There is so much different information about cloth diapering, it can be very overwhelming trying to decide which kind to use. I am going to try to simplify it for you! Here, you will find information about the various types of cloth diapers and accessories and I will also teach you how to maintain them (including how to prep new diapers). Enjoy!
*Flats*
These one-layer diapers are usually made of 100% cotton. Flats are what most people think of when they think of cloth diapers. They are what most of our grandmothers used and can be a great way to get your feet wet when you're not sure if cloth is for you. They are not waterproof and require a cover. They can be folded simply or closed with pins or a Snappi.
Advantages:
1.) They are cheap! A dozen flats will cost you less than $20, and can be a one size fits all option. Which means, you could ultimately use them from birth to potty training (for super cheap).
2.) They launder very easily. They aren't fickle about detergents (for the most part) like some of the more expensive options can be. They dry in 20 minutes in the dryer! Line drying will take a bit longer.
3.) They can be just as trim as disposables.
4.) After diapering days are done, they can be re-purposed as cleaning rags or un-paper towels.
Disadvantages:
1.) There can be a learning curve with flats. While there is the very simple pad fold, there are a ton of other folds as well. Some people may find this a bit intimidating.
2.) Runny messes can be harder to contain since there is no elastic around the diaper at all (but this problem is solved with a good cover).
5.) A waterproof cover is required to make them functional.
*Prefolds*
Pre-folds are rectangular shaped diapers that must be folded into the shape of a diaper. They are similar to flats, but have multiple layers with more layering in the middle. They often have 2-4 layers of absorbent material on either side and 6-8 layers in the middle. These are what most people think of as burp cloths. They are a great way to start out in cloth. They can be simply tri-folded into a waterproof cover, or can be closed with pins or a Snappi.
Advantages:
1.) They are cheap! A dozen prefolds will run you about $20 and are sized depending on the baby's weight. So while you would need multiple sizes, they do have great resell value when taken care of properly.
2.) They are very absorbent.
3.) They launder very easily. Like flats, they aren't very picky about washing and drying.
Disadvantages:
1.) There can be a learning curve with prefolds. While they can be tri-folded, there are a myriad of other folds and this can seem overwhelming at first.
2.) Runny messes can be harder to contain since there is no elastic around the diaper at all (but this problem is solved with a good cover).
2.) They launder very easily. They aren't fickle about detergents (for the most part) like some of the more expensive options can be. They dry in 20 minutes in the dryer! Line drying will take a bit longer.
3.) They can be just as trim as disposables.
4.) After diapering days are done, they can be re-purposed as cleaning rags or un-paper towels.
Disadvantages:
1.) There can be a learning curve with flats. While there is the very simple pad fold, there are a ton of other folds as well. Some people may find this a bit intimidating.
2.) Runny messes can be harder to contain since there is no elastic around the diaper at all (but this problem is solved with a good cover).
3.) Can be tricky to apply on squirmy babies.
4.) Less convenient than more expensive options, like pockets or all-in-ones.
*Prefolds*
Advantages:
1.) They are cheap! A dozen prefolds will run you about $20 and are sized depending on the baby's weight. So while you would need multiple sizes, they do have great resell value when taken care of properly.
2.) They are very absorbent.
3.) They launder very easily. Like flats, they aren't very picky about washing and drying.
Disadvantages:
1.) There can be a learning curve with prefolds. While they can be tri-folded, there are a myriad of other folds and this can seem overwhelming at first.
2.) Runny messes can be harder to contain since there is no elastic around the diaper at all (but this problem is solved with a good cover).
3.) Can be tricky to apply on squirmy babies.
4.) Less convenient than more expensive options, like pockets or all-in-ones.
5.) A waterproof cover is required to make them functional.
5.) A waterproof cover is required to make them functional.
*Fitteds*
Fitteds are the next step up from prefolds. They closely resemble disposable diapers and have elastic around the legs and back of the diaper. They are NOT waterproof and do require a cover. They can close with snaps, velcro, ties, or nothing.
Advantages:
1.) They are practically bulletproof! They really contain those "poo-splosions" awesomely when paired with a good cover.
2.) They are super absorbent. They are wonderful for nighttime use and heavy wetters.
3.) They come in a variety of fabrics (and adorable prints!). Organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, the list is almost never ending.
Disadvantages:
1.) Depending on the material used to manufacture the diaper, after a while, you can develop issues with ammonia stink, which can lead to rashes and leaking.
2.) Less convenient than more expensive options, like pockets or all-in-ones.
*Covers*
Their entire function is to keep what's in the diaper, IN! They can be made of wool, fleece, PUL, or TPU. They are to be used over diapers that don't already have a waterproof layer, like flats, prefolds, and fitteds.
They can close using snaps or velcro. They usually have elastic around the back and legs of the diaper to contain runny messes.
*Pocket Diapers*
Probably the most versatile of all cloth diapers, pockets can be very convenient and easy. They have a waterproof outer and stay-dry inner layer that wicks moisture away from baby's skin. They have a pocket that must be stuffed with an absorbent layer. They can be sized or one size and can close using snaps, velcro, and hooks.
These are the closest to disposables that you can get. They literally are all one piece! They have a waterproof outer and the soaker (the absorbent part) is attached to the diaper. They can come in sized and one size and can use snaps or velcro to close.
