Does using cloth diapers make a difference in how you dress your baby?

Depending on the type of cloth diapers you use and the build of your baby, it might have to. Since many baby clothes on the market today are designed for trim disposable diapers, a baby who's wearing one of the more bulky cloth diaper options--such as a prefold with a cover--might need to size up or switch outfits. And since cloth diapering families often change diapers more frequently, you might find it more convenient to have your baby in an outfit that allows quick access. But for me as a cloth diapering mom, one of the most important considerations in choosing my baby's clothes is, well, fashion: how can I possibly cover up such a cute diaper? Since most baby clothes are designed to keep diapers well hidden, finding an outfit that shows off my stash requires some creativity. But when all my friends admire my newest diaper prints, it's worth the effort.

For a newborn or not-yet-mobile infant, gowns are the perfect choice. They're easy to put on, allow quick diaper changing access, and they're cute for both girls and boys. Although they don't show off the diaper as much as a two-piece outfit, the fact that they're open at the bottom does allow for more fluffy bum admiration than a onesie or pants. If it's cold, pair with baby leg warmers or thigh socks to keep baby warm without covering up his bum.

Once your baby starts crawling, choosing an outfit is more complicated. Onesies are popular at this age because t-shirts tend to ride up when your baby is scooting or creeping. If you like onesies but have trouble fitting them over your baby's cloth bum, you can size up or get a few onesie extenders to lengthen the rise of the onesie. Two-piece outfits such as shirts and pants (or legwarmers) are also good for this age, and you can size up the pants if necessary to fit. In hot weather, a t-shirt or a dress is perfect for showing off your stash.

For toddlers, it's often easiest to let your cloth diaper cover double as pants. A few pairs of longies, shorties, or skirties (for girls) can be used with many different outfits. Simple, stretchy knit cotton pants or shorts are also easy to fit over cloth diapered bums. Jeans and pants that don't stretch may need to go up a size, so look for the type with an adjustable waist so you can tighten the waist and roll up the pants if necessary. Dresses for girls, or long t-shirts for boys, can be paired with just a diaper in warm weather.

For the most part, you can dress your cloth diapered baby in all the same clothes as his disposable-wearing friends. But part of the fun of cloth diapering is the fashion. And hey, there's nothing wrong with planning an outfit around your favorite diaper cover. After all, when your diapers are this cute, why wouldn't you show them off?