-All-in-ones (AIO) makes it easy to convince Daddys that cloth diapering isn't going to be very difficult. These also work well for babysitters and Grandmas, as they are an one step process.

 

 

Much like an all-in-one diaper, pocket diapers comprise of a waterproof outer cover and a soft inner layer. What makes the pocket different, is that the absorbent layer is not sewn into the diaper, but inserted into a pocket between the inner and outer layers. Inserts can be specifically designed for the diaper or you can use almost anything. Other options for inserts can be prefolds, washcloths, absorbent diaper liners. There are also many different absorbency levels. Click here for fabrics info.

 

 

 

Diaper covers provide the waterproof outer layer for fitted, contour, and prefold diapers. Usually made from polyurethane-laminated cloth (also known as PUL), cover styles include pull-ups, which are elasticized around the waist and legs, or wraps, which are fastened with Velcro or snaps. Covers are also available in wool, a naturally water-resistant fiber. Wool covers come in many shapes and sizes; longies (which are pants), shorties (made like a pair of shorts), pull-ons (more like a cover), sleeping bags, and overalls. Because diaper covers are made in many sizes, your baby might require two or more sizes of diaper covers over the course of your diapering adventure.

 

 

Fitted diapers are held snug by means of an elasticized waist and legs which is secured by Velcro or snaps. They comprise of absorbent material covered with a soft layer that touches the skin. We carry many materials that are soft on babies skin like, bamboo, cotton, and hemp. Fitted diapers are not waterproof which means they need a separate waterproof cover. Because fitted diapers are made in many sizes, your baby might require two or more sizes of fitted diapers over the course of your diapering adventure.

 

 

Prefold diapers consist of a rectangular absorbent cloth, such as cotton, with a thicker, more absorbent middle section and two thinner side sections. Prefolds are often what people think of when they picture a cloth diaper. This type of diaper requires a cover. You can use diaper pins or Snappi* Fasteners to hold these diapers together. These are the most economical of all diapers. With covers of your choice, prefolds are the way to go when you really want to save money on diapering. Some people may say prefolds are bulky but....... Cloth diapering is bulky no matter what you choose. If you choose a “less bulky” diaper you are most likely forfeiting some absorbency.

 

 

Contour have an hourglass like shape. These diapers do not need to be folded to fit, but they also do not have any of the extra features (elastic, Velcro, or snaps) found with a fitted diaper. These diapers will usually come in different sizes also. Most contours can be held together with a Snappi* Fastener. (exceptions include hemp diapers). Contours are good if you do not want the extra bulk that comes with a prefold diaper, without sacrificing absorbency. As prefolds are a little bulkier around the leg than contours.

 

 

As with cloth diapers, there are many styles of cloth training pants. The traditional training pant resembles cotton underwear with a thick absorbent panel. This style is not waterproof, so when accidents occur it will be wet. Pocket training pants pull up and down like underwear, but have a pocket for absorbent inserts, similar to the pocket diaper. Finally, there are waterproof training pants that consist of thick cotton underpants combined with a waterproof cover (kind of like an AIO). There are some trainers that have side snaps.

-Many parents find that cloth-diapered babies potty train more easily than babies in disposables.

 

 

Swim diapers are designed to hold in solids only, not liquids. Pocket diapers can transition into swim diapers easily: just pull out the absorbent insert. Or there are cloth diapers made specifically for the water. Many are made out of swimsuit material and resemble underwear. Some manufacturers make girls swim tops in matching material. There are also swim diapers designed for boys that resemble swim shorts. There really is no “need” to buy a swim diaper. Alternatives to use for the specific swim diaper are “Bummis diaper cover only, any pocket diaper without the insert, any PUL cover you have.” Usually one size smaller than regular size works best because you are not inserting a diaper in them.