Cloth Diaper Primer, Part Three: Know Your Options

Welcome to part three in my “Cloth Diaper Primer.” If you haven’t been following, we’ve discussed Myths (learning that cloth diapering is way easier than most people assume) and talked about the Benefits (saving money, doing better by the environment, and looking adorable while doing it). Today I’m going to address the different types of cloth diapers, features you may need to be aware of, and the pros and cons of it all.

I’d mentioned in a previous post that cloth diapers have come a long way since our grandmothers’ days! They now come in what seems like an endless array of shapes, sizes, types, and prices and it can be quite daunting to know where to start...

Before we started building our stash, I did a lot of research on our options – comparing features, prices, longevity of use, ease of use, etc. I also listed out some of what we were hoping to get from our stash, things like: usable for multiple kids, easy for caregivers (read: grandparents!) to use, flexible (we travel a lot and need options), and good resale value. When I compared that list to my research, it was easy to pick out the system that best fit our needs. I’d encourage you to do the same – consider what you want out of your diapers (and why you’re choosing cloth in the first place), and make sure that your wants match up with what your chosen system offers. Otherwise, your more likely to get frustrated and give up.

In the mean time, here are some of the things I found while doing research that helped me decide what system to go with. Hopefully this can help clarify all the options somewhat!

Basic Cloth Diapering Terms

• One Size (OS): refers to diapers designed to grow with your child from newborn to toddler, usually sized in weights (e.g. 7-35lbs)
• Sized: refers to diapers designed to give a more customized fit (e.g. S-M-L-XL); requires sizing up into a new stash as your child grows
• Aplix: type of closure (using Velcro or hook & loop material); easier to get a perfect fit, but has a short lifespan and will need to be replaced periodically 
• Snap: type of closure (using KAM style buttons); fit is somewhat limited, but lasts much longer than aplix
• Snappi: modern answer to diaper pins; consists of T-shaped arms with grips on the ends that hook into fabric to hold it closed
• Cover/Shell: waterproof outer layer of a diaper (typically made from PUL or wool)
• Insert: absorbent inner layer of the diaper (can be hemp, bamboo, cotton, microfiber, etc.); comes in flats, prefolds, or sized inserts

Cloth Diapering Systems

Prefolds & Covers

This is the original, old school cloth diaper set up. Consists of a large, flat, rectangular piece of fabric that must be folded to fit around baby and closed with fasteners (either Snappi or pins). A cover is then added over the fabric to make the diaper waterproof. It’s a very economical option, but not the most convenient as it can be tricky to master (and intimidating for caregivers). While covers can be OS or sized, most inserts must be sized up as baby grows. Popular brands include: OsoCozy, Sustainablebabyish, & Hemp Babies.

• Pros: Versatile, Easy to launder/care for, Inexpensive
• Cons: Requires sizing up, Can be bulky, Requires several steps (insert + fasteners + cover)
• Ease of Use: Low to Moderate
• Price: Low (Most Affordable)

Fitteds & Covers

Similar to the Prefold/Cover system, but eliminates the need to fold to fit. These diapers consist of several layers of absorbent material, typically cut into an hourglass shape, with leg and back elastics added to improve fit. They come in OS options or sized, and you can get brands that fasten with snaps/aplix, or ones that require Snappi/pins, all depending on your preference. As with the Prefold system, Fitteds require a cover to make them waterproof. They are admittedly easier to put on, but come with the tradeoff of a higher price tag. Popular brands include: Sloomb/Sustainablebabyish, Thirsties, & Kissaluvs.

• Pros: Highly absorbent, Easy to use
• Cons: Requires a cover, More expensive, May require sizing up
• Ease of Use: Moderate to High
• Price: High

Pockets

The first iteration of what we now know as the modern cloth diaper. Pocket diapers consist of a waterproof shell with a lining that creates a stuffable pocket for your choice of insert (flat, prefold, or sized). They make diapering easier by eliminating the need to add a cover over a fastened insert. In addition, the pocket allows for versatility in absorbency level - just add additional inserts when needed. On the other hand, the pocket also means the diapers must be “unstuffed” before washing (a potentially messy job). Highly popular, pocket diapers are very easy to find new or used and come in a wide range of options (OS, sized, aplix, snap, etc.) Top brands include: bumGenius, Thirsties, Rumparooz, Alva, AppleCheeks, Blueberry, & FuzziBunz, as well as many others.

• Pros: No cover required, Easy to adjust absorbency, Easy to use
• Cons: Can be bulky, Can be difficult to get perfect fit, Must be unstuffed
• Ease of Use: High
• Price: Moderate to High

AIO (“All in One”)

As the name suggests, this diaper offers the ease of having every element included in one piece. A waterproof cover and several layers of absorbent material are sewn together to create the easiest to use cloth diapering option. These also come in a wide variety of options (OS, sized, aplix, snap, etc) and are easy to find. They’re great for quick changes (or cloth-wary caregivers), but can be trickier to launder (as they take longer to dry). Popular brands include: bumGenius, Thirsties, GroVia, Rumparooz, and many others.

• Pros: Easiest system to use, Trim fitting, Universally user friendly
• Cons: Longer drying times, Expensive, Requires a large stash
• Ease of Use: Very High
• Price: Very High (Most Expensive)

AI2 (“All in Two”) or Hybrid

The AI2 (or Hybrid) system is designed to combine the simplicity of pockets with benefits of prefolds, while adding an additional element of flexibility with the option of using disposable inserts. This system consists of a waterproof shell (similar to a Pocket diaper) that an insert is laid or snapped into (inserts can be flats, prefolds, or sized). This allows for versatility in absorbency level as well as the option of getting multiple changes out of one cover (if the cover isn’t soiled, it can be wiped down and paired with a fresh insert). That means smaller stashes and more wears between washing (i.e. longer life for your diapers). In addition, the AI2 system can also be used with disposable (frequently flushable) inserts, making on the go changes super simple. These typically come in OS or sized options, with the choice of aplix or snap closures. There is a bit of a learning curve to perfect fit, but after a few uses, the system is highly user friendly and is very affordable. Popular brands include: Flip, GroVia, & Best Bottoms.

• Pros: Flexible, Multiple wears per cover, Easy to launder/care for
• Cons: Can appear complicated/intimidating, Can take practice to perfect
• Ease of Use: Moderate to High
• Price: Low to Moderate

Bonus: Newborn Diapers

Not all babies fit in a one size diaper at birth, so some parents opt to build a small stash of newborn specific dipes to compliment their larger OS stash. Newborn diapers come in a variety of the styles mentioned above, just sized down to fit teenier babies. In addition, many newborn brands take umbilical cord care into consideration and include options to fold/snap down the front to accommodate healing.

• Pros: Fits smaller babies better, Extra features for specific needs
• Cons: Fits for a limited time, Can be expensive for amount of time used

For more information, this is one of my favorite comparison sites: Kelly’s Closet

So there you have it – the basic differences in your options! In my next post I’ll share a little more about why we chose the system we did (Spoiler: we went with AI2), and how we built our stash. I’ll also include some info on what your stash might need to look like, how our process works, our favorite accessories, and a few other tips.

Thanks for stopping by!