Types of Diapers

What type of cloth diapers should I use?
This is a personal choice depending on the preferences of each family. The main factors to consider are Price (and resale value), trimness, and Ease of Use. Company business practices may also be important to some customers and I try to indicate that on the pages dedicated to each company. In an effort to keep things simple, I have limited my store to the types and brands which I have found to be most popular. You may choose one type or mix and match, which can be fun, (strangely enough).

Prefolds and a cover (and a snappi?): Prefolds and a cover are the most economical option, and they are easier than one may think. They are “prefolded” so that the middle of the diaper has the most layers of absorbency. Either fold the rectangular diaper into thirds and put it in the cover which holds it in place or use a Snappi plastic fastener to give the diaper a closer fit before using the cover. No diaper pins are needed. The cover can be reused as many as six times before washing.

Fitteds or Contours and a cover: These diapers are a little more expensive but fit around the baby and contain messes better. Contours are trimmer than prefolds and hold messes. Fitteds have stitched elastic around the legs and waist and snaps or Velcro closures. Both are not waterproof so they also require a cover. The advantage of fitteds over prefolds is they hold messes in from the cover a bit better, and they are easier to change, especially for sitters and grandparents.

Pockets: These diapers have a cover with a pocket sewn in. The pocket is stuffed with a insert, doubler, or even prefold. The pocket holds the insert in place and the fleece wicks away wetness. Stuff the pocket right away after drying and the are essentially the same as all-in-ones and very easy to use.

All in Ones: These diapers are a cover with a soaker sewn in. They are as easy to use as a disposable diaper but are as expensive as a pocket diaper and can take a long time to dry. Some have soakers attached as flaps or even snap in soakers to allow them to dry more quickly. Some AIO’s also have a pocket for additional inserts to add absorbency. These are a good choice to have on hand for day care providers and babysitters.

For Nighttime: Older children often need additional wool or fleece covers to prevent leaking at night.

Note on One Sized diapers: These are often bulkier due to extra fabric needed for the diaper to accommodate all sizes. They use various methods to achieve different sizes. Bum Genius and Tiny Tush use snaps in the front, Fuzzibunz uses buttons on the leg elastic, and Softbums uses a toggle on the leg elastic. Sized diapers can be more trim.

Prefolds Snappi diaper holders

fabfittedlavender

Thirsties fab fitteds Thirsties Diaper covers

Pocket Diaper

wool

ImseVimse Wool Wrap Cover- great to have one for nighttime

softbums

Soft Bums: Are an All-in-Two, they have a innovative toggle system to make them one sized and have interchangeable soakers which snap in the shell. Maybe it's time you signed up for a class. Really it can make your head spin, all the options!
Click here to download a pricelist.