The Different Types of Cloth Diaper

Back in the not so distant past, cloth diapers were the norm, not the exception. Also in the not so distant past, the only option for cloth diapering was a prefold or flat diaper fastened with pins and a waterproof cover.Today, there are many options and moms new to cloth diapering get easily overwhelmed by the choices. Since I began cloth diapering and love it, I also love to help moms get started and sort through all the info.  Today I will focus on the different types of diapers and the pros and cons of each.

Covers Needed

• Prefolds – When people think of cloth diapers, they usually think of prefolds and plastic pants. These are the “old” style diapers that are sewn into three sections with the middle section being thicker with more layers. Prefolds are usually made from cotton or hemp, have a quilted look when they are prepped for use and are extremely absorbent. They can be folded several different ways depending on the shape of the baby. While pins were the standard fastener of the old days, a snappi is the more popular choice today. Prefolds do take some practice using and finding the right fold for you, but are very inexpensive. Some areas still offer diaper services for prefolds, allowing you to not worry about the laundry (although, they are some of the easiest diapers to launder).

• Flats – They work the same as prefolds in function, but instead of being sewn into sections, they are the same thickness throughout. Flats are also very inexpensive and can be a real space saver in the diaper bag.  They tend to be less bulky than prefolds.
• Fitted – Fitted diapers are shaped like a diaper already – no folding necessary. The entire diaper is absorbent, so they can hold a lot. They can even be worn for shorter periods of time with no cover, allowing the diaper area to breathe a little. Because they often have elastic at the legs, it is easier to get a good fit without leaks. The problems that may arise with fitteds are that the moisture does stay close to the skin, possibly causing irritation and they can develop stink problems over time if not washed properly.
• Hybrid/Ai2 – Hybrids or all-in-2 diapers are rapidly gaining popularity.  They use 2 parts – a cover and an insert. The appeal of the hybrid is that it has a cover that can be reused until soiled, cutting down on cost and volume of laundry. Many hybrids also have a disposable insert option that makes the transition to cloth less scary for those that are used to disposables. The cloth inserts are fairly inexpensive, making them a potentially money saving alternative to pricier all-in-ones or pockets. They also can be very trim under clothes and take up little space in the diaper bag. However, the disposable option does take away most of the benefits of using cloth: the health benefits of cloth next to baby’s skin, the cost and the environmental impact. Some people have reported that the flushable inserts tend to clog toilets and septic tanks. Another aspect about them that some people dislike is the fact that most of the covers have the PUL (the waterproof coating on the fabric) exposed to the baby’s skin. In general, people either really love the hybrids, or really hate them.






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• Covers -Just in case you have no idea what a cover is, it is a waterproof shell that a baby wears over the actual diaper. They come as simple as the old plastic pants of the 1970′s or as fancy as designer wear.

No Covers Needed

• All-in-one – All-in-ones, abbreviated aio, are just what they sound like, a diaper that is one piece. They go on exactly like a disposable and are a very easy option for daycare and those skeptical of cloth diapers in general. They consist of a shell much like any other cover, a cloth inner liner and an absorbent soaker. The main complaint about aio’s has been the long drying time that results from so many layers. However, many of the new designs attempt to solve that problem by having the soakers unsnap or fold out for faster drying.  They are usually the most expensive option in cloth diapering and do create more laundry than 2 part diapers.
• Pockets – Probably the most commonly used diaper today is the pocket diaper. Like aio, they go on in one piece just like a disposable, making ease of use one of the major benefits. The difference is that the soaker is an insert that needs to be taken out of the pocket between the lining and the outer shell and re-stuffed before wearing. There are endless options of cute prints available as well and many different brands and styles, making it almost impossible to not find one that works. You can also stuff with different kinds of inserts or multiple inserts to customize the absorbency for your needs. They vary greatly in price – from about $5-$25 each. The common complaints about pockets are that it can get annoying having to stuff them after each wash and that you do need to change the entire diaper at each diaper change leading to more laundry.
• Wool – Wool diapers have been used for centuries. They absorb very high volumes of liquid and do not require frequent washing (only when soiled). The fact that they are made of a natural fiber makes them very breathable, warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Diapers can come in the form of leggings, skirts, or other bottoms, making bulky diapers a non-issue. Sweaters can be re-purposed or “upcycled” into diapers. They can also be used as a diaper cover over a fitted. Wool does have a very different care cycle than other diapers. The diapers do occasionally need to be lanolized to prevent itch and maintain the waterproof quality the wool naturally has. Some babies may be sensitive to it and it can be quite expensive compared to other options.