Choosing Your Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapering may seem overwhelming once you see all the different systems, styles, fabrics and sizes to choose from. Once you have a general idea of what these different styles mean, it will be much easier to choose the perfect cloth diapers to fit your family's needs!
CLOTH DIAPER SYSTEMS:
ALL-IN-ONE (AIO):
All-In-One diapers are a one-piece diaper that is entirely sewn together, making it just as easy to use as a disposable! The waterproof shell and absorbent core are all attached.
Pros of All-In-Ones:
- Simple and Easy to Use
- Great for caregivers, daycares, grandparents etc.
- No extra folding or assembling required
Cons of All-In-Ones:
- Longer dry time since all pieces are sewn together
- Can be a pricier option
- Entire diaper must be removed and washed after one use
- Some families may need extra absorbency for heavy wetters
Shop All-In-One diapers HERE
POCKET DIAPERS:
Pocket diapers feature a pocket in the waterproof shell for stuffing absorbent inserts into. Once stuffed, this option is still great for caregivers and simple for diaper changes.
Pros of Pocket Diapers:
- Great for caregivers when stuffed ahead of time
- Customizable, add the amount of absorbent inserts that work best for your baby
- Add additional inserts for overnight
- Stay dry option
- Less expensive than All-In-One diapers
Cons of Pocket Diapers:
- Can be bulky depending on inserts used
- Takes extra time to "stuff" diapers after washing
- Entire diaper must be removed and washed after one use
- Many brands come with a microfiber insert, while families may prefer natural fibers.
Shop Pocket Diapers HERE
ALL-IN-TWO (AI2):
- Two separate pieces - the waterproof cover and the insert
- Cover comes with snaps inside and the inserts snap directly into the diaper
- Once wet, you can reuse the cover and snap in a dry insert
- Easy to clean and faster to dry since inserts are separate
- Budget friendly! Buy more inserts than covers since the covers can be reused a few times between washing
- Each brand of AI2 has different snap placements, so AI2 inserts and covers usually need to be the same brand
- Depending on brand, inserts may come in multiple sizes to choose from
Shop AI2 Diapers HERE
FLATS AND PREFOLDS:
- Flat diapers are the original cloth diaper, a large single layer of fabric (can be cotton, hemp, bamboo, or a mix)
- Prefolds are multiple layers thick square insert which makes them simpler to fold than a large flat
- Option 1: Simply fold prefold into thirds (padfold for flats) and lay inside a waterproof cover or into a pocket diaper
- Option 2: Wrap prefold or flat around your baby and fasten with a Snappi or Boingo, there are many ways to wrap a prefold or flat! Use a waterproof cover on top
- Reuse cover and replace insert with a dry one at diaper changes
- The most budget friendly way to cloth diaper! Prefolds come in a large pack at a great price
- Prefolds are very easy to wash and fast to tumble dry, covers should be air dried (but usually dry quickly as well)
- Since flats are only one layer thick, they are the fastest insert to dry
- Prefolds are a popular option for newborns since they require so many diaper changes
- May be bulky depending on what size you're using and your baby's size, newborn size and standard sizes available in prefolds
Shop all Covers HERE
Shop all Prefolds HERE
OTHER TIPS:
- Extra inserts can be added to almost any system! If you need extra absorbancy, you can lay another insert directly on top, or under your regular insert or prefold.
- Many diapers and covers come in a One-Size (OS) option, which will grow with baby between approx 8-35 lbs
- AI2 covers can be used like a regular cover as well!