A lot of parents ask us if Change™ is a cloth diaper. It's actually a cotton disposable, so you use it once instead of washing and reusing it. While only 100% cotton touches your baby's skin, there's more thoughtful design inside to help keep baby bums happy and dry.
That's why searching "cotton diapers" can get confusing. You might be looking for a disposable and end up reading about washing reusable diapers instead. Both are great things to look into, they just lead to pretty different products and routines.
First, pick your routine.
The first question is simple: are you up for washing and reusing diapers, or would you rather toss them after a change? Once you've got that figured out, it's much easier to compare what each diaper is made of.
Going reusable? Find out which parts go in the wash, how the brand says to care for them, and whether you'll need extra covers or inserts. Going disposable? Check what's against your baby's skin, what's in the absorbent core, how it fits, and how many come in a pack.
| Question | Cotton disposable | Reusable cloth |
|---|---|---|
| Do I wash this diaper? | No. It is designed for one use. | Yes. Follow the maker's care instructions. |
| Does “cotton” describe every component? | Check the complete materials description. | Check the diaper, insert and cover descriptions. |
| What should I compare? | Skin-contact materials, core, fit and pack count. | Materials, fit, included pieces and washing routine. |
| Does the name explain disposal? | No. Look for specific instructions and evidence. | No. Reusability and end-of-life disposal are separate questions. |
Where is the cotton?
When you're reading about diaper materials, it helps to know which part is being described. The top sheet is the layer against your baby, the back sheet is the outside, and the leg cuffs help the diaper fit snugly around the legs. The absorbent core is in the middle, and its job is to soak up liquid and hold onto it.
When looking at ingredients, "contains cotton" is a good start, but the real question is, where? Is it only the top sheet? Or maybe only the back sheet? "Soft" is another word we all tend to get excited about, but it can't tell you what a diaper is actually made of. For a closer look at every diaper detail, our guide to Reading a Diaper Materials List breaks it all down.
Where Change fits
At Change, every layer that touches your baby is 100% cotton, and tucked inside is the world's first and only biodegradable Super Absorbent core. The cotton sits soft and breathable against your baby's skin, while the core does the work of soaking up and holding liquid. Curious about the rest? You can see every component listed here.
Change is a disposable diaper made with biodegradable components, meant to be used once rather than washed and reused.
Compare fit and actual use
Materials are a big part of choosing a diaper, but they're not the whole story. It's also worth checking the size guidance, getting to know how the diaper fastens, and paying attention to how it fits your baby. With Change, only 100% cotton touches your baby, so it feels and fits a bit differently than a traditional disposable. Our Fit Guide walks you through just how it should hug your little one.
If you're comparing costs, it helps to look at how many diapers or reusable pieces you'll actually be buying. Don't forget to factor in any ongoing care your routine needs, like washing for cloth. And if you're looking at subscriptions, our Subscription Checklist makes it easy to compare. A premium disposable won't always be the cheapest option, so it's worth doing the math for your family.
Three questions to take shopping
- Is this diaper disposable or reusable?
- Exactly which parts are cotton, and what makes up the rest?
- What fit, care and disposal instructions does the maker provide?
Those answers tell you more than the word cotton on its own. See Change's sizes and purchase options, or read the materials and fit FAQ.