What types of cloth diapers are there?
OK! So you are interested in the wonderful world of cloth diapering! Modern cloth diapers have come a long way and now offer a variety of styles to fit YOUR life style. Cloth Diapering is a simple equation of two parts, you need a Water Proof cover+ Absorbent part for the pee and of course poop! Below I will cover some of the basics!
ABSORBANT
OK! So you are interested in the wonderful world of cloth diapering! Modern cloth diapers have come a long way and now offer a variety of styles to fit YOUR life style. Cloth Diapering is a simple equation of two parts, you need a Water Proof cover+ Absorbent part for the pee and of course poop! Below I will cover some of the basics!
ABSORBANT
Pre-folds
rectangular pieces of fabric sewn together in layers, the middle usually has extra layers of fabric for more absorbency, it can be folded in a variety of ways and then covered with a water proof covers! Trifold in thirds is by far the easiest and doesn't require any pins..you can lay them in your waterproof cover OR stuff in a pocket diaper!
Fancy Cloth Baby prefolds are contoured shaped or rectangular!
- 2 X 4 X 2 hemp /organic cotton terry
- 14.5" long 6"/14.5" wide
- can easily be tri-folded( folded in thirds) and stuffed or layed in a cover. Use pins or a snappi too.
PROS
- Most economical system
- Useful for other things such as burp clothes, changing pad, inserts for pocket diapers if folded in thirds.
- Can use a waterproof cover more than once just get a new pre fold
- Long lasting
- Highly absorbant
Folding prefolds; The simplest way to use prefolds are folding it in thirds and laying it in a diaper cover. There are other varieties of folds that require a closure like pin or snappi.
CONS
- May not be convenient running errands or on the go
- DO not fit snuggly around legs or waist without security of a cover
Fitted diapers are diapers that are constructed with many absorbent layers sewn together fitting shape of a baby using elastic. They can be closed with snaps, hook and loop or be closed with a pin or snappi!
Pros
Contain in messes with elastic around legs and waist
- Every square inch is absorbent; highly absorbent.
These diapers still need waterproof cover. Such as PUL,WOOL or FLEECE
Cons
- May take longer to dry than a prefold
- May leave red marks from elastic
- Bulkier but highly absorbent
TYPE OF FABRICS FOR THE ABSORBENT PART (aka insert, soaker)
When it comes to the soaker part of the diaper...back when Granny was cloth diapering there was ONLY one choice, now there are a few different options!
STAY DRY VS NATURAL
Types of waterproof cover or soaker
When it comes to the soaker part of the diaper...back when Granny was cloth diapering there was ONLY one choice, now there are a few different options!
STAY DRY VS NATURAL
Types of waterproof cover or soaker
The covers are usually a separate piece that goes over absorbent cloth made of a variety of fabrics.
- Polyurethane Laminate (AKA PUL) The most common fabric used. This cover is usually wipe able and can be reused throughout the day. You will only need about 4-4 covers per dozen fitteds or prefolds. This usually partially breathable preventing diaper rash.
- Fleece, are a great alternative to laminated covers but are just water resistant, as long as you have enough absorbency you probably won't have problem with leaking. Also a breathable fabric
- Wool covers are made of natural fibers that absorb and repel moisture away from baby. This is a breathable cover to keep baby warm in the winter and cool in the summer and prevent diaper rash.
Pocket diapers Made to fit babies shape using elastic in leg and waist. The construction consists of a waterproof outer cover, sewn to a stay dry lining fabric. This lining fabric has an opening (or pocket) in back or front. You use this pocket to stuff an absorbent soaker pad into the diaper and you are ready to put on your baby. Closures are already sewn to diaper wither snaps, or hook and loop
Fleece Pocket Wrap w/snap closure
Pros
- Can adjust absorbency with as much as you need
- Usually lined with a stay dry fabric to keep babies bottom dry, great for long car rides.
- Dries fast because of having separate pieces
Cons
- Can get messy because you haveto unstuff absorvant inner for rinsing and washing out of pocket
- Time consuming system. You have to stuff with each diaper change or remember to pre stuff.
- 2 separate piece system
- Needs new cover with each diaper change
- May leave red marks caused by elastic
Elasticized in leg and waist for great fit. Everything is sewn into the construction of an all in one. The outer water proof, the absorbent inner fabric with soaker built in. It is usually referred to as an AI2 if the soaker is detachable or sewn to one side to become fast drying! Closures are also made into the construction of this diaper using snaps or hook and loop.
XS/S AI2 (waterproof shell outer ,snap in insert inside) Comes in XS/S and One Size
Pros
- Convenient on the go
- Great for care givers like baby sitters, grandparents, day care
- One Piece
- AI2 are fast drying
Cons
- Not fast drying, will take more than one cycle to dry
- Must use a new diaper with every change unlike separate covers
- Most expensive type but convenient
- Can leave red marks from elastic
One size vs. Sized diapers
One size diapers commonly have rows of snap in front of diaper to adjust rise of diaper. Sometimes they have adjustable elastic too in waist and leg
- Means less diapers
- Will not fit a baby under 10lbs
- Can leave snap marks on baby because the rise is usually made with rows of snaps
- You can use for more than one child by adjusting size to desired rise and waist
Sized diapers come in variety of sizes
- Ensures perfect fit for any size
- Won't leave snap marks from adjusting snaps
- Can fit smaller babies and bigger kids that go over or under weight limit of OS
On the go use compostable liners that are inserted into any water proof shell...after each use toss, then at your discretion use your reusable cloth inserts
Closures
Snaps -best for baby not being able to undo. may leave marks on skin, takes time to close
Hook and Loop (aka aplix or velcro) unless you launder with it closed or use laundry tabs, it can collect lint..great closure, fast, great for squirmy babies, and on the go.
Pins used for diapers with no closure, fitteds or prefolds..has safety so baby won't be able to open it, be careful of YOUR fingers though and baby!
Snappi is fastner that is stretchy,it has three sides, and on each side are claws or clips..they grab the fabric and secure it in place. Better than pins
