Cloth Diapering 101 : the Different Types

If you're just starting to cloth diaper or trying to decide if you want to cloth diaper, you can feel very overwhelmed by all the different types. Each type is different in its own ways and will work differently on your baby. Please remember that all babies are different. Just because you know someone that loves pockets doesn't mean that you necessarily will or that they will even work for your little dude/little gal. If you're first starting off I recommend buying different types and different brands until you find what you like. Then start stocking up on what you like.

Now let's go over some of the many and confusing types of diapers.

Flat Diapers :

Flat diapers are the "old school" diaper. They are just a rectangle piece of fabric that you can fold to a specific size or style. With the modernization of diapers I don't find very many people that use these diapers. Actually, to be honest I don't know anyone that uses these diapers! They however are super easy to make. All you need to do is cut some absorbent fabric (flannel, layers of cotton, bamboo, etc.) into rectangles. In order to secure onto baby you will need either pins or a snappi, and a cover to make it waterproof.

Pre-Folds & Covers : 

Pre-folds are a lot like flat diapers but they have a thicker center for more absorbency. These are the most financially friendly of the modern diapers. They usually come in two different sizes, newborn and infant. Just like with flat diapers these are folded to your desired style of fold. They also require a pin or snappi to secure, and a cover to make it waterproof. Some folds can be secured with just a cover. Check this site out for some great folds : Karen's Cloth Diapering Site.

Fitted :

The next step would be a fitted which is where you start seeing snaps, Velcro, elastic, and one-size (OS). Fitted diapers have elastic in the back and around the legs to control leaks, along with convenient snaps or velcro for easy securing. Although they have a lot of the modern amenities they still need a cover. Fitted diapers is also where you start seeing One Size (OS). But most fitteds are sized. Because you need different sizes it can become quite costly. I personally have never used a fitted diaper but I hear they are amazing at controlling leaks. I know a lot of people that use them for night time diapers.

Pockets :

Pocket diapers are where we introduce inserts. Inserts come in many different fabrics (microfiber, bamboo, hemp), These inserts are "stuffed" into the pocket of the diaper to create absorbency. Add extra inserts to create your own level of absorbency. This is extreme convenient if you have a heavy wetter or night time wetter! A lot of people (including me) HATE stuffing diapers though. It's very time consuming. Pockets also come with snaps or velcro and are the first diapers that DO NOT need a cover. PUL is usually used to waterproof pocket diapers. It can be used as the outside of the diaper or hidden. The inside is lined with a soft, absorbent fabric. Very gentle on babies bum. 

All-In-Ones (AIO) :

AIOs are exactly what the name implies. It's the closest to a disposable diaper. Only difference is that you're using snaps or Velcro and reusing it. There are no inserts or need for a cover. Everything is attached in one piece. These are my personal favorite style of diaper. Some people aren't fond of AIOs because they take a while to dry. Which some do. The ones with an insert sewn between the front and back pieces of the cover do take the most amount of time to dry. BUT... you can get my favorite diaper in the world which is the BumGenius Freetime (pictured above). Its inserts fold out making drying time shorter. I recommend everyone have at least one Freetime in their stash. ;)

All-In-Twos (AI2) :

Please ignore the bleach stains. Lesson learned : Don't use bleach with velour.

The only difference between an AIO and an AI2 is that the insert snaps out. This allows for thorough cleaning and fast drying.

Phewh! And there you have it. Some of the different types of diapers ( yes there's still more!). I hope I made them easy to understand. I know I was really confused with all the different types when I started. If you have any questions feel free to comment below or e-mail me!

What would you like my next post to be about?

-Kristin