There are a lot different types of diapers. This is where things can get tricky if you let it. DON'T LET IT!
Flats- These are my personal favorite. They are very easy to use, inexpensive, simple to wash and fast to dry. They are essentially a flat blanket (20x20) that can be folded many different ways to accommodate different needs. You can use more complicated folds for babies who are exclusively breastfed or simpler folds like the pad fold (my go-to) for babies who have more solid poo's. You will need a cover to make this diaper leak-proof.
Prefolds- Prefolds are thicker, shorter and less wide than flat diapers. (Hence the term "Pre Folded") They will come sized so you will need to check weight charts to determine which one you need. Prefolds are more absorbent than flat diapers so if you have a heavy wetter than this may be a better option for you than flats and yet still pretty cost effective.You will need a cover to make this diaper leak-proof.
Inserts- There are a ton of different names for these...inserts, soakers, doublers, etc.They all do the same thing. Absorb liquid. Sometimes they come in a rectangle shape about the length of the diaper, sometimes they come about twice the length of a diaper and you fold or "double" them and sometimes they will be perfectly contour to fit between baby's legs (like the picture). Some will just lay in a diaper cover, some get stuffed into pocket diapers, some snap into diapers and some diapers have a "tunnel" to stuff extra absorbency. The more you use the bulkier your diaper will be so you typically want to find a good combination of most absorbent and still thin. This is where most people choose to go with a hemp blend because they are so thin. Another type I really don't see the need to mention are disposable inserts. I don't recommend them only because the cost doesn't really fall into my "thriftee" lifestyle. They cost about the same as a disposable diaper so I just don't see the point.
Fitteds- Fitted Diapers are shaped like disposable diapers and require no special folding or wrapping. They are available it many different materials and colors and fabrics. They will have different closure options such as hook and loop or snaps. You will need a cover to make this diaper leak-proof.
Covers- You will use a cover to create a leak-proof barrier between flat diapers, prefolds and fitteds. This is the only diaper option that can be used over multiple diaper changes before needing to be washed. Typically you can just wipe them clean between changes. They, too, will have different closure options such as hook and loop or snaps. They can be made of different materials such as PUL (Polyurethane Laminate), Fleece, or Wool. You can find them in sized options or one size fits all options.
Pockets- Pocket diaper are a more convenient option in your cloth diaper selection. They can be stuffed after laundry time so they are ready to go at diaper changes. When pre-stuffed they make an excellent option for caregivers that don't have the time or desire to get the diaper folded or "pinned" just right. Very quick and easy. A lot of stuffing options available for pocket diapers. For instance, you can use microfiber inserts, hemp inserts, flat diapers, prefold diapers or anything absorbent you can find. The inside fabric can be made out of many different fabrics, this will be a personal choice. These are leak-proof and do not need a cover. They come in sized and one-sized options as well.
All-in-ones- This is the simplest solution of all cloth diapers. They are essentially exactly like disposables. All of your absorbency is built right in to the diaper. No stuffing, no folding, no fuss. They are as simple as they come. They already have the leak-proof barrier built in so no additional cover is needed either. There are two downfalls to All-in-ones. One, they are a bit more expensive in most cases because they are everything in one. Two, they have a much longer drying time the flats, prefolds and pockets simply because they are so thick and cannot be taken apart to dry separately. So for that reason you will need to have more diapers on hand to allow for wash and dry time. They have the
leak-proof layer and can be found in hook and loop
or snap closure. They come sized and one sized.
All-in-2's/ Hybrids- These two options are essentially the same thing with different names. They offer the convenience of an all-in-one only they come apart for washing and drying for quicker dry times. They usually have a snap in absorbency system. Again, they have the leak-proof layer and can be found in hook and loop or snap closure. They come sized and one sized. you can also use disposable liners in these diapers.
You may be feeling overwhelmed, but please don't. It is really very simple. Pick two or three different options and try them out. Find out what you prefer and work from there. I would recommend getting:
- Three covers (I prefer Flip One Size with Snaps)
- A dozen flats (You can also use receiving blankets)
- Half dozen prefolds (I love the econobum package, which comes with a cover)
- Two or three pocket diapers
- One All-in-one
One of the great things about cloth diapers is, if you get something you don't like you can sell it! There are tons of Buy/Sell/Trade sites for cloth diapering! Try these options out for a while (or whichever options you choose and see what you like. If you can't wait to use your All-in-one every time, buy more of those and sell what you don't like. If pockets fit your needs best than use your flats and prefolds to stuff them and get more pocket diapers! Up next Lesson #3: Cloth Diaper Accessories.
