All About Cloth Diaper Types
Diapers have come a long way in the last 20 years. They are not the diapers our parents and grandparents used. They come in adorable prints, are easy to care for, can actually reduce diaper rashes, and are not unsanitary in anyway when cared for properly. Safety pins are a thing of the past. Now there are snaps, velcro, and a cool little device called the Snappi.
The links below jump to the corresponding part of the page :)
Closure
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Sizing
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Diaper Comparison
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Diaper Types
There's a lot of information here so I've broken it up into different sections. If you have any questions send me an email through the contact form! I personally use PUL covers and cover style AI2s on my youngest, typically with an just inserts during the day and a fitted at night. I use pocket diapers with my toddler. In case you need help keeping track of any lingo I use check out my Cloth Diaper Word Index.
Closure Styles
Velco is easier and faster to use. It is most like a disposable, but can wear out over time. The tabs also need to be closed before washing or they'll stick to everything.
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Snaps can be tricky to get the right fit but are more durable and harder for kids to take off when they reach the phase where they don't want to where clothes.
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Sizing
Cloth Diapers come in 3 sizing options: Newborn (NB), One Size (OS), and Sized. NB diapers usually fit up to 13-15lbs depending on brand. They fit very small babies and have a snap down for the umbilical cord. In AIO diaper, the absorbancy is usually outgrown before the diaper is. OS diapers have what are called "rise snaps" which can be snapped down to make a diaper smaller or unsnapped to make it bigger. The weight range for these is usually 8-35lbs. OS diapers are great because most babies fit in them within a couple weeks, many from birth. With the rise snaps, these diapers can be adjusted to fit toddlers. There is no need to buy more diapers as your child grows. Just another way to save money. Sized diapers are XS-XL. One brand known for making them is Charlie Banana. They don't have rise snaps, though some do have adjustable leg elastics. These diapers fit for shorter periods of time, but the fit may be better.
All In OneAIO diapers are the cloth diaper equivalent to disposable diapers. The tend to be the biggest hit with grandparents, daycares, and people who either don't have a lot of time or don't want to mess with any extra steps. You don't have to do anything to them before putting them on. Lay baby on the diaper like you would a disposable and then snap or velcro it closed.
The inserts are sewn in and the diaper is one piece. Usually they are styled like a pocket with the only difference being that the insert is not removeable. Some still have pockets so you can increase absorbency as needed.
They tend to have longer drying times because of that but Bumgenius has taken steps to eliminate that in their Freetime diaper as seen below. The Freetime has an insert that folds when put on and unfolds in the wash to make for more thorough cleaning and faster drying. AIO diapers are typically the most expensive, but you're paying for convenience.
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All In TwoAI2 diapers are the middle of the road between AIO and pockets/covers. They take the disadvantages of AIO, like longer drying times, more difficult to clean, and more expensive, and fix them by adding an extra step.
Instead of the sewn in insert you find in an AIO, the inserts snap in and out. Since the diapers are not a solid piece they can be separated before washing. Less layers and more agitation mean better cleaning and faster drying.
They are also priced closer to pockets/covers while still being very easy to use |
Pockets
Pocket diapers are made of an outer layer of PUL (Polyurethane Laminate). PUL is a very water resistant material that keeps moisture inside the diaper and prevents leaks. Then there is an inner layer of stay dry material such as microfleece or microsuede used to wick moisture from baby's skin to the insert. Between these two layers is a "pocket" that inserts get stuffed into.
As long as you're not using microfiber (which can never go directly against baby's skin because it can dry it out), the insert can just lay flat inside the diaper. You lose out on the stay dry layer, but make up for it in saved time. |
Pocket diapers have the most print options and though depending on brand they can be more expensive than pockets, there are more designated budget options for this type. Ecoclothdiaper.com is a great example of this. A majority of my stash is from there. They also do a lot of wholesale pricing so finding a co-op running these is pretty easy. I am pretty sure I bought mine for $2.90 a piece.
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Covers
Covers are the most versatile option on the market and *can* be the most affordable. They can be used with inserts, prefolds, flats, fitteds, and hybrid fitteds. They can be as easy as laying an insert inside or as complicated as folding flats. Though usually made of PUL (polyeurethane laminate), they can be made of other materials like wool and fleece as well.
