Cloth Diapering Options

There are many different cloth diapering systems available. This can sometimes be confusing for those new to cloth diapering! In this information section, we attempt to clarify (with pictures) some common cloth diapering terms:


Pocket Diapers - No cover required

These are similar to an an "all-in-one" diaper (where the diaper is made up of an absorbent material and waterproof cover "all-in-one") but you can vary absorbency. Pocket diapers are easy to get fully clean as the insert is removed when washing, mean there are less layers to clean through all at once.


With pocket diapers, absorbent inserts are placed into a pocket made of a waterproof outer and fleece inner lining. The fleece wicks moisture away from baby's bottom, the insert absorbs moisture, and the waterproof barrier prevents leaks. These diapers do not require a separate cover, but you must have an insert for them (usually sold separately, unless you buy a package). The best thing about pocket diapers is that you can vary the amount of absorbing material you use at any given time. Need more absorption in a night time diaper for a child who is sleeping through the night? Just add an additional insert. Need less absorption during the day when you'll be doing more frequent diaper changes? Use a single insert.

Fuzzi Bunz cloth diapers, Happy Heiny's, Swaddlebees, and Stork's Nest all make cloth pocket diapers.

This picture illustrates the Fuzzi Bunz cloth diaper (a pocket diaper):

Other pocket diapers are similar in design - they usually vary by fit, and by the closure type (snaps, Velcro/Aplix, etc).

The following figures (showing Swaddlebees pocket diaper in use!) illustrate how the pocket diaper is used. First, stuff the pocket with the insert of your choice (we usually recommend initially using the insert designed to go with the diaper). Then fasten the diaper (the diapers shown use a snap closure). That's it!

All-In-One Diapers

All-in-One diapers (sometimes called all-in-two diapers if the absorbent part of the diaper can be removed from the rest of the diaper) do not require additional absorbing inserts or covers. The insert and cover is built into the diaper. Some all-in-ones are very similar in look and use to a disposable diaper, others have "fold out" or "snap in" inserts (sold WITH the diaper) to shorten drying time. These diapers can seem more expensive at first glance, but remember - no additional inserts or covers are needed. Some brand of all-in-one diapers include Berry Plush All-in-Ones (by Jamtots), and Rumpsters.

The picture below shows how the Berry Plush All-in-One diaper works. It has a snap-in insert that is folded into the diaper to provide maximum absorption, with minimum drying time.

Fitted or pre-fold diapers requiring a cover

This cloth diapering option requires an absorbent inner material (either a "fitted" diaper or a cotton prefold diaper), which is then covered with a waterproof cover.

The "fitted diaper" (ie. the Happy Hempy and Heiny Hugger (both by Happy Heiny), organic cotton fitteds from the Stork's Nest and the many varieties of Swaddlebee fitteds) is usually an absorbent, shaped diaper that is specially designed to fit under a water proof cover.

Cotton prefolds are absorbent cotton squares that are folded and placed on your baby. A cover is then applied to keep the prefold in place and prevent leaks. Cotton prefolds can be bought in different sizes (depending on baby's size). These can be used with or without "snappies" - a fastener used instead of pins. Pins are NOT required as the prefold is used with a snug fitting cover.

The picture below shows a Swaddlebee fitted diaper with a snap closure.

Covers

There are many different types of diaper covers that can be used with fitted or pre-fold diapers. Covers come in waterproof materials such as:

1. (Thin) plastics, finely laminated onto polyester or cotton materials (like the ever popular Bummis covers, as well as Stacinator So Simple and Stork's Nest wrap covers).

2. Fleece (a water repellant, yet breathable synthetic material). Stacinator fleece covers fit great over fitted diapers and contain mess nicely.

3. Wool ("wool?!" you say? Yes - wool!). Wool makes a natural, extremely breathable cover. Wool fibres absorb moisture and are naturally antibacterial. Covers can be hand knit (we have our own hand knit line of covers!) or machine knit jersey (such as Stacinator wool covers).

The cover you select to go over your fitted or prefold diapers depends largely on personal preference. Laminated covers are thinner and can be less bulky than fleece or wool, but fleece and wool are extremely breathable (and very good at preventing diaper rash). Wool is a great natural choice for those that would like to avoid synthetic materials. Wool "longies" (like a pair of wool pants) with a thick fitted diaper (Heiny Huggers cotton terry or organic cotton Swaddlebees work well) make a great overnight diapering option.

Covers do not need to be washed with every diaper change. They can be re-used until the cover becomes soiled.

Cost Factors

All-in-One and Pocket Diapers are more costly than fitted diapers with a cover. Covers do not need to be washed with every use (wash them when they become soiled), so you need fewer covers than you need diapers. The most economical option is prefolds with covers. But prefolds can be trickier to use, while all-in-ones and pocket diapers are relatively simple to use. If you are new to cloth diapering, try out a sample package that combines a number of different types of diapers to get an idea of what will work for you and your family.