Friday, April 4, 2014

Types of Cloth Diapers

There are quite a few cloth diaper options out there. I'm going to try to list all of them. Let's do this alphabetically!


All-In-One (AIO)

This kind is most like a disposable diaper because it comes in one piece. Nothing to stuff or pin; just wash, dry and wear, and you won't need a cover. This is also trim fitting (not bulky).

Pros: Easy to use; trim.
Cons: You can't separate the absorbent layer and the waterproof layer, so the whole diaper needs to go in the dryer or hang dry. It also takes longer to dry and it's not as flexible (in increasing absorbency).

Needs cover: No


All-In-Two (AI2)

An AI2 comes in 2 pieces: a cover and an insert that you snap in to the cover. As with most covers, if it hadn't gotten dirty from last use, you can just change the insert and re-use the cover for next change; or, you can rinse, hang dry, then use once dry (it dries quickly).

Needs cover: No


Cover

This can be made of PUL, TPU, fleece, or wool. There is also an old style cover that is pull-up, made with nylon.

A cover is not absorbent in itself. It needs an absorbent piece, like an insert, prefold, or fitted.

Cover options: Snaps or velcro, single or double gusset, flap inside (front and/or back) for tucking in a prefold or insert and preventing leaks.


Fitted

These are very absorbent since the whole diaper is made of absorbent material, plus it has one or more snap-in inserts. The fitted itself could be cotton, bamboo, or hemp. The snap-in inserts have the same material as the fitted, with a stay-dry layer on top on some options. These are commonly used for overnight, but can also be used for day time. If more absorbency is needed, an insert can be added.

Fitted needs to be washed in hot water at least 3 times before first use.

Pros: Very absorbent.
Cons: Bulky.

Needs cover: Yes. You can skip the cover if just hanging out at home. You have to get a cover made for bulky diapers.


Flats

This is a big square piece of fabric, usually made of cotton or bamboo. It can be folded into different styles and sizes.

Flour sack towels (FST) that can be found in the kitchen aisle can also be used as Flats.

Flats only need to be washed once before first use.

Needs cover: Yes.


Hybrid Fitted

These are Fitteds that have a waterproof / water resistant layer. The added layer may be PUL or fleece. These are not completely waterproof, since they still can get wet around the edges. These are usually made by a WAHM (work-at-home-mom) and can come in unique prints (any cotton print can be the outer layer).

Needs cover: Not for day time use. Yes for overnight.


Pocket

This is like a cover with a stay-dry fabric sewn inside. There is also an opening inside (the pocket) where you usually put an insert. You can also use a small prefold to 'stuff' it with. You can add more inserts for more absorbency.

Once the insert is put in, a pocket diaper looks like an AIO.

Most of my kids' diapers are pockets. I stuff them all at once after laundry, so they are all ready to use by the changing stations.

Needs cover: No.


Prefold

A prefold is several layers of fabric, usually cotton, sewn into a rectangle. It is divided into 3 sections, with different number of layers. The middle section has the most absorbency. When buying a prefold, the description should have the number of layers mentioned. For example, 4x8x4 means there are 4 layers of fabric on each side and 8 layers in the middle.

A prefold can be bought bleached or unbleached. Bleached prefold is white while unbleached is the natural color of the fabric. Unbleached is also softer, but needs more time to prep to reach full absorbency. (Prepping is the process of washing new diapers made of cotton, bamboo, or hemp, in hot water, 3 to 5 times, to strip it's natural oils to make it fully absorbent. Boiling is also an option.)

Needs cover: Yes.


*** I'll edit this post as needed (I know I forgot a few things!), and I'll add information based on questions you may have about specific diapers. ***

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