On Mondays, I answer a reader’s question. Don’t miss any posts! Subscribe to our new RSS Feed or subscribe via email.
Questions don’t have to be cloth diaper related, just email maria at change-diapers.com with “Mailbox Mondays” in the subject, or fill out my contact form for readers, which you will always be able to find on my Contact Page.
Though not specifically submitted for Mailbox Monday, I am often asked about what diapers will fit a large baby or toddler. If you’re looking at your 9 month old wondering how in the world they will fit in these diapers through potty training, don’t fret. Babies often slim down when they become more mobile. However, if your child is already bursting out of his diapers, you need a solution!
Several companies make diapers in XL sizes, or even larger for special needs kids. You might also want to consider training pants instead since many of them are “stuffable” and are often essentially larger, trimmer cut diapers.
Fuzzibunz perfect size are available in large and XL, and the size medium I had was about as big as most one-size diapers, so the larger sizes must be huge! The company has changed hands though, so I can’t say if they are still so generously sized. Happy Heiny had a large and XL pocket available, but I do not know if the new owners are continuing to make them. gDiapers has an Xl gPant available, though I have not seen/used them. Thirsties’ new one-size diaper has a longer rise than many other one-size diapers (it seems to be identical to the discontinued size 2 duo) and Applecheeks size 2 even have waist extenders available. Snap-EZ makes extended size stuffable training pants and pocket diapers and Dri-Line Baby makes a toddler AIO. Many other work at home moms, like Green Acre Designs, are able to make diapers in larger sizes. If you have a favorite WAHM, ask them if they have a pattern! (note: I just found out today that one of my favorite WAHMs, esbaby has made special needs diapers before and can make anything you like if you send her measurements. I’ve used her diapers and she also custom made a dress for my daughter. I can’t say enough about her.)
You can also find fitteds and prefolds in extended sizes. Sustainablebabyish makes an XL, and Geffen Baby’s snapless large fitteds will fit a wide range as well. (Snapless in general will be easier to get just the right fit in many cases!) Geffen Baby’s XL prefolds are very large and would also be great night time diapers and/or stuffers for big, heavy wetters.
Of course, then you’ll need a cover too! Bummis has several cover styles available in XL sizes, and wool is a fantastic option as well! Size 2 covers like Thirsties Duo and Blueberry Capri are also more generous than most one-size.
I know I’m forgetting something! Have you found a great XL/toddler cloth diaper?
Maria wants to live in a world where cloth diapers are the norm and moms can make parenting choices without judgement. When she’s not chasing her 18, 14 and 11-year old kids around, you might find her checking out the latest gadgets, organizing something (again) or exercising in the fresh air. 
Really thirsties you guys feel is larger?? Maybe it’s because I have it only in os, but it was one of our first os covers that my son grew out of!! He’s only 31# but he’s getting pinched in those, bb, bum genius, our aios blueberry simplex… it’s really frustrating!!! He’s not even chunky just toddler lean!! ?
Hi Amber, this article is from almost 3 years ago and things definitely change over the years. You might want to check out Applecheeks size 3 or maybe even size 2. Most “one size” diapers only fit to about 35 (sometimes 40) pounds but that varies a lot based on the baby’s build.
Feel free to pop into the Change-Diapers Facebook group and ask for a fit check. Sometimes making small tweaks to how you’re fitting the diaper can make a huge difference.
I like to use covers and lg prefolds on Our 2 1/2 year old . Capri and Thirsties Duo size 2 work awesome.
Motherease makes Toddlease diapers.
“For our larger babies, we have the Toddle-ease™ Diaper. The Toddle-ease™ diaper looks and fits just like the Sandy’s™ but is for babies 35 lbs. and over.
“This fabulously absorbent cloth diaper fits babies from 35-45 lbs. and can absorb 475 ml (17 oz.)”
https://canshop.motherease.com/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=8&cat=Sandy%27s%99+Diaper
I use a variety of brands including the Thirsties Duo Wrap covers. I have to say, my son jokingly said to put the cover on him and low and behold, that size 2 Thirsties Wrap fit my 6 year old!!!!! I adjust it down to fit my 15 month old too. I’d have to say, if someone needs a wrap for bigger babies, Thirsties size 2 is the way to go!
I’ve tried both the Fuzzibunz large and the Snap-EZ youth size small (next size up from their one-size). The Fuzzibunz large is HUGE!! It would easily fit a preschooler. It ended up being too large actually for my toddler who was about to outgrow one-size dipes. The Snap-EZ youth size small was also very generously sized and worked great stuffed with a medium prefold. The downside of Snap-EZ is that they are pricey and don’t include an insert. I loved the front elastic for my tummy sleeper though. The diaper I found that worked best, with PLENTY of room to grow, was actually Bottombumpers size large. Natural fibers, AIO, and amazingly trim fit (really, he could wear jeans!) and there was nothing not to love about this diaper. The side snaps were perfect for working around chunky thighs too. I guess the only downside I can think of is that hubby kept putting them on backwards, lol!
We used prefolds, Happy Heinys Fitteds, and Kissaluvs size 2 fitteds, with Thirsties Duo Covers, Aristocrats Wool Soakers, and some knit to order soakers with cuffs.
Liz
I loved my grovia hook and loop. I used them on my daughter at five years old. We were traveling and had my LO in grovia’s and my five year old got a kidney infection that turned into her passing a kidney stone. They fit her and kept her dry and happy for the rest of the travel day. She was 40 lbs at the time. The snap ones won’t work as there isn’t a snap that far out but the hook and loop ones do