Maybe you’re interested in cloth diapers because you want to reduce your “garbage footprint” or maybe you’re not wild about the long list of ingredients in disposable diapers. Whatever your reason, one thing is certain: It’s likely you could use a little help figuring out which cloth diapers to choose and how to use them. So, if you need to get savvy on cloth-diapering basics before your baby arrives, you can study up with this handy cheat sheet on green options for that tiny tush. Here's a little cloth-diapering 101:
Flats and Prefolds
What they are: These plain pieces of cotton fabric are similar to the diapers your grandma (or great-grandma) used on her critters. They may look simple to use, but diapering a baby with one of these no-frill nappies takes some cloth-diapering 101 know-how (and quite a few cloth diaper accessories): You need to fold the square or rectangular cloth just so to fit your baby’s bottom, fasten it with separate snaps or pins (not so easy when you’ve got a wiggler on your hands), then cover it with a waterproof diaper cover to avoid leaks.
What to consider: While flats and prefolds aren’t the most high-tech or convenient choice (especially when you're still brushing up on your cloth-diapering basics), they’re the cheapest cloth diapers around. You’ll also need to buy several cloth-diaper covers, which are made of everything from polyester to organic wool.
Contoured Cloth Diapers
What they are: Contoured diapers have an hourglass shape that’s meant to fit your baby’s bum better. Like flats and prefolds, you still have to fasten them with separate snaps or pins and layer your cutie’s diapered derriere with a waterproof cover.
What to consider: No folding’s required when you opt for contoured diapers — and that may make it faster for you to upgrade from a novice in cloth-diapering 101 to a tush-pampering pro. And because they’re slimmer than prefolds, they dry faster, which can cut down on your electric bills. Just remember, even if they fit more snugly, contoured cloth diapers can still leak.
Fitted Cloth Diapers
What they are: Fitted diapers look a bit like cloth versions of the disposable kind and have built-in snaps, hooks, or Velcro (instead of sticky tabs) to fasten them around your tot’s tush.
What to consider: Thanks to the elastic around the waist and legs, these diapers fit more securely than prefolds or contoured cloth diapers, and that means fewer leaks. You still have to use a separate waterproof cover, though.
All-in-One Cloth Diapers
What they are: All-in-ones have elastic around the waist and legs, built-in snaps, hooks, or Velcro to fasten them, and come in cute colors and designs. Plus, there’s no need for a separate cover because the waterproof material is sewn right over the absorbent cloth lining on the inside of these cloth diapers (that’s why they’re called all-in-ones).
What to consider: All-in-one diapers are the way to go if you don’t want to deal with folding diapers or using separate covers — which means they’re also ideal for caregivers and family members who haven’t been schooled in cloth-diapering basics. But keep in mind they’re pricey. Washing and drying them can also be more time-consuming (and expensive) because of their multiple layers.
Pocket Diapers
What they are: Like all-in-ones, pocket diapers have an inner cloth lining and a waterproof outer lining (so no need for a separate cover), but there’s a separate piece of fabric that you insert into the pocket of the diaper’s inner lining.
What to Consider: The separate insert makes for a quicker drying time, plus it’s much easier to adjust to your baby’s wetting needs (you can add extra liners to increase absorbency).
All-in-Twos
What they are: These diapers are very similar to pocket diapers, except the diaper insert goes directly against your sweetie’s skin (you either snap or lay it in). That way, you can simply change out the insert instead of changing the entire diaper.
What to consider: The separate “soaker” insert may seem less convenient, but it actually makes for easier diaper changes. Diaper duty is a cinch when you’re just replacing a dirty insert with a clean one. Another plus: Separating that layer from the rest of the diaper makes for faster drying — and lower energy costs.
Doublers and Liners
What they are: Cloth doublers are fabric inserts that provide extra protection at night, no matter which type of cloth diaper you’re using (even pocket diapers). Liners are biodegradable, flushable sheets of paper that fit any type of cloth diaper.
What to consider: Liners don’t provide extra protection, but they do make cleanup easier, especially once your baby’s eating solids and his poop becomes stickier and harder to get off the diaper. While doublers are great overnight and during long naps, they add bulk and restrict mobility, so they’re not so hot when your baby’s awake.
Brands I have used:
Diaper Care:
Bum Genius (scroll to #8)
Fuzzibunz
Happy Heinys
Where I buy my Cloth Diapers:
Cottonbabies.com
Home of Flip, BumGenius and Econobum brands. Jenn Labit is the creator and site manager. This site has several brands and carries more than just diapering supplies.
DiaperSwappers
I infrequently buy diapers at this site but there are tons of options and new users posting daily. Membership is free and the FAQ is very helpful in deciphering the lingo. Another mom I know shared this with me," I've made a few purchases off of diaperswappers and am really starting to get the hang of that! It does take a little more time to go through the posts but has saved us a ton of money." I agree.
Another great place to get cloth diapers? Swap with friends!
