Cloth Diapers 101
Parents travel many different paths to the decision to cloth diaper their children. For some, it is all about the bottom line. Cloth diapers are the frugal choice. For others, it is the unparalleled environmental benefits of cloth over disposables that brings them here. For many, it is the health benefits of cloth over plastic and gel against their baby’s skin. There are even those who choose cloth diapers as they are so much cuter than disposables. However your journey unfolded, we applaud your choice and want to support your family with the resources of this site.
One of the first things many people think of when you mention cloth diapers are pins, flats, and plastic pants. While all of those still exist and are used by many, a wealth of new choices have come to the cloth diapering arena. Cloth diapers have come a long way! Cloth diapers today are known for fun prints, brilliant colors, soft fabrics, all-organic materials and many, many choices.
Diapers
Flats: Flat diapers are large square diapers that need to be folded. Most often, these are the diapers whose image arises when you think of cloth diapers…“Just like Grandma used.” They can be pinned or snappied and placed in a diaper wrap. These diapers are extremely versatile and once you are finished using them as diapers, they can be used as household rags. If you are unfamiliar with folding flats and need some help, I recommend you check this out.
Prefolds: Rectangular diapers that are slightly thicker in the middle. These need to be folded and can be pinned, snappied (a special plastic device that replaces the use of pins), or simply placed into a diaper wrap. Prefolds come in all sizes from newborn to toddler and come bleached, unbleached or premium.
Contours: A diaper that has a shape, does not need to be folded. Can be pinned, snappied or just placed in a wrap.
Fitteds: A shaped diaper with either an aplix or snapped closure. This diaper needs a cover to be waterproof. Some fitted diapers come in a variety of sizes while others are “one size” designed to fit your baby throughout his or her diapering years.
Pockets: A shaped diaper that includes a waterproof cover with an inner layer of microfleece or suedecloth. The fleece or suedecloth keeps baby feeling dry by wicking moisture away from the skin. Between the microfleece and the outer layer is a pocket. You’ll need to stuff the pocket with an insert or a prefold. Inserts come in microterry, hemp, or organic cotton. These diapers are extremely versatile because you can place one insert in the diaper for daytime and more inserts for nighttime use or for long outings. ***No cover needed
AIOs: All In One’s – A diaper and cover all-in-one! No need to use a separate diaper…or insert. ***No cover needed
Covers
PUL: PUL (polyurethane Laminate) covers come in velcro, side-snap, front-snap, and pull-on. These are laminated waterproof covers to use with prefolds, contours, or fitteds. With wrap style covers you can simply lay a prefold into your wrap and close and go (no pins or snappi needed).
Wool: Wool is a wonderful material. It is completely breathable, natural and leak proof. Depending on the style of the cover, these work very well for both day and night. They should be hand washed every couple of weeks or when soiled. They will need to be lanolized once a month. These come in pull-on types commonly called “soakers” or front snap, front velcro, & side snap. You can also purchase wool “longies” which are great nighttime covers and pajama bottoms as well!
Fleece: These covers work like wool, in that they are breathable, but they are made from a synthetic material. These are usually thicker than PUL and some wools. These make good night-time covers. These can be washed in the washing machine.