Types of Cloth Diapers Available

There are many different types of cloth diapers available, and there's bound to be a style to fit your needs.  I'm going to run down the different types and give brief descriptions.

Prefolds & Flats-  These are the diapers that most people think about when you say "cloth diapers".  They require some kind of fastener, whether you choose pins (old style) or snappis (the new way).  Snappis are little rubbery "T" shaped doodads that grip the diaper in three places.  No more stabbing your baby with pins!  Prefolds and Flats also require a waterproof diaper cover, because they are not waterproof themselves.  This is the most economical route to cloth diapering, and many people still use this method today.  Prefolds and Flats can also be used as inserts in the pocket diapers, which I will describe in a minute.  A word to the wise...Do not go out and buy the cheap Gerber versions of these diapers!  They will not be nearly as absorbent as you will want.  Unbleached Indian or Chinese Cotton, or hemp versions are the way to go.

Fitted diapers-  Fitted diapers are similar to prefolds & flats in that they are not waterproof on their own.  You will also need a diaper cover for these.  However, they are "fitted" because you snap or Velcro them around your baby.  These are another more economical route to cloth diapering, and fitted diapers come in many cute patterns and colors!

Contour Diapers- These also need a diaper cover to waterproof them!  They are a mix between prefolds/flats, and fitted diapers.  They are shaped to fit your baby like fitted diapers, but require pins or a snappi to secure them.

Diaper Covers-  These waterproof covers come in many different colors and patterns, and are required over prefolds, flats, fitted, and contour diapers.  Diaper covers can be made from PUL, fleece, or wool.

Pocket Diapers-  These are my diaper of choice based on my lifestyle and ease of use for the babysitter, and they make up 85% of my diaper stash.  These are shaped like a diaper should be shaped, have elastic around the legs and waist, and have tabs that come around to snap or Velcro.  They are called pockets, because they have a pocket in them to stuff an insert to absorb urine.  They have a built in waterproof outer layer, so no cover is required for these.  The nice thing about pocket diapers is that you can adjust the amount of absorbency that you need by adding or removing inserts.  During the day, typically only one insert is needed; however, during the night most babies will need two or three.  Other styles of diapers don't allow such an easy change in absorbency!  *Edit* I currently stuff my pocket diapers with cotton and hemp flats.  Flats wash up cleaner than other inserts in hard waters.

All In Ones-  These diapers are also very easy, and are babysitter & dad approved!  They are shaped, have the elastic where it needs to be, have pull around snap or Velcro tabs, and have the absorbent layers and waterproof outer lining all in one.  No stuffing, no extra parts, just as easy as a disposables!  There are three downsides to all-in-ones: they have a longer drying time, they are the most expensive type of cloth diaper, and its a little harder to change the absorbency to fit your needs.

One-size versus sized diapers-
 Some parents choose to get one-size diapers for their babies.  These diapers snap down in the front to adjust to growing babies.  They usually fit from about 8 lbs up through potty training, but brands do differ.  One size diapers occasionally don't fit right on some babies, and they can be bulky at the smaller settings. However, they are nice because you will only have to buy one set of diapers to last through all of the stages!  If these work for your child, I recommend getting them! They will save you money!

Some parents choose sized diapers because they can get a much better fit on their child.  They aren't as bulky as one-size diapers either.  However, if money is an issue, these will be more expensive in the long run, because you will have to start with smalls, and then buy a whole new set of mediums, and then larges as your baby grows.

Velcro versus Snaps-  This comes down to personal preference.  Velcro is faster and easier to use and gives a more adjustable fit around the waist, but can wear out faster than snaps.  Also, Velcro can catch on your other diapers in the wash and snag them.  Snaps are a little more time consuming to put on, and they aren't quite as adjustable as Velcro.  However, they are more durable and cause no damage to other diapers while washing them.  I like snaps better than Velcro for the durability, but the extra time to put on the diapers doesn't bother me at all.  If you are on the go or need a more adjustable fit, I recommend Velcro.

If you have any questions about types of diapers, please let me know!  I recommend trying several different types of diapers to discover what will work best for you and your baby! In my next post, I believe I am going to talk about different fabric options available.  Some are more absorbent than others, so stay tuned!