Cloth Diapers 101
Types of cloth diapers & covers
There are several different types of cloth diapers available. Each has pros and cons which are outlined below. Many people, including ourselves, make-up their diapering system from several of these options. Your preferences, lifestyle, and of course your baby, will guide you in finding what works best for you.
Flat Diapers:
This diaper is a rectangular piece of fabric that you wrap/fold around your baby and secure with "Snappis." Basically, what your mom or grandmother use to use. These require a diaper cover. Price range: inexpensive (usually $2.75-$4.50/ea).
Pre-folds:
This diaper is a rectangular piece of fabric, similar to flat diapers; however, they are sewn into 3 panels with the center panel usually having more layers of absorbent material. Normally the number of layers in a pre-folded diaper is indicated by the number of layers used per panel (outer, centre, outer), for example 4x6x4. Like flat diapers, these are wrapped/folded around your baby and secured with "Snappis." These require a diaper cover. Price range: inexpensive (usually $2.75-$4.50/ea). Examples include Chinese and Indian pre-folds.
Contours:
This diaper is a number of layers of absorbent fabric cut in an hourglass shape. Some may also have elastic around the legs and waist to provide a better fit and help contain messes. These are wrapped around your baby and secured with "Snappis." These require a diaper cover. Price range: moderate (usually $13.00 - 25.00/ea).
Fitted Diaper:
A cloth diaper that is shaped to fit your baby. Similar to a Contour diaper, just a little more elaborate: they have elastic around the legs and waist. They are usually made of cotton and/or hemp and close with either snaps or Velcro/Aplix. This type of diaper usually requires a waterproof cover. Price range: moderate (usually $13.00 - 25.00/ea). Examples include Happy Heinys Fitted Sherpa Diaper, Monkey Doodlez Pocket Diaper, Baby Beehinds Bamboo Fitted One-Size Diaper, Thirsties Pocket All-In-One Diaper V.2 . Examples of a One-Size Fitted include Baby Beehinds Bamboo One-Size.
Pocket Diaper:
A two part diapering system consisting of a waterproof outer layer with an inner layer (usually fleece) with an opening at the back into which you put an insert. When your baby wets the diaper, the moisture is wicked through the inner cover layer to the insert. This diaper can be customized by adding multiple inserts and inserts made from different material (hemp, bamboo, cotton etc.) It is a little more expensive, but very convenient and easy to use. These do not require a separate cover. Price range: upper end (usually $18.00 - 25.00/ea). Examples include: Happy Heinys Pocket, Thirsties AIO Pocket, Monkey Doodlez Pocket. Examples of One-size Pockets include: Happy Heinys One-Size Pocket, Baby Kangas, bumGenius.
All-in-One Diaper (AIO) / All-in-Two Diaper (AI2):
This is a diaper that has the absorbent layer permanently attached and has a waterproof outer layer. The closures are adjustable, using either aplix or snaps. The differences between an AIO versus an AI2 is usually the absorbent layers of an AI2 either snap in and out or flip up and out which shortens drying times. Price range: upper end (usually $18.00 - 25.00/ea). Examples include Thirsties Pocket All-In-One Diaper V.2, Monkey Doodlez AIO.
Diaper Covers:
If you decide to use a diapering system that requires separate diaper covers, there are a few options:
Vinyl:
These are covers like what your mother likely used if she cloth diapered. Vinyl diaper covers do not breathe, cannot stand up to the repeated washings required of a diaper cover and will harden and crack over time. They are produced of polyvinyl chloride, a plastic that may contain phthalates, an endocrine disruptor, and may also produce harmful compounds during the off-gassing process. Needless to say, we don't recommend using vinyl covers.
Polyurethane Laminate (PUL):
PUL covers generally consist of knitted polyester or cotton that has been treated with polyurethane, making them waterproof but breathable and mildew resistant. Generally, polyester PUL covers will be more waterproof than a cotton PUL cover as a result of the larger weave of cotton as well as its' natural absorbency. PUL covers will not yellow or crack over time. These also may be wiped out between diaper changes and then machine washed at the end of the day. Diapers that do not require a cover (eg. Pockets, AIOs, AI2s) are usually that way because they use a PUL fabric on the exterior.