These are the "up and comers". They are a more recent development in the diapering community. They consist of a waterproof outer with an insert than can be replaced while the cover can be reused if not soiled.
For synthetic fibers, just a wash on hot and dry the inserts in the dryer and line/rack dry the shells.
Finding a wash routine that works can be like experimenting in a science lab! Depending on the type of water you have (city or well, hard or soft), you may have issues with detergents.
If your baby is EXCLUSIVELY breastfed, then there are no special steps you need to take before washing. Just toss them in the washer and go.
If not, a diaper sprayer or some method of poo removal must be used to remove all the solid bits before washing. Then you can store diapers in a diaper pail until wash day.
A good place to start (after solids have been removed):
1.) COLD prewash with NO detergent (usually just a short wash)
2.) HOT wash with 1-2 Tbs. of cloth diaper safe detergent.
3.) COLD final rinse.
Anything that does not have a waterproof layer can be dried in the dryer (unless otherwise stated).
Shells and covers need to be line/rack dried.
Advantages:
1.) They are practically bulletproof! They really contain those "poo-splosions" awesomely when paired with a good cover.
2.) They are super absorbent. They are wonderful for nighttime use and heavy wetters.
3.) They come in a variety of fabrics (and adorable prints!). Organic cotton, bamboo, hemp, the list is almost never ending.
Disadvantages:
1.) Depending on the material used to manufacture the diaper, after a while, you can develop issues with ammonia stink, which can lead to rashes and leaking.
2.) Less convenient than more expensive options, like pockets or all-in-ones.
3.) A waterproof cover is required to make them functional.
4.) Can take a while to dry in the dryer.
*Covers*
They can close using snaps or velcro. They usually have elastic around the back and legs of the diaper to contain runny messes.
*Pocket Diapers*
Advantages:
1.) They wash pretty easily since they come apart, but must be washed with an enzyme, dye, and additive free detergent (such as Rockin' Green or Crunchy Clean).
2.) Can be as absorbent as is necessary. The amount of stuffing is preference based.
3.) They come in all sorts of outer/inner fabrics, stuffers, colors, and prints.
4.) Even parents who rely heavily on cheaper options, like flats and prefolds, find they like pockets for outings, sitters, and cloth-reluctant spouses...
5.) They really retain their resell value when taken care of properly.
Disadvantages:
1.) Are more expensive than flats and prefolds.
2.) Can be bulky when a lot of stuffing is used.
3.) Some children can have a sensitivity to microfleece and suede cloth (a common fabric used in pocket diapers).
*All-in-Ones*
Advantages:
1.) This really is as easy as it gets! No folding, no stuffing, no keeping track of inserts. They go on and off just like disposables (except you don't throw them away)!
2.) No separate cover is required.
3.) Even parents who rely heavily on cheaper options, like flats and prefolds, find they like pockets for outings, sitters, and cloth-reluctant spouses...
4.) They come in all sorts of outer/inner fabrics, stuffers, colors, and prints
Disadvantages:
1.) They are usually the most expensive cloth diapering option.
2.) They can be harder to clean effectively since they are all one piece.
3.) They can have significantly longer drying times than other options.
*Hybrids/All-in-Twos*
They come in reusable and disposable insert options.
Advantages:
They really are the best of both worlds. You have a cute waterproof outer with options when it comes to inserts. You can choose a reusable insert at home and a disposable for travel and outings.
Disadvantages:
If disposable option is chosen, the costs can add up.
It can take a while to figure out what kind of system works for you. It is pretty safe advice not to put all your diapering eggs in to one basket. Experiment, find out what brands/types work for you. I have been at this for a year and just recently found a system that truly works for us.
What works for us:
For daytime at home, I use flats and covers.
For outings and Daddy, we use pockets and all-in-ones.
For naps and bedtimes, we use prefolds or fitteds and covers.
CLOTH DIAPER PREP AND CARE
New diapers must be prepped before use. For diapers containing natural fibers like cotton or hemp (like flats and prefolds), they must be washed at least five times on HOT before full absorbency can be achieved. For synthetic fibers (like ones used in most pocket diapers), They must only be washed once before use.
My prep routine for natural fibers: Wash, Wash, Dry. Wash, Wash, Dry. Wash, Dry.New diapers must be prepped before use. For diapers containing natural fibers like cotton or hemp (like flats and prefolds), they must be washed at least five times on HOT before full absorbency can be achieved. For synthetic fibers (like ones used in most pocket diapers), They must only be washed once before use.
For synthetic fibers, just a wash on hot and dry the inserts in the dryer and line/rack dry the shells.
Finding a wash routine that works can be like experimenting in a science lab! Depending on the type of water you have (city or well, hard or soft), you may have issues with detergents.
If your baby is EXCLUSIVELY breastfed, then there are no special steps you need to take before washing. Just toss them in the washer and go.
If not, a diaper sprayer or some method of poo removal must be used to remove all the solid bits before washing. Then you can store diapers in a diaper pail until wash day.
A good place to start (after solids have been removed):
1.) COLD prewash with NO detergent (usually just a short wash)
2.) HOT wash with 1-2 Tbs. of cloth diaper safe detergent.
3.) COLD final rinse.
Anything that does not have a waterproof layer can be dried in the dryer (unless otherwise stated).
Shells and covers need to be line/rack dried.
