All About Cloth Diapers

For care of your diapers check out our Cloth Diaper Washing Guide for detailed washing instructions and instructions by brand.

Prefold Diapers: This is the most most economical system, but requires a waterproof cover. The prefold (or flat) diaper is folded in the style of your choice and then is pinned or snappied into place. A waterproof cover is needed and placed over the diaper. A prefold diaper can also be used to stuff pocket diapers or as a lay in doubler in hybrid diapers.

Fitted Diaper: Fitted diapers are slightly more money than prefolds, but have less of a learning curve. A fitted diaper has snaps or velocro closures which make it easy to get on and off. Fitted diapers require a waterproof cover as they are not waterproof. Fitted diapers make a great diaper for overnight and extra layers can be added for extra absorbency.

Pocket Diapers and Inserts: The pocket diaper is a popular choice of diaper. The pocket diaper has a "pocket" that is stuffed with an insert of your choice for added absorbancy. The inserts can be removed for washing making drying time less. No cover is needed for a pocket diaper as they have a waterproof outer layer. The lining of a pocket diaper is usually made of a stay dry layer consisting of fleece or suede cloth. This layer gives your baby a stay dry feel. Pocket inserts are made of various materials ranging from microfiber, minky, hemp and organic cotton. A prefold diaper can be used inside of the pocket of a pocket diaper. Extra inserts can be added ass needed for absorbency.

One-size Diapers: The one-size diaper is a diaper that grows with your child. They contain snaps or adjustable elastic that allows the diaper to be bigger or smaller depending on your child. This elminates the need to buy different size diapers as your child grows. The one-size diapers may be fitteds that require a cover, pockets that require inserts, or covers that require an absorbent layer inside.

All-in-One Diapers: The all-in-one diaper has a waterproof outer layer and an absorbant inner layer. There is no assembly in an all-in-one diaper. The diaper is simple and is similar to a disposable when putting it on your baby. All-in-ones take longer to dry than other diaper types since they are one piece. The all-in-one is a good choice for daycare as it is an easier transition for car providers.

Hypbrid Diapers: Hybrid diapers like the Flip System or SoftBums have a snap in soaker that can be used over a reusable shell. The shell can be used for up to 3 diaper changes making this system affordable. The soakers can range from disposable to organic cotton/bamboo. Hybrid diapers are an econmical choice and offer a wide arrange of insert options which can be layered for added absorbency.

All-in-Two Diapers: The all-in-two diapers offer the benefits of the all-in-one along with some innovated features of their own. The all-in-two diaper generally has a snap in soaker instead of a sewn in soaker which makes drying time faster and can save your shells from excessive drying in the dryer. The soakers can vary in type, but since they are removable you have more options with your diaper as different types of inserts can be used.

Covers: Covers are used over non-waterproof diapers like pre-folds or fitteds. They come in an array of colors and patterns.

Inserts and Doublers: Inserts and doublers are used to add extra absorbency to your diaper. They are made out of a variety of materials such as cotton, organic cotton or hemp. They are are used as stuffing for pocket diapers or can be added to other diaper types for more absorbency when needed.