When choosing cloth diapers it is best to have an understanding of the cloth diapers and diaper accessories available to you.
Flat Diaper -Flat diapers are squares of fabric shaped by basic or complex folding into a useable diaper. Most squares are made of birds-eye or flannel and usually come in standard sizes of 27 or 30 inch squares.
Prefold Diaper -Prefold diapers contain three sections separated by seaming. The middle section is often considerably thicker than the sides offering more absorbency. Standard Diaper Service Quality (DSQ) prefolds usually come in a 2-4-2, 4-6-4, or a 4-8-4 designation which indicates the thickness of each section. They are considered one of the most economical diapering solutions and are offered by most diapering services.
Prefolds are available in a bleached white or unbleached. The unbleached diapers require additional washing to reach full absorbency, but will ultimately be softer than the bleached variety.
To use prefold diapers, you must first fold the diaper any number of ways, fasten it on baby using diaper pins or other fasteners and then use a diaper cover. If you are able to immediately change the diaper when it is wet or soiled, a cover may not be necessary.
Contour Diaper -A contour diaper has a shape which does not require folding, but is not fitted with elastic at the legs or waist. It must be fastened with diaper pins or other fasteners unless using a velcro style diaper wrap and should be used with a waterproof diaper cover. Some contoured diapers have elastic at the legs, and may be called “semi-fitted” diapers.
Fitted Diaper -Fitted diapers do not require folding as they have a contoured shape. They also have gathered or elasticized legs and waists to prevent leaks and blow-outs. These diapers fasten with velcro or snaps, although some still require diaper pins or other fasteners. Fitted diapers are generally used with a diaper cover, although a cover may not be required if you are able to change the diaper promptly when wet or soiled.
Absorbency varies with the material of the fitted diapers, and they are a bit more expensive than prefolds. Fitted diapers range in price, but are simple to use as they do not require folding.
All-In-One Diapers (AIOs) -All-In-One diapers literally contain all necessary components of a diaper including a soaker pad and waterproof cover. Of all the cloth diapers available, AIO diapers are most similar to disposables and are very convenient for fast and easy changes. AIO diapers are one of the most expensive cloth diapers, and may need extra drying time or require a doubler to make up for absorbent layers removed to speed drying times.
Pocket Diaper -Pocket diapers were added to the cloth diaper world in 1998 with the Fuzzi Bunz brand. They consist of two separate parts which must be assembled before use. An outside, waterproof layer protects an inner layer of microfleece or suedecloth. An insert or stuffer is placed inside a special pocket within the two layers for absorbency creating an all-in-one style diaper when completely assembled.
Inserts can be made of many materials including microfiber, terrycloth, hemp or prefold diapers which are great for maximum absorbency. Prefolds are ideal for overnight use. The pieces separate for washing and dry quickly, but must be reassembled before they can be used again.
One Size Diaper -Using a set of snaps to fold over excess material, a one size diaper is made to fit a child from birth through about thirty pounds. The snaps allow material to be folded over when a child is young and let out as baby grows. Fit is optimal at the middle of the size range and can vary at both the top and bottom of the weight range. One size diapers are found in various diaper styles such as fitted and pockets.
Diaper Cover -Cloth diaper covers are used over a prefold, contour, or fitted diaper to protect baby’s clothes from wetness. They are available in a huge assortment of colors, fabrics and sizes. The covers are shaped and fasten with snaps or velcro or may simply pull on. The covers can be made of nylon, PUL, or heavier fabrics such as wool or fleece. The heavier fabrics are ideal for overnight as they allow more air circulation.
Diaper Doubler -Doublers are pads that are used inside a diaper to increase absorbency. They are multi-layered and are placed between baby’s bottom and the diaper to catch additional wetness. They are most often used with heavy wetters or overnight. Doublers may be designed with a wicking fabric such as microfleece to help baby feel dry.
Insert -Inserts are absorbent pieces designed to be inserted into a pocket diaper. The inserts are made from an absorbent material such as hemp or microfiber and generally are created and sold as a multi-layer pad which does not require folding. Inserts can also be used as a diaper doulber for super heavy wetting babies.
Liner -A liner is placed between baby’s bottom and the diaper to form a layer of protection. The liner helps contain the mess of a poopy diaper for easy clean up or it can help keep baby’s skin dry inside the diaper. Liners designed for single use are made of cellulose (often referred to as "rice paper") or something similar and are flushable. Other liners designed for repeated use are made of fabrics such as suedecloth, microfleece, knitted silk, wool, or cotton velour.
Diaper Fastener -Diaper fasteners include traditional or modified diaper pins as well as the newer method of keeping diapers closed – Snappis. Diaper pins for diapers are reinforced and lock to prevent baby from opening them. Snappi fasteners are stretchy plastic pieces with grippers designed to hold woven diaper materials in place such as prefold cotton twill. They are not advised for tighter woven materials such as flannel or hemp as the material is smoother and the teeth have nothing to "grip" in to.
Choosing cloth diapers is much easier when you have an understanding of the cloth diapers and diaper accessories available.
