Cloth Diapers 1.0: Styles

Congratulations! You've decided to cloth diaper! Your baby and your Earth will thank you!

But where to begin?????

In this post I will cover the basic styles of cloth diapers to help you determine what will work best for your unique baby and circumstances. There will be subsequent posts later next week that delve further into fabrics, popular brands and other options.

These need a cover. They are not waterproof on their own:

Flats – a square of fabric, usually 1 layer.

• Many different folds
• Snappi, Boingo Baby or Pins
• Fits nb to toddler
• Rinses well, dries fast!

Prefolds – A rectangle of fabric, thicker in the center.

• Different folds
• Snappi, Boingo Baby or Pins
• Sized
• Rinses well, but takes longer to dry than a flat.
• The “work horse” of CDing.

Fitteds – Shaped, often sized, w elastic placement and wings.

• Easy-peasy. No folding.
• Some can be purchased “snapless.”
• Sized or OS
• Excellent choice for beginners, caregivers, daycare, etc.
•  Hybrid fitted – has a layer of fleece for more water resistance, still needs a cover for extended wear.

 Cover + Insert Systems - A diapering system that has a reusable cover or shell, but uses inserts specific to the brand that would be washed between uses.

• Cost effective: No need to purchase as many covers because they can be reused between washes.
• Versitile: Most covers can fit over many different diaper styles and brands.

These do NOT need a cover. The waterproof layer is built-in…

Pockets

• Waterproof outer, stay-dry inner. Open on one end creating a "pocket"
• Stuff the pocket w chosen absorbent insert to complete the diaper
• Dries faster than AIO
• Flexible system
• Bonus! Use without inserts as swim diaper!

       

      All-in-Two

• Waterproof shell w plush inner, plus soaker
• Usually snaps in

    All-in_One

• Waterproof layer, plush innner, soaker sewn in.
• Considered easiest for quick changes.