Wool:
Wool is naturally breathable, keeping baby's body temperature up to 4C cooler than PUL covers, which in turn helps prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause diaper rash. Wool is naturally anti-bacterial and can absorb up to one-third of its weight in moisture without feeling wet. A high-quality wool cover made from untreated wool is soft and comfortable and will not feel scratchy to your baby's skin. Wool covers do require some special care to perform optimally, but because wool is naturally self-cleaning, the cover can be air dried between uses and will require laundering approximately every two weeks unless soiled. To wash a wool cover, simply soak in wool wash and dry flat. Every 10-12 washes, add a bit of lanolin (Lansinoh, for example) to the wash to help maintain water resistance. Wool provides excellent leak protection, even overnight!
Fleece:
An easy-care, breathable alternative to wool. Fleece is made of 100% polyester, which wicks moisture away from baby's skin. Fleece is machine washable, but can be prone to detergent build up, which may decrease performance. Fleece also provides excellent leak protection day or night.
Types of Fabrics/Materials
There are several different types of cloth diapers available. Each has pros and cons which are outlined below. Many people, including ourselves, make-up their diapering system from several of these options. Your preferences, lifestyle, and of course your baby, will guide you in finding what works best for you.
Flat Diapers:
This diaper is a rectangular piece of fabric that you wrap/fold around your baby and secure with "Snappis." Basically, what your mom or grandmother use to use. These require a diaper cover. Price range: inexpensive (usually $2.75-$4.50/ea).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Least user-friendly option | |
| Quick drying | Need to fold diaper before putting it on |
| Fits well for small or premature babies | Need to secure with pins/"Snappis" |
| Useful for newborns when they initially go through LOTS of diapers each day and before bowel movements are more solid | Requires a cover at an additional cost |
Pre-folds:
This diaper is a rectangular piece of fabric, similar to flat diapers; however, they are sewn into 3 panels with the center panel usually having more layers of absorbent material. Normally the number of layers in a pre-folded diaper is indicated by the number of layers used per panel (outer, centre, outer), for example 4x6x4. Like flat diapers, these are wrapped/folded around your baby and secured with "Snappis." These require a diaper cover. Price range: inexpensive (usually $2.75-$4.50/ea). Examples include Chinese and Indian pre-folds.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Same as Flat diapers (just slightly more expensive than flats) | Same as Flat diapers |
Contours:
This diaper is a number of layers of absorbent fabric cut in an hourglass shape. Some may also have elastic around the legs and waist to provide a better fit and help contain messes. These are wrapped around your baby and secured with "Snappis." These require a diaper cover. Price range: moderate (usually $13.00 - 25.00/ea).
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Drying time may be a little longer compared to Flats or Pre-folds | |
| No folding required | Need to secure with pins/"Snappis" |
| Wide range of fit (small to large) | Requires a cover at an additional cost |
| Need to have several different sizes as your baby grows |
Fitted Diaper:
A cloth diaper that is shaped to fit your baby. Similar to a Contour diaper, just a little more elaborate: they have elastic around the legs and waist. They are usually made of cotton and/or hemp and close with either snaps or Velcro/Aplix. This type of diaper usually requires a waterproof cover. Price range: moderate (usually $13.00 - 25.00/ea). Examples include Happy Heinys Fitted Sherpa Diaper, Monkey Doodlez Pocket Diaper, Baby Beehinds Bamboo Fitted One-Size Diaper, Thirsties Pocket All-In-One Diaper V.2 . Examples of a One-Size Fitted include Baby Beehinds Bamboo One-Size.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No need to secure with pins/"Snappis" | Drying time may be a little longer compared to Flats or Pre-folds |
| Requires a cover at an additional cost | |
| No folding required | Need to have several different sizes as your baby grows |
| Multiple sizes available (x-small to large) |
Pocket Diaper:
