Types of Fabrics/Materials
There are several different types of cloth diapers available. Each has pros and cons which is 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.

Cotton

• Commonly used for many cloth diapers as it is soft and absorbent.
• Cotton is hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant which means it's good for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
• Cotton is a very long lasting fabric.
• Synthetic pesticides, insecticides and herbicides are often used while growing cotton. Organic cotton provides an option without the use of synthetic pesticides, insecticides or herbicides.
• Cotton is a natural fibre that is breathable and cool.

Bamboo

• Bamboo is an extremely absorbent natural fibre, absorbing up to 50-60% more moisture than cotton.
• It is antimicrobial, so it retards the growth of bacteria and yeast.
• It has a short growth cycle, so is a very renewable resource. Bamboo is known to grow up to 4 feet in one day. Therefore, the use of chemical fertilizers is not necessary.
• It is naturally pest resistant, so chemical pesticides and herbicides are not used.
• Bamboo is a very soft natural fibre, the softest natural fibre available for cloth diapers. It remains softer than other natural fibres, such as cotton and hemp, wash after wash.
• Bamboo is a natural fibre that is breathable and cool.

Hemp

• Hemp is an extremely absorbent natural fibre, absorbing up to 50% more moisture than cotton.
• Hemp is so fast growing it produces more fibre yield per acre than any other source. It can produce 250% more fibres than cotton using the same amount of land. Also, it requires much less water to grow compared to cotton.
• Pesticides are not generally used for growing hemp.
• Typically finished hemp products are free from chemicals and dyes used during processing (that's why they are usually an unbleached buff colour).
• Hemp has antibacterial properties, so it retards the growth of bacteria, yeast, fugus and mildew.
• Hemp is a natural fibre that is breathable and cool.
• Hemp is a very strong fabric; it's 4 times more durable than cotton. Because hemp is such a strong fabric it initially seems stiff. This stiffness is reduced during repetitive washings. Usually hemp diapers are really a blend of hemp and cotton together balancing added absorbency with softness.

Wool

• Wool is hypoallergenic and dust-mite resistant which means it's good for people with allergies or sensitive skin.
• Wool is breathable and excellent at controlling temperatures. It keeps you cool in warm weather and keep you warm in cool weather.
• Wool is a natural fire retardant.
• Wool is very absorbent. It can absorb about 30-40% of its weight, yet still feel dry.
• Wool comes from a renewable resource.

Synthetic Fabrics
There are several synthetic fabrics commonly used with cloth diapers. These include:

• Polyurethane laminated fabrics (PUL) fabric which are 100% cotton fabrics or 100% polyester fabrics or a polyester/cotton blend fabric that has had a thin layer polyurethane applied to it. PUL fabrics are not biodegradable, but they are waterproof.
• Fleece is made from polyester. Although not natural it is easy to care for, very durable, resists moisture (wicks wetness away), and it dries quickly.

Getting Started