Today, there is a vast selection of cloth diaper choices: type of cloth diaper, fabric colors and patterns, one-size or sized, and whether or not to use organic materials. The most basic decision you need to make is which type of diaper to use. There are a few basic styles to be familiar with:
- Flat Diapers - Flat cloth diapers are the style which our mothers and grandmothers were likely to have worn when they were infants. These are a one-size-fits-all, square-shaped piece of cloth which requires folding to fit your baby and the use of pins or tape to hold the diaper in place. To prevent leakage, a waterproof diaper cover needs to be worn with a flat diaper.
- Prefold Diapers - Prefold cloth diapers, often called prefolds, are rectangular, multi-layer diapers which consist of 3 sections: two outer sections which hug your baby’s inner thighs and a thicker (i.e. more layers) middle section which absorbs your baby’s wetness. Prefold diapers are available in multiple sizes to better fit your baby and is held in place with the use of tape, Velcro or cloth diaper snap fasteners. As with flat diapers, a prefold diaper requires the use of a waterproof diaper cover to prevent leakage.
- Fitted Diapers - Similar in shape to today’s disposable diapers, fitted cloth diapers are designed to contour your baby’s bottom and provide gathered edges along your baby’s legs to help prevent leaking around the legs. Fitted diapers come in multiple sizes to provide an appropriately snug fit to your baby and are typically held in place using Velcro or snaps. When using a fitted diaper, a waterproof diaper cover is necessary.
- All-in-One Diapers (AIOs) - All-in-One cloth diapers (also known as AIOs), build upon fitted diapers by removing the need for a separate diaper cover. The AIO is a one-piece diaper that has a waterproof outer layer sewn onto the absorbent cloth diapering, often made of cotton or fleece. Similar to fitted diapers, the all-in-one diaper is attached using Velcro or snaps. Though AIOs are commonly available in multiple sizes to fit your baby, with advances in diaper adjustment systems one-size diapers are readily available too.
- Pocket Diapers – The latest advancement in diapering is pocket cloth diapers. Similar to AIOs, pocket diapers are comprised of a waterproof outer layer and an inner layer which have been sewn together. However, the pocket diaper is designed such that the two layers form a pocket into which a separate absorbent insert can be placed. Pocket diapers are available in both multiple sizes as well as one-size options.
You can certainly find a cloth diaper to meet your needs, in colors and styles you'll love, all while being environmentally conscious and budget minded. Be sure to complete your cloth diapering system with natural and organic diaper wipes, wet bags for carrying soiled cloth diapers, and diaper accessories that will make diapering easier.