Photo Credit: The Cloth Diaper Report
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PUL covers are the most similar to the "rubber pants" used in previous generations. PUL is a water-resistant, plastic-esque material that helps keep moisture from leaking out. It is what a vast majority of diaper covers on the market are made of. With this style of cover you can just wipe it out between changes, let it air dry, and use it again. As long as it isn't pooped on and doesn't smell, it can be used multiple times without washing. |
Being able to use them over again before washing saves money since you need fewer in rotation. The same 2-3 covers can be used all day meaning you really only need 5-10 in your stash compared to 24+ for other styles of diapers. Since you're only replacing absorbency at changes, they cut back on laundry. Smaller stashes go further which can be a game changer with breastfed newborns who need changed very frequently. Not only do these covers create less laundry than their AIO, AI2, and pocket counterparts, but less washing / drying means less wear over time.
My favorite covers are by Busy Bees Baby Boutique. They're a handmade WAHM. They have an extra layer of PUL to make them super leak resistant. The quality is amazing, I love the fit, the prints are adorable, and they're priced the same as commercially available diapers.
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This was one of my first attempts folding a flat. This particular flat is a Flour Sack Towel (FST) and is held together by a Snappi. They can be bought at Walmart and Target. They're cheap, very absorbant, and trim.
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Fleece is a breathable option that works by repelling moisture back to other fabrics. In a cover, it pushes the moisture back to the diaper within. As a stay-dry diaper liner, it pulls moisture away from baby's skin and pushes it into the diaper keeping baby dry. It doesn't absorb anything on it's own. It more or less helps absorbant materials work better. Fleece as a fabric is easy to work with because it doesn't fray. which means you can make no sew diaper covers even if you're not crafty. Walmart sells fleece blankets for $2.88. These can be cut up into covers and then tied. Learn more about fleece diaper covers here.
Photo Credit: Adventures in Fluff
Wool is an interesting fabric claimed by many to be magical. It is what is called a "homeostatic material" as in it adjusts to body temperature keeping the wearer from feeling too warm or too cold. It's anti-microbial and self cleaning, only needing to be washed once or twice a month or when pooped on (note: wool usually needs to be handwashed). It not only absorbs moisture, but it repels it too. It can hold 30% of its dry weight before feeling wet and can repel moisture when lanolized. Oh, and wool used for diaper covers is soft. No worries about scrachiness. Wool is usually used over a fitted diaper and is consider the best option for over nights. Learn more about wool here and here.
Photo Credit: Green Mountain Diapers
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Photo Credit: Katrina's Sew Quick
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Fitteds & Hybrid Fitteds
FittedsPhoto Credit: Mother ease
A fitted is a contoured diaper that is completely absorbent. It can be made of a variety of materials like terry, cotton, bamboo, and hemp. Or a combination of those fabrics. Many have extra soakers that are sewn in like an AIO or snap in like an AI2. There is no waterproof layer so it requires a cover for longer wear. Fitteds are great for heavy wetters. Expect to pay $6-15 a piece.
Photo Credit: Green Mountain Diapers
Some have snaps or velcro closure like any other diaper. Others close with a Snappi as seen in the picture above. Snappis are the new safety pins. They have small prongs that grab the fabric to hold it in place.
Photo Credit: Little Things Collective
Photo Credit: Green Mountain Diapers
One major benefit of fitteds are their breathability. If your little one has a diaper rash but you don't want to do full on nakey time, a fitted is a good option. It will absorb urine while still letting in air. Just remember without a cover the diaper will feel wet so be sure to check it often.
Photo Credit: Green Mountain Diapers |
Hybrid FittedsA hybrid fitted is a WAHM (work at home mom or homemade) exclusive style. Diapers are often custom made and even one of a kind. Expect to pay $20-40+ for one of these.
This style gets its name because it is a cross or "hybrid" between an AI2 and a fitted. It is fully absorbent like a fitted, but it has a water resistant layer like an AIO. The water resistant layer is a heavyweight fleece like windpro.
Hybrids have 2-3 soakers that are sewn together and snap in and out of the diaper. The top layer is often a soft stay dry layer. Paired with a cover they're amazing for overnight, make it a wool cover and they're bulletproof.
The beautiful diapers showcased in this section are all made by a WAHM that is local to me here in NE Ohio. Check out her facebook page Jen's Cloth Diapers and More. In addition to diapers, she makes bibs, maxaloones, baby and toddler outfits, menstrual cloth, sleep gowns, hats, slippers, and so much more.
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