The What of Cloth Diapers

After reading The Why of Cloth Diapers, you may now believe that cloth diapers are best for baby, budget and environment. After reading and The How of Cloth Diapers, you might even be able to visualize yourself using them! But what are these modern cloth diapers? What are they made from? How do they work?

Most of us imagine flat white rectangles drying on the line when we think about cloth diapers. Do you need pins? Plastic pants? On this page we will go over the different materials diapers are now made from, the different styles available and how to use them, how to choose which style is right for you and what you need to get started.

What are cloth diapers and covers made from?
Cloth diapers can be made from flannel, terry cloth, knit cotton, well almost anything it seems! Here are a few articles about less well-known diaper making materials:

• Artificial Materials and Cloth Diapering
• Hemp
• Sherpa
• Fleece
• Wool

What styles of cloth diapers are available?

Flat diapers: Flat diapers refer to the single-ply square shaped diapers that our mothers and grandmothers used. The flat diapers that you find in a store, such as Target, are not effective for use as cloth diapers, but make great burp rags! Flat diapers must be folded and pinned or closed with a Snappi. Flat diapers are the most economical diapers to buy.

• How do I fold a flat diaper?
• What the heck is a Snappi?

Pre-folded diapers: Pre-fold diapers are rectangular shaped diapers that are thicker in the middle. The sides usually have a thickness of 4 layers. The middle section can have 6 or 8 layers. This gives pre-folds greater absorbency in the middle. You will often see prefolds defined as 4-6-4, 4-8-4 or more rarely 2-4-2. These numbers refer to the layers of cloth in each section from left to right. Pre-folds are the second least expensive option, costing slightly more than flat diapers. They can be enclosed in a Velcro or snap fastened cover or they can be folded and pinned with diaper pins or Snappi fasteners.

• How do I fold a prefold diaper?

Fitted diapers - Fitted diapers resemble disposable diapers. They have a contoured shape and elastic around the legs and waist. Instead of tape, they fasten with Velcro or snaps. A waterproof diaper cover is necessary when using a fitted diaper. Fitted diapers are more expensive than pre-folds ranging from about $4 to $11 each. However they are much easier to use. If you purchase those with Velcro closures, look for wide Velcro strips and fold-back laundry tabs.

All-in-One diapers / AIOs - All-in-one diapers are fitted diapers that have an outer waterproof layer built in. Often they have fewer absorbent layers than their counterparts. These diapers are ideal for situations in which people unfamiliar to cloth diapers will be changing baby’s diaper, like the church nursery, and for people who want the ease of a one-piece diapering system.

Pocket diapers (Click Photo to Enlarge) - Pocket diapers are the newest types of diapers to hit the cloth-diapering world. Tereson of Mother of Eden holds a patent on pocket diapers. Pocket diapers are like customizable AIOs. They usually have an outer layer of a waterproof material and an inner layer of a stay-dry material like microfleece or suedecloth. Pocket diapers are sewn with the back or front edge open to form a pocket. In the pocket you put an absorbent insert. Many pocket diapers are sold with an insert, or you can use a prefold. Pocket diapers are great for nighttime use because you can customize the amount of absorbent material used. During the day you might use oneinsert, while at night you might use two. Pocket diapers also close with snaps or Velcro.

Wow! This decision could become overwhelming! How do you decide which system is right for your family? This article has some tips to help you decide.

Still not sure what style of diapers will suit your family best? Diaper Decisions has put together the perfect package for you! The Choose Your Style Diapering Package contains a sample of just about every style available today. Click here for more information!

When you decide to switch to cloth diapers, you obviously need cloth diapers, but what other accessories will you need? Click here to find out what accessories are vital for cloth diapering!

Read The Why of Cloth Diapers
Read The How of Cloth Diapers