Cloth Diapers Part 2: Types of Cloth Diapers

 

Now that you have decided to venture into the world of cloth diapering, where do you start? Getting started with cloth diapers can be VERY overwhelming. There are so many different brands, types, colors, patterns and parts.  If you don't know what you're doing, it can be just too much!

Here are is a guide of the different types of cloth diapers out there and examples of each:

 

1. ALL-IN-ONE- All in one-cloth diapers are a one piece diaper and are the cloth equivalent of disposables. Also called AIO for abbreviation purposes.

• They are exactly what they sound like: all-in-one. The diaper has no parts or inserts to stuff. Everything is sewn together in one.
• The outer layer is waterproof (no cover needed) while the inner layers are for maximum absorbancy and usually have a layer of fleece or other soft, absorbent material that goes up against baby's bottom to wick away moisture.
• They are single use, which means you use them once and wash the entire diaper after each use.
• Usually fasten together with snaps or Velcro and have elastic around the legs and waist for a better fit. 
• The recommendation is to have 15-18 of these diapers and do laundry every 2-3 days

Here are some examples of All-In-One cloth diapers:

1. BumGenius Elemental 
2. OsoCozy All-In-One 
3. GroVia AIO System

GroVia also has information on All-In-One diapers on their website HERE, including how they work, options and costs. 

 

2. ALL-IN-ONE POCKET- Pocket diapers are the same as all-in-one diapers, but has a pocket where absorbent inserts can be removed or added. 

• These are also single-use diapers and need to be washed after each use.
• Because of the pocket, you can add extra inserts if needed for a heavy wetter or extra night time protection. 
• The outer layer is also waterproof just like the AIO and also has an inside layer that is designed to wick away moisture.
• The insert is placed inside the pocket of the diaper between the fleece inside layer (that goes against baby's bottom) and the waterproof, outside layer.
• Just like the AIO, these usually fasten together with snaps or Velcro and have elastic around the legs and waist for better fit.
• The recommendation is to have 15-18 of these diapers and do laundry every 2-3 days
   

Here are some examples of pocket diapers:

1. FuzziBunz *
2. BumGenius
3. Bumkins Stuff-It 
4. SunBaby Diapers

 

 

3. Pre-Folds- These are probably what you think of when you think of cloth; a simple, flat, absorbent  cloth that your mother and grandmother probably used. Oldie but a goodie!

• To be used with pins (like the good ol' days) snappi's (safer pin replacement) or with a diaper cover.
• They are multilayer and are thicker in the middle and thinner on the outside. 
• Their thickness will be indicated by a number looking similar to 4x8x4 which indicates the number of layers on the outside (the 4's) and then thickness of the middle (the 8) The more layers the more absorbent it will be.
• Can be folded many different ways to fit baby's needs
• Comes in numerous sizes for babies newborn to toddler
• Comes in bleached, unbleached, and certified organic material (often cotton)
• The recommendation is to have between one and two dozen pre-folds

Here are some links to different prefolds

1. Green Mountain Cloth-eez Prefolds*
2. Cotton Babies Chinese Prefolds*
3. Diaper Rite Pre-folds

 HERE are step by step instructions on the different ways to use pre-fold diapers from Green Mountain Diapers.

 

4. Covers- Diaper covers go over a pre-fold diaper or inserts to prevent leaks

• Waterproof and can be reused after diaper changes until it is soiled
• Fastens together with either Velcro or snaps
• Comes in numerous colors and patterns (for maximum cuteness!)
• Cheaper, more cost efficient alternative to AIO diaper systems
• Can be washed with diapers and dried in dryer on low heat.

There are TONS of different varieties of diaper covers. Here are some of the most popular ones (and the ones I like):

1. Flips*
2. Bumkins*
3. Bummis*
4. Thirsties
5. Proraps 

 

 

5. Hybrids- Diapers that have a unique system that is a mix between a pocket diaper and a cover.

• Contain an outer cover that is soft, washable and fastens together with Velcro
• Attached to the inside of the cover by snaps is a plastic inner liner
• Inside the plastic liner is where the inserts, pre-folds or biodegradable inserts go
• The soft cover and plastic liner can be reused until soiled
• All parts of the diaper can be washed together, but the plastic liner should not be dried

gDiapers* is unique hybrid diaper that is the most common. You can find out more information on gDiapers and how they work on their website HERE.


*indicates a diaper I have used on my babies and recommend.

Here is a comparison chart of all the different types of diapers, cost, ease of use and more!
Cloth Diaper Comparison Chart 

From personal experience, I suggest picking a type of diaper that sounds appealing to you, buy one and try it out. If you don't like it, try a different brand of that type. If it still doesn't work out, move on to a different type of diaper.

I know there is A LOT of information here, but I want to lay out all the options and the facts about each. I hope this helps you on your cloth diapering journey! PLEASE feel free to email me or leave a comment if you have any questions or comments! I love to hear from you! As always, God bless you and your family!

This is the second post in my Cloth Diapering series. Here are the other cloth diapering posts in the series:

• Cloth Diapers Part 1: Why Cloth?
• Cloth Diapers Part 3: Washing Procedures and Detergents
• Cloth Diapers Part 4: Cloth Diaper Accessories
• Cloth Diapers Part 5: Stripping Cloth Diapers

Katie <><
Trained Labor Doula
Cloth Diaper Educator
grace.faith.dirt@gmail.com