Diapers

You can use your washing machine to wash cloth diapers as long as you follow a few simple guidelines.

Make sure to get all poop out of diapers before you put them in the diaper pail, and definitely do so before you put them in the washing machine. Wash cloth diapers separately from other clothes.

You should only wash 10-18 diapers at a time, so you will likely need to do more than one load with twins. Start with a cold cycle, and then run a second cycle on warm or hot.

Don’t add bleach, but feel free to add baking soda to help with odors and stains.

How To Remove Stains From Cloth Diapers

The easiest, simplest way to remove stains from cloth diapers is to dry them in the sun. You can also use lemon juice if you want a natural stain remover.

It’s possible to use store-bought stain removers if you have a stubborn stain that refuses to budge. Try to choose ones that don’t contain caustic chemicals, and don’t use bleach.

How To Dry Cloth Diapers

It’s best to dry cloth diapers on a clothesline in the sun. This helps them last longer and will keep them fresh. You can also line dry them in your home if the weather isn’t right to dry them outside.

Some cloth diapers can be dried on a low setting in your drier, but they will experience more wear and tear in the process.

What To Do With Cloth Diapers Once Your Twins Outgrow Them

If you want to continue to honor the environment as much as possible even when you’re out of the diaper phase, don’t toss your cloth diapers.

If you might have more kids, keep them. If not, you can always donate diapers that are in good condition to a shelter or other donation location. 

If the cloth diapers aren’t in good enough shape to donate, reuse them in other ways. Let your twins put cloth diapers on their dolls. Use them as rags for cleaning. Have your kids get crafty with cute diaper covers. 

Final Thoughts

You can cloth diaper twins if that is what you desire. Simply know as much as you can and choose the right cloth diapers for your crew.