When I thought of cloth diapering many years ago, I thought of big flat pieces of white cloth, folding, pinning, plastic pants, dunking poop in the toilet and washing yucky, old-fashioned diapers. Boy, was I wrong! I started researching on-line, I didn't know anyone that used cloth diapers in this day and age, but I wanted to try it, when I saw what cloth diapers REALLY were, I was excited, they are SO cute and SO easy, there are so many different types, I knew I would find one that worked for me!
Flats
These are a large square piece of material, usually birdseye cotton or flannel that is serged on the edges, you fold it into a diaper putting extra folds in the "wet zone" and put it on baby, it is NOT waterproof and will require a cover.
Pro's
They can be layered 2 thick for added aborbancy.
These are very affordable diapers to use.
They can be folded and used for added absorbancy in other cloth diapers.
These are the original one-size diaper, fitting infants to toddlers.
Washing and drying is easy and quick!
They make awesome burp cloths as well!
Con's
They NEED a cover.
These diapers have a learning curve to fold and use.
These are not very daycare friendly.
Prefold's
These are tri-fold diapers, all sewn together with added thickness in the center. They are usually made of birdseye cotton or flannel, and come in many different sizes, from preemie right up through toddler. These are not waterproof and will require a cover. They can be held in place, with either a pin, a diaper snapper or just folded into the cover.
Pro's
These diapers are affordable.
They are a go to diaper for a good fit on a newborn.
They can be folded and used as an extra layer in another diaper.
Washing and drying is quick and easy.
Can also be used as burp cloths.
Con's
They NEED a cover.
These are not daycare friendly diapers.
Require 6-8 washes before they reach accetable absorbancy.
Fitted Diapers
There are 2 types of fitted diapers, sized (preemie/newborn, infant, baby, toddler) and one-size (usually range from 8lbs-40lbs). These are made with many different types of materials, usually soft and absorbant, including, terry-cloth, bamboo, flannel, velour, minky and many others. The closure on these diapers can be velcro, snaps, diaper snapper or pins, some have tie closures and some have no closure and just fold into the cover as these are NOT waterproof.
Pro's
One of the more affordable shaped diapers.
Great for heavy wetters as you can put in extra absorbancy.
Washing and drying is still fairly quick.
Con's
Require a waterproof cover.
Still not very daycare friendly.
Require several washes to reach acceptable absorbancy.
All-In-Two's
These diapers are a waterproof layer and an absorbant layer built to go together, sounds like a fitted and a cover right?, close but not quite. It is basically a cover and a liner that either snaps in or lays in the cover, the cover can be reused for the day or until it gets poop on it, you just change the liner.
Pro's
Very afforable, you can make do with a couple covers and a couple dozen liners.
Liners can be disposable, natural fibres or stay dry materials.
Prefolds and flats can be folded to fit in them.
Can be bought in one-size fits all.
Come in many colors and prints.
Con's
Not all systems are interchangeable, causing liners not to fit well.
Some liners are not large enough to cover the area you need.
Liners can shift with babies movement, resulting in needing to change the cover.
All- In- One's
These are the most like disposable diapers, they have a built in waterproof layer, a built in soaker layer and closures of usually snaps or velcro. They can be sized to fit, or one-size fits all. Inner layer can be natural fibers or stay dry materials. These are wash and wear diapers, nothing to put together.
Pro's
Daycare friendly!
Easy to use!
Many colors and prints are available.
Grab and go diaper, no parts to put together
NO covers needed!
Con's
These diapers are more expensive.
Take the longest to wash and dry.
Need to be washed several times to reach acceptable absorbancy.
Pocket Diaper's
These diapers are one of the most reached for types of cloth diapers. They are a 2 part system and come in sized and one-size fits most. They are an outer waterproof layer, and an inner stay dry liner. They have an opening at the front or back (sometimes both) that acts as a pocket to stuff an insert (or two) into. Can have velcro or snap closure and snap sizings.
Pro's
Fast washing and drying time!
Can add as much absorbancy as needed.
Come in many colors and prints.
Are daycare friendly.
Go to travel diapers, as they can be snapped to fit just right, and can add extra absorbancy for car rides and night-time use!
Con's
Some inserts need to be taken out of the pocket before they are washed, others come out in the wash.
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