This is excerpted from Leah’s (fabulous) post about the different types of cloth diapers that are available out there right now. This is such great information, that it needs to be required reading for every new cloth diapering mama!
Cloth diapers have a lot more variety. I’ll start with the diapers that are most like disposables, and move to the old school stuff (like your grandma used) I’ll try to give a few pros and cons for each type as well.
These look and work much like disposables. There is an inner layer of absorbent material, sewn into a waterproof outer. The inner layer can be cotton, hemp, bamboo or microfiber. Some All in ones are lined with fleece or suedecloth to wick moisture away from the baby’s bottom. The outer layer is usually made with PUL, a durable, flexible and waterproof coating. There are snaps or velcro that hold the diaper on.
Pros: Easy to use, even for the most dedicated disposable diaper user.
Cons: Typically the most expensive type of diaper. Can be difficult to wash and dry, because the outer shell prevents water from moving through the diaper.
Example:
All in twos are a lot like all in ones. The only difference is that instead of being sewn together, the absorbent layer snaps out of the outer shell. So if a diaper is only wet, you can snap a new insert into the outer. When the outer shell is soiled, you wash it.
Pros: Easy to use. Washing is easier than all in ones
Cons: Expensive. You will need quite a few shells.
Examples: Baby Soft Wraps
Pocket diapers are one of my favorites. The diaper itself has two layers. The outer layer is waterproof and the inner layer is fleece or suedecloth, which allows liquid to pass through to the middle. There is an opening, typically at the back that allow you to put an absorbent insert into the diaper, between the two layers. The inner layer protects the baby’s skin from wetness. When the diaper is soiled you remove the insert and wash both pieces. Inserts can be natural materials like cotton and hemp, or synthetics like microfiber.
Pros: Easy to use, wash and dry fairly easily.
Cons: Can be expensive. Stuffing inserts into diapers is time consuming.
Fitted Diapers
Fitted diapers still look a lot like a disposable. They are shaped like an hourglass, with elastic gathers around the legs and waist, and velcro or snaps to hold the diaper on. There is an unbelievable variety of materials and styles of fitted diapers. Fitted diapers don’t have a waterproof layer, so you’ll need to use a separate waterproof cover (more on that later)
Pros: Generally less expensive that AIOs or Pockets.
Cons Need a cover, can take a long time to dry
Prefolds are rectangular flat diapers. They are technically a big long piece of fabric that is folded and stitched in the manufacturing process so that they have a middle section that has more layers and absorbancy than the outer sections. Prefolds are described by their size and the number of layers. Typically infant prefolds are 11X14 inches and have 4 layers of material on the outer edges and 8 in the middle. Prefolds need to be fastened on, with a snappi, pins or a snug fitting cover. Prefolds need a cover.
Pros: Inexpensive. Easy to wash and dry
Cons: Need a cover. Can be intimidating at first.
Flats
Flats are probably what your grandmother used. They are, as the name implies *flat* Most flats are a 27×27 inch single layered square of material. The flat is folded origami style to create a diaper that fits your baby. Flats need to be fastened with a snappi or pins. They also need a cover.
Pros: Inexpensive and versatile. Extremely easy to wash and dry, even without a washing machine or dryer.
Cons: Need a cover. Need to be folded before use.
Covers
Covers are the outer waterproof thing that you need over fitted diapers, prefolds and flats. Covers can close with snaps or velcro. Some even simply pull on. There are covers that fit very snugly and can hold a prefold or flat without a snappi or pins. Covers come in a variety of materials like nylon, PUL, fleece and even wool.