A two part diapering system consisting of a waterproof outer layer with an inner layer (usually fleece) with an opening at the back into which you put an insert. When your baby wets the diaper, the moisture is wicked through the inner cover layer to the insert. This diaper can be customized by adding multiple inserts and inserts made from different material (hemp, bamboo, cotton etc.) It is a little more expensive, but very convenient and easy to use. These do not require a separate cover. Price range: upper end (usually $18.00 - 25.00/ea). Examples include: Happy Heinys Pocket, Thirsties AIO Pocket, Monkey Doodlez Pocket. Examples of One-size Pockets include: Happy Heinys One-Size Pocket, Baby Kangas, bumGenius.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very easy and convenient to use | |
| No need to secure with pins/"Snappis" | Need to have several different sizes as your baby grows (unless you buy One-Size diapers) |
| No folding required | |
| Multiple sizes available (x-small to large) | |
| One-Size pocket diapers are available (these diapers are adjustable from 8lbs to 35lbs) | |
| Wide range of colours and patterns | |
| Customizable absorbency | |
| Quick drying due to pull out liner |
All-in-One Diaper (AIO) / All-in-Two Diaper (AI2):
This is a diaper that has the absorbent layer permanently attached and has a waterproof outer layer. The closures are adjustable, using either aplix or snaps. The differences between an AIO versus an AI2 is usually the absorbent layers of an AI2 either snap in and out or flip up and out which shortens drying times. Price range: upper end (usually $18.00 - 25.00/ea). Examples include Thirsties Pocket All-In-One Diaper V.2, Monkey Doodlez AIO.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very easy and convenient to use | More expensive |
| No need to secure with pins/"Snappis" | Need to have several different sizes as your baby grows |
| No folding or stuffing of liners required | Longer drying time than all other types of diapers |
| Multiple sizes available (x-small to large) | |
| Wide range of colours and patterns |
Diaper Covers:
If you decide to use a diapering system that requires separate diaper covers, there are a few options:
Vinyl:
These are covers like what your mother likely used if she cloth diapered. Vinyl diaper covers do not breathe, cannot stand up to the repeated washings required of a diaper cover and will harden and crack over time. They are produced of polyvinyl chloride, a plastic that may contain phthalates, an endocrine disruptor, and may also produce harmful compounds during the off-gassing process. Needless to say, we don't recommend using vinyl covers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Not too many | Many. . .see above |
Polyurethane Laminate (PUL):
PUL covers generally consist of knitted polyester or cotton that has been treated with polyurethane, making them waterproof but breathable and mildew resistant. Generally, polyester PUL covers will be more waterproof than a cotton PUL cover as a result of the larger weave of cotton as well as its' natural absorbency. PUL covers will not yellow or crack over time. These also may be wiped out between diaper changes and then machine washed at the end of the day. Diapers that do not require a cover (eg. Pockets, AIOs, AI2s) are usually that way because they use a PUL fabric on the exterior.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reasonably priced | Not a natural material/substance |
| Easy to clean & care for | |
| Wide range of colours and patterns |
Wool:
Wool is naturally breathable, keeping baby's body temperature up to 4C cooler than PUL covers, which in turn helps prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause diaper rash. Wool is naturally anti-bacterial and can absorb up to one-third of its weight in moisture without feeling wet. A high-quality wool cover made from untreated wool is soft and comfortable and will not feel scratchy to your baby's skin. Wool covers do require some special care to perform optimally, but because wool is naturally self-cleaning, the cover can be air dried between uses and will require laundering approximately every two weeks unless soiled. To wash a wool cover, simply soak in wool wash and dry flat. Every 10-12 washes, add a bit of lanolin (Lansinoh, for example) to the wash to help maintain water resistance. Wool provides excellent leak protection, even overnight!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Natural material | Most expensive cover option |
| Laundering care more involved |
Fleece:
An easy-care, breathable alternative to wool. Fleece is made of 100% polyester, which wicks moisture away from baby's skin. Fleece is machine washable, but can be prone to detergent build up, which may decrease performance. Fleece also provides excellent leak protection day or night.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reasonably priced (more expensive than PUL covers, but less than wool) | Not a natural material/substance |
| The range of colours and patterns is less than PUL covers, but more than wool | |
| Easy to clean & care for |
