Types of Cloth Diapers

[LaughterHugs]

What is a Prefold Cloth Diaper?

Rectangular shaped flat cloth diaper with an absorbent pad already sewn in.  Come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses.  Need to be folded to fit in a waterproof diaper cover.

Pros

• Most inexpensive cloth diapering option 
• Fastest drying     
• No need for as many different sizes 
• Versatile - can be used for other functions such as inserts/doublers, burp clothes, rags, etc.

Cons

• Requires a diaper cover or diaper wrap
• Requires some folding (may require some practice)

What is a Fitted Diaper?  

Tailor fitted diaper with Velcro or snap closures so cloth diaper fits closely to baby.  Requires no folding and uses a waterproof diaper cover. 

Pros

• Still Convenient yet less expensive than All In One diaper
• Easy to use 
• Very absorbent - great when used as a nighttime cloth diaper

Cons

• Can require a diaper cover / diaper wrap
• May take longer to dry then a Chinese prefold diaper but dries faster than an All In One diaper (AIO)

What is an All-In-One (AIO) Diaper?

All in one diapers have an inner absorbent layer attached to an outer waterproof layer with adjustable closures (either Velcro® or snaps).  All-in-one diapers are just like disposable diapers except you wash them!

Pros

• Most convenient
• Easiest to use
• Most like disposables diapers (trimmest fit on baby's butt)

Cons

• One of the most expensive options
• Usually takes the longest to dry (drying time varies greatly between brands)

If you like the sound of an AIO but worry about the longer drying and cleaning times, you may want to try an AI2. These diapers are All in Ones that allow for the removal of the inner soaker material, the part that absorbs. This makes cleaning and drying much faster. When the two separate parts are paired, they form one diaper.

Advantages of AI2 Cloth Diapers:

• No separate cover required
  
• Great for transitioning from disposables to cloth - easy to use
  
• Available in lots of cute colors and prints
  
• You can always get a new soaker or doubler if the original needs to be replaced
  

Disadvantages of AI2 Cloth Diapers:

• Keeping soakers or doublers together with the rest of the diaper
  
• Usually more expensive than other cloth diapering methods

What is a Pocket Diaper?

A diaper cover that has an opening for a folded Chinese prefold diaper or specially designed insert to be placed into the opening.  This is a two part cloth diapering system.  

Pros

• Fast drying    
• Gives a very trim fit  
• Most like an all-in-one diaper making it convenient

Cons

• Pocket diaper cover needs to be washed after every use 
• Requires simple folding of Chinese prefold diaper before inserting into pocket diaper cover unless you use a specially designed insert
• Need to "stuff" each pocket diaper cover with Chinese prefold diaper or specially designed insert

What is a diaper cover?

A diaper cover provides the waterproof layer needed to keep your child's clothing dry when using cloth diapers. A Diaper cover should be used with fitted diapers, or foldable diapers like Chinese prefolds.

A pull-on style diaper cover may be used when the cloth diaper underneath also has a closure. If you purchase prefolds, you will need to also purchase a Snappi or pins to make a pull-on style diaper cover effective. A diaper cover that closes with hook & loop style fasteners (like Cheeky Diapers) will eliminate the need for pins/fasteners when using foldable diapers.

How many covers do I need?
I recommend purchasing 6-8 diaper covers for a newborn, 4-6 diaper covers for an older baby and 2-3 diaper covers for a toddler.