This post in my three-part cloth diapering series will give a quick, but hopefully easy-to-understand overview of the four different types of cloth diapers, and the different “accessories” you’ll need to be successful in using cloth.
First, the four types of diapers. They are: prefolds, fitteds, pockets, and all-in-one’s. Fitted, pockets and all-in-ones come in seriously awesome prints and colors. There are tons of brands, so please ask me if you have questions about a particular brand–if I’ve used it (and we have at least 11 brands in our stash), I’ll give you an honest review.
Prefold diapers are the type of diaper you might imagine from old-school cloth diapering days. They’ve come a long way, but they’re still a flat piece of fabric (now with many layers) that you fold around your baby’s bum and fasten somehow. Prefolds require a waterproof cover over them so they don’t leak. Prefolds are the most inexpensive diapering option, generally.
Fitted diapers are shaped like a traditional diaper, and fasten with either snaps or velcro (which is called hook and loop or aplix in the cloth diapering world). The catch with fitted diapers is that you need to put a waterproof cover over them so babies don’t pee through them, since they don’t have an included waterproof layer. Fitted diapers can be sized (measured by weight of the baby, and generally in sizes XS, S, M, L), or one-size-fits-most. Not to confuse you, but there are also a few fitted diapers without closures–so you have to use a fastener on them like you would a prefold.
Pocket diapers, along with All-in-One (AIO) diapers are the easiest to learn how to use. Pockets have a waterproof exterior shell, which is attached to a VERY soft inner lining. There’s a space in between the lining and the shell for a second piece of fabric called an insert. Real original, huh? These inserts are generally made from microfiber, but can be made from natural fibers like hemp and bamboo for added absorbency too. A benefit to pocket diapers is that you can add extra inserts for extra absorbency. Pocket diapers fasten with snaps or velcro. They tend to be one-size-fits-most, which means they will fit babies from 10-11 lbs all the way up through potty training. Most pocket diapers claim to start at 8lbs, but it takes babies a little while to beef up enough to fit these diapers.
AIO‘s are similar to pocket diapers, but they’re the absolute easiest to use. All of the absorbency is built right into the diaper–no fastening, no stuffing, etc. All you do is put the diaper on your baby, snap or velcro, and go!
When talking about diaper covers, there are essentially two kinds–those made with PUL (waterproof plastic) and those made of wool. PUL covers contain wetness by their waterproof-ness. They can have snap closures or velcro. Wool does exactly the opposite. Wool allows diapers to breathe, and wicks moisture from the diaper out into the air–where it evaporates. During the day, we use PUL covers if we’re using a fitted or prefold, and at night, we use wool. For us, wool keeps Ethan more comfortable while he’s going for a longer stretch between diaper changes.
To keep prefolds (and fitteds that need closures) closed, snappis are the choice closure system. They’re easy to use, and readily available where cloth diapers are sold. They have sharp little teeth and clip on to hold diapers shut.
Now that I’ve told you about the different types of diapers, I’ll tell you about (and link to) our diaper stash. Click the links to see what we use. We currently have:
Newborn size: 24 prefolds, 6 PUL covers, 12 AIO’s (size XS).
Infant/Toddler sizes: 30 prefolds, 6 covers, 20 pockets (Bum Genius & Blueberries), 7 fitteds (Blueberries, SustainableBabyish, Thirsties, Twinkie Tush and Green Humbug), 2 wool covers (Babee Greens and Kissa’s).
Speculating for our hypothetical next baby, I would change up the newborn stash to include: 24 prefolds, 12 fitteds, 6 covers, 12 AIO’s (size newborn). I found that when we were out and about, fitteds were easier to manage than prefolds. For us, the AIO’s that we have didn’t fit properly until Ethan’s legs had filled out a little–so for the first six weeks, they didn’t work for us. I would change up our infant/toddler stash to get rid of all the prefolds, and have our existing pockets, and maybe 12 fitteds (including 2-3 specifically for overnights).
Breastfed newborns go through 10-12 diapers a day for the first few months, and 8 or so a day after the first few months. Because diaper wash is done every other day (give or take), having enough diapers to get you through three days is advisable so that you aren’t feeling pressured to do diaper wash every day. I’ll cover diaper wash in part 3, don’t fear! So no matter what types of diapers you end up choosing, think about 30-36 newborn sized diapers and 24-30 infant/toddler sized diapers. Also make sure you think about expandable absorbencies, since babies tend to pee more as they get older and drink more at a time.
I hope you have a better understanding of the types of cloth diapers after reading this! Part three will include a discussion about washing diapers, caring for diapers, wet bags, and storing diapers–both clean and soiled. I may also touch on wipes and how to find steals if you’re lucky 
Good night!
Pinterest
