Why Diaper Pins Are Still a Favorite Among Cloth Diapering Parents

When I became a mom, I was amazed at all the modern baby gear out there. From high-tech monitors to super absorbent, perfectly designed disposable diapers, it felt like I was entering a whole new world of convenience. But as I started navigating the endless aisles of baby products, I found myself leaning toward something old-fashioned, simple, and—dare I say it—charming: diaper pins.

Yes, diaper pins! The same ones our grandmothers and mothers used. At first, I was skeptical. Why use diaper pins when Velcro, snaps, and all these other modern solutions exist? But after making the switch to cloth diapering, I found myself reaching for those humble little pins more and more. And I’m not alone. Many cloth diapering parents are sticking with these classic fasteners, and in this post, I’m going to share why diaper pins are still a favorite—despite all the modern alternatives.

Cost-Effectiveness: Saving Pennies (and Dollars) Adds Up

Let’s be real—raising kids is expensive. Diapers alone can cost a small fortune over time, especially if you go the disposable route. That’s one of the reasons I initially turned to cloth diapers. But then I noticed something: the fasteners, like snaps or Velcro covers, were not cheap either. Sure, they worked well, but as my little one grew (and grew and grew), I found myself needing new diaper sizes, which meant new covers or fasteners.

Enter diaper pins. They are so simple, so basic, and so affordable. A good set of pins can last through multiple diaper sizes, and if you’re careful with them, they can last for years. I even heard stories from fellow moms about using the same diaper pins for multiple kids, passing them down like a family heirloom. Talk about getting your money’s worth!

In a world where every baby product seems to come with a hefty price tag, diaper pins offer a little relief to parents who are budgeting and looking for economical solutions.

Simplicity and Minimalism: Less is More

I’m all for keeping things simple. Between the endless piles of laundry, sleepless nights, and never-ending to-do lists, I don’t need extra complications in my life. Diaper pins fit perfectly into this minimalist parenting approach I’ve embraced.

Unlike the modern diaper fasteners with Velcro straps that lose their stickiness or snaps that can be hard to line up (especially during those middle-of-the-night diaper changes!), diaper pins are as simple as it gets. You have your cloth diaper, you fold it around your baby, and then you pin it in place. Done. No fiddling, no fussing, and no worrying about bulky covers that take up precious space in the diaper bag.

Diaper pins take me back to a simpler time, and in a world that sometimes feels chaotic, I appreciate this small piece of simplicity.

Eco-Friendliness: Good for the Planet, Good for Our Kids

One of the main reasons I switched to cloth diapers was the environmental impact of disposables. Did you know that the average baby uses between 2,500 and 3,000 diapers in just the first year? That’s a lot of waste going to landfills. And while many modern cloth diaper options are eco-friendly, I found that diaper pins take it a step further.

Pins are made of metal, which means no plastic parts to break or replace. They last forever (or close to it), meaning I’m not contributing to more landfill waste every time a fastener wears out. It’s a small thing, but it adds up. Every time I use those little metal pins, I feel like I’m doing my part to reduce waste.

As a parent, I want to set a good example for my kids about caring for the planet, and diaper pins are one small but meaningful way I can do that.

Customization and Fit: Because Every Baby is Different

Here’s the thing—babies come in all shapes and sizes, and they’re constantly growing! One day, the diaper fits perfectly, and the next, it’s too tight or too loose. This was one of my biggest frustrations with using pre-sized cloth diaper covers with snaps. The fit was never quite right.

With diaper pins, though, you get a fully adjustable fit every single time. Whether my baby was in a growth spurt or just had a little extra chunk on their thighs that week, I could pin the diaper exactly how I needed. No fuss, no trying to match up snaps, just a perfect fit every time.

And let’s be honest—when you’re dealing with a wriggly baby, anything that makes diaper changes easier is a blessing.

Reliability and Security: Pins That Stay Put

If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s a diaper that leaks. Whether it’s from my little one crawling around or squirming during a diaper change, some of the modern fasteners I tried just didn’t hold up as well as I’d hoped. Velcro, for example, wears out over time and can lose its grip. And snaps, while sturdy, sometimes didn’t stay as secure as I’d like—especially on a busy, active baby.

Diaper pins, on the other hand, are rock solid. Once that pin is in place, the diaper isn’t going anywhere. I’ve never had to worry about leaks or the diaper shifting when using pins, and I love that peace of mind. It’s one less thing to worry about during those already long and busy days.

Nostalgia and Tradition: Honoring the Past

I’ll admit it—I have a soft spot for tradition. When I started using diaper pins, I thought about the generations of mothers before me who used these same pins to diaper their babies. There’s something so beautiful about carrying on that tradition. My own mom shared stories of using cloth diapers and pins on me, and now here I am, doing the same for my children.

I love the idea of passing down these simple, effective parenting techniques, and every time I pin a diaper, I feel connected to that history.

Versatility: More Than Just a Fastener

One of the surprising things I discovered about diaper pins is how versatile they are! Aside from diapering, I’ve found myself using them for all sorts of little tasks around the house. Need to secure a blanket on a stroller? Diaper pin to the rescue! Want to hang up a few pictures? Diaper pins make great temporary hangers.

It’s funny how something so simple can be so handy. I’ve come to appreciate these little tools for more than just their original purpose.

Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Diaper Pins

Diaper pins may seem old-fashioned, but for many cloth diapering parents, they are an irreplaceable tool. From their affordability and eco-friendliness to their reliability and simplicity, there’s a lot to love about these humble little pins.

They may not be as flashy as some of the modern alternatives, but sometimes the best solutions are the simplest. If you’re a cloth diapering parent—or even just curious about making the switch—give diaper pins a try. You might just find yourself falling in love with this classic, time-tested parenting tool.