Quick answer

A cloth diaper trial kit is a small, curated set of diapers and covers that lets you test a specific system before buying a full stash. If you are unsure between prefolds and fitteds, the Try Both Kit - Medium gives you both in one purchase. If you just want to try cloth diapering with a simple, budget-friendly setup, the Give It A Try Kit - Medium is the more direct starting point.

What is a cloth diaper trial kit?

A cloth diaper trial kit is a sample-sized bundle of diapers, covers, and sometimes accessories that lets you try a diapering method without committing to a full stash. It is not a rental program or a subscription; you buy the kit outright and keep whatever you like. The goal is to answer one question: does this system work for your baby, your laundry routine, and your budget? Most kits include enough pieces for about 12 diaper changes, which is roughly one to two days of diapering for a newborn or several changes for an older baby.

What is the difference between the Give It A Try Kit and the Try Both Kit?

The Give It A Try Kit - Medium is a single-system trial. It includes the absorbent diaper and the waterproof cover, so you can test the full diapering process from start to finish. It is sized for babies 14–20 pounds. The Try Both Kit - Medium is a comparison trial. It includes both prefolds and fitted diapers, plus covers, so you can decide which absorbent style you prefer. It fits about 14–24 pounds, and the Workhorse fitteds will be outgrown before the prefolds and covers, which continue to fit to about 28 pounds. If you already know you want prefolds, the Give It A Try Kit is simpler. If you are torn between prefolds and fitteds, the Try Both Kit answers that question directly.

How do I know which size kit to buy?

Size is based on your baby's current weight, not their age. The Medium kits fit roughly 14–20 pounds (Give It A Try) or 14–24 pounds (Try Both). If your baby is smaller or larger, you need a different size kit. Green Mountain Diapers sells other size kits, so check the weight range before ordering. If your baby is at the low end of a size range, you may get more months of use; if they are at the high end, you may need to size up soon. There is no universal sizing chart across brands, so always use the specific kit's weight range.

How many trial kits do I need?

One kit is enough to test the system, but it is not enough for full-time cloth diapering. A typical full-time stash requires 20–24 diapers and 4–6 covers for a newborn, or fewer for an older baby. Many parents buy two to four trial kits to build a working stash without committing to a large set all at once. That approach lets you spread the cost and adjust as you learn what works. If you plan to cloth diaper part-time, one kit plus a few extra covers may be sufficient.

What else do I need besides a trial kit?

You will need a diaper pail or wet bag, a laundry detergent safe for cloth, and a washing routine. For wiping, reusable cloths like the Cloth-eez Paper Towel Alternative - Natural Unbleached can replace disposable wipes. They are two-layer birdseye cotton cloths, 13" x 13" before washing and about 12" x 12.5" after shrinkage, sold in a pack of 12. They are also useful for drying hands. You do not need a sprayer or special liners to start, though some parents add them later.

Do trial kits save money compared to buying a full stash?

Trial kits are not primarily a cost-saving measure; they are a risk-reduction measure. You pay a little more per diaper than you would in a large stash, but you avoid spending hundreds on a system you end up disliking. If you know you want to cloth diaper full-time and you are confident in the style, buying a larger set is more economical per change. If you are still deciding, a trial kit is cheaper than a full stash you might not use. The Give It A Try Kit - Medium has a catalog price of USD 90.49 (compared to USD 127.45), and the Try Both Kit - Medium is USD 106.13 (compared to USD 158.40).

Trial kit FAQ

Can I return a trial kit if it does not work for us?

Green Mountain Diapers does not list a trial kit return policy in the product information. Check the store's general return policy before ordering. Most cloth diaper retailers require unused, unwashed items for returns, so if you want the option to return, do not wash the kit until you are sure you are keeping it. Confirm the return window before you buy.

Do I need to prep the diapers before first use?

Natural cotton diapers like prefolds and Workhorse diapers need to be washed and dried several times to reach full absorbency. Unbleached cotton may contain natural oils that repel water until washed out. Covers only need a quick wash if they are new, but many parents skip that and just wipe them between uses. Wash absorbent pieces 3–5 times before relying on them overnight.

How long will a medium trial kit last?

The Give It A Try Kit - Medium fits 14–20 pounds. The Try Both Kit - Medium fits 14–24 pounds, but the Workhorse fitteds will be outgrown before the prefolds and covers, which continue to fit to about 28 pounds. How long that takes depends on your baby's growth rate, not a fixed number of months. Expect the covers to outlast the fitted diapers in the Try Both Kit.

Trial kits at a glance

  • Give It A Try Kit - Medium: Give It A Try Kit - Medium is a kit to give natural diapering a try in size medium 14-20 pounds. It includes the absorbent diaper and the waterproof cover. This is the simplest way to test the full cloth diapering process without choosing between absorbent styles.
  • Try Both Kit - Medium: Try Both Kit - Medium includes 6 Cloth-eez Prefolds (size medium, natural unbleached), 6 Cloth-eez Workhorse Diapers (size medium), and 3 Thirsties Duo covers. It provides 12 diaper changes. You can compare prefolds and fitted diapers side by side, and the covers continue to fit after the Workhorse diapers are outgrown.
  • Cloth-eez Paper Towel Alternative - Natural Unbleached: Cloth-eez Paper Towel Alternative - Natural Unbleached is a two-layer birdseye washable, reusable paper towel alternative made of organic unbleached cotton, sold in a pack of 12. Size is 13" x 13" before washing, about 12" x 12.5" after shrinkage. These cloths can replace disposable wipes and paper towels, reducing ongoing waste and cost alongside your diaper trial.