Lesson #1: Cloth Diaper Absorbency

Lesson #1: Absorbency

This is the heart of every diaper. No matter which type you go with, it will start with absorbency. It may be cotton, hemp, microfiber, minky, bamboo, Zorb etc. This will be a personal preference.

There are also many different types of diapers and this will determine what type of absorbency you would choose to use. You have flats, prefolds, inserts, doublers, soakers, boosters and built-in absorbency for All-in-ones, All-in Twos and Fitteds. For the most part, you can interchange the removable absorbent materials among all types of diapers. For example, a flat or prefold diaper is typically used inside a cover but some moms choose to stuff their "pocket diapers" with them instead. One of the only limitations you will have is a microfiber insert used alone in a cover. Microfiber is a very absorbent material, so much so that it will actually irritate baby's skin by removing too much moisture! It will look a lot like a burn, so DO NOT do this! Other than that all you need to know is you need something absorbent to have a diaper. Of course, you can add things like liners against baby's skin and covers over the absorbent material to make it leak-proof. But the basic makeup of a diaper is absorbency. Pretty simple.

On a scale of absorbency (starting at least absorbent) you have:

Cotton ~~> Minky ~~> Microfiber ~~> Bamboo ~~> Hemp ~~> Zorb

Cotton- There is so much to say about all of these fabrics but I am going to be as simple as possible for now. Cotton is simple and inexpensive. It is also a natural fiber which is important to some moms. It may prove to be important to you as well. Possibly not by choice, as some babies have reactions to man made fibers and must have natural materials.

Minky- Man-made fibers, about the same absorbency as microfiber but much softer.

Microfiber- Man-made fibers, inexpensive, and "fluffy" so when squished it may wring out like a rag and cause what is known as compression leaks. Some people have issues with stink; I have personally never had problems with my microfiber and I mainly use all microfiber for my pocket diapers.Again, personal preference.

Bamboo- This is technically a synthetic fiber because it is bamboo fleece. It is very soft and absorbent and wicks moisture away quickly to help baby not feel so wet. You can find a little more explanation on why bamboo is not a natural, Eco-friendly material here.

Hemp- This is one of the most absorbent materials and it is all natural. Typically it is actually blended with Cotton to make it a little softer since hemp is very rough alone.

Zorb- This is the latest invention in the cloth diapering absorbency world. It is a blend of different man-made and natural fibers to get the best of all fabrics. I have never tried it, personally. I'd love to hear your comments if you have!

So let's look next into the types of Diapers in Lesson #2.