Types of Cloth Diapers

So I'm finding that I have a desire to try out cloth diapering for my baby on the way. While I was interested in it briefly when I had my girls, I find that my new found desire for being frugal has led me to wonder if cloth diapering might be worthwhile now. Having never done this before I'm eager to learn, and wonder where to begin. On the advice of a close friend who is also hoping to try it out, I'm thinking some research is in order. So for now, I'm going to post here all the facts that I find about cloth diapering.

Apparently there are different types of styles for cloth diapering. (The *ed paragraphs are from About.com's info about cloth diapers)
*Prefold Cloth Diapers-This is the type of diaper your grandmother used. The difference is that now prefolds are much more absorbent and you no longer have to fuss with diaper pins or pull on rubber pants. Many people now recognize prefolds as burp cloths. The prefolds that you buy in your big box baby store may not be the most absorbent out there. I recommend families look for a quality Indian prefold or Chinese prefold from a diaper company. They come in sizes, so you’ll want to purchase a selection of each size. You may also want to purchase a Snappi to use instead of pins but prefolds can be trifolded and placed inside a cover. This is the most economical diapering option because it has a bit of a learning curve on how to use them correctly. You will need to purchase a separate waterproof cover to go over your prefolds.
Also known as:
Prefolds
Chinese prefolds
Indian prefolds
*Fitted Cloth Diapers-Fitted cloth diapers are a step up from prefolds in convenience. A fitted diaper is made from cotton, bamboo or another absorbent fabric. Fitteds are not waterproof, however, and require a cover over top of them. Fitteds can have snaps or hook and loop closures. These diapers look more like a disposable diapers and just require the extra step of putting a cover over them. Some fitted diapers have the option of adding additional stuffing. Most fitted diapers come sized but you can also find multi-sized fitteds. Next to prefolds, this is one of the most economical options for cloth diapering.

*Cloth Diaper Covers-The diaper covers that are available today are a long way from your grandmother’s plastic pants. Most are made from an outer fabric and lined with soft PUL (polyurethane laminated fabric) to make it waterproof. You can buy covers that are closed with snaps, hook and loop closures or pull-on covers. Some have leg gussets to help keep in those messy breastfed baby poops. Some covers are sized and some are multi-size, meaning you can continue to use them as your baby grows. There are all kinds of patterns and colors available, making this a very cute diapering option. You also have the option of purchasing or making wool diaper covers. Many are available on www.etsy.com or you can knit your own covers or upcycle a sweater you already own. Keep in mind that wool covers require a bit more maintenance, as they need to be lanolized about once a month.

*Pocket Diapers-Pocket diapers are a convenient way to cloth diaper. In a pocket diaper, the waterproof cover is sewn on the outside of the diaper. There is an inner layer of a soft fabric next to baby’s skin and between those is a pocket where an absorbent pad is placed. This means that you’ll need to fill that space with your choice of absorbent material (called a stuffer or a soaker) before you use the diaper each time. It is also recommended that you remove this before laundering so that the shell and the diaper are not together as one piece in the washer. Many diapers come with a pad that specifically fits in the diaper. You also have the choice of stuffing a pocket diaper with a prefold. One of the benefits of pocket diapers is that you can add stuffers to increase the amount of absorbency for heavy wetters or through the night. Pocket diapers come in different fabrics both on the outside and inside. They have either a hook and loop closure or a snap closure. They also come in different colors, patterns and sizes (including the multi-size style of diaper.) Some pocket diapers have soakers that are partially sewn into the diaper to help with the stuffing and sorting process. Pocket diapers are a bit more of an investment but are great for babysitters and cloth-leery parents. A prestuffed pocket diaper works just like a disposable

*All in One-An all-in-one (AIO) diaper is just what the name says: a diaper with all of the pieces in one. The inner layer, soaker and waterproof outer are all attached to the diaper. This is a one-step process. There is no stuffing, pinning, etc. This is the easiest and most expensive of all of the cloth diapers. Some families who choose other cloth diaper options will choose to keep a few of these on-hand for babysitters and grandparents. All-in-ones come in lots of different styles, colors, patterns, fabrics, sizes, multi-sizes and closure types.

*Hybrid Diapers-Hybrid diapers give families the option of using cloth full-time or part-time. Most consist of a fabric outer that can be filled with either a fabric insert for cloth use or a disposable or flushable insert. This can be a great option for those who are either cloth leery or those who love their cloth diapers but want another option for outings or traveling. Some of the hybrid diapers allow you to snap in the fabric inserts and stick in (with the use of a sticky tab) the disposable inserts. Purchasing disposable inserts can significantly drive up the cost of these cloth diapers. Hybrids are available in different fabrics and styles and come in sized or multisize styles.


So I guess the gist of cloth diapering is the same, but there are in fact quite a few things to look into. From what my friend told me, prefolds are the economical way to go. Looks like that might be true, but more research to follow!