Types of Diapers

The Five Categories

There are many types of diapers on the market now. I've broken them down into five categories to help make it easier for those new to cloth diapering.

• diapers that are used with covers - these diapers need a cover over them to be waterproof
• diapers that don't need covers - these diapers include a waterproof layer
• diaper covers, wraps, and soakers - waterproof covers that go over diapers in the first category
• diaper inserts, doublers, and liners - these help make a diaper more absorbant
• diaper accessories - snappis, pins, and wipes

Diapers that are used with covers

Flats

If you are new to the scene, what you probably picture in your head when you think of cloth diapers is the flat diaper. This is a square piece of cloth, usually made of cotton or gauze. It's probably what your grandmother used for her babies. This type of diaper needs to be folded and pinned and usually a waterproof cover (like plastic pants) will be used over them. These are often the only type of diaper you would be able to find in a store like Target or Babies r Us, most likely made by Gerber. They are quite versatile, since you can fold them any way you choose, and they are economical. They are also easy to clean and dry quickly. However, I often see mamas saying they aren't absorbant enough, and folding one in the middle of the night might be more than some want to do! Here is one method of folding these diapers.

Prefolds

The next type of diaper is the prefold. This diaper is similar to the flat diaper in that it has to be folded and pinned (or otherwise held in place by a cover or snappi - more about these under accessories), usually with a waterproof cover. Also, these are usually made of cotton, but some are made of hemp or other materials, like organic velour. What makes them different is that they are rectangular in shape and have extra padding down the center, where it is needed most. There are three main types of prefolds: the Chinese prefold (CPF), Indian prefold, and the European prefold. The Chinese prefold seems to be the most common of the three. Indian prefolds tend to be softer and more absorbant, but can also be bulky. The European prefold is more heavy-duty, not as soft. Most reviewers I have seen use the CPFs, probably because they are the most readily available, but I've seen many mamas who prefer the Indian prefolds because of their softness (I'm one of them!). You can usually get prefolds in either bleached or unbleached cotton (you can also get organic cotton), and will probably want to get ones that are "DSQ" or Diaper Service Quality. Here's one of the most common ways to fold it.

Contoured

Contoured diapers are similar to prefolds, except they are shaped, so no real folding is necessary. They can usually be used without pins along with a cover.

Fitted

Fitted diapers are used instead of prefolds or contoured diapers, and are made to fit snug to prevent any leaking. They are used along with covers.

Diapers that don't need covers

All-in-One Diapers

All-in-one diapers, or AIOs, have both waterproof outer layer and the inner soaker combined in one diaper, with velcro or snaps. Basically, this is the cloth version of the disposable diaper - you don't need covers or anything else to use these. These are the ultimate in convenience, but tend to be pricier, and also can take longer to wash and dry, although they do make "quick dry" varieties.

The ones pictured here were made by Monkey Toe Diapers and are embroidered Very Baby AIOs.

Pocket Diapers

Pocket diapers are almost the same as all-in-ones, except instead of having the soaker layer sewn in, you place an insert into a pocket in the diaper. In the picture to the left, you can see an insert being placed inside a pocket diaper. These are both easy to use and easy to modify for different times - for instance, one insert for normal day use, two if you are going out or for night.

Diaper Covers, Wraps, and Soakers

Diaper covers and wraps (same thing) are used along with the flats, prefolds, fitteds, and contours to provide a waterproof outer layer. The most basic cover would just be plastic pants, but as these don't breathe and can be uncomfortable for baby, lots of other covers are available. They can be made of fleece, PUL (polyurethane laminate), nylon, wool or other treated cotton and polyester fabrics. They usually have elastic at the legs and either velcro or snaps. Some covers act more like pull-ups and have no fasteners. Most covers will hold a prefold in place without the use of pins or snappis (see diaper accessories for more about snappis). There are lighter covers for use during the day, and heavier ones for night. How to use a wrap with a prefold.

Wool soakers are especially popular, because wool can hold up to 40% of its weight in moisture before feeling wet, and since it's a natural fiber, it breathes well, causing less diaper rash. Wool also contains lanolin, which creates a natural waterproof barrier and acts as an antibacterial agent. Because of this, wool doesn't need to be washed after every use, just hung to dry. Unless dirty, you can wash it once a month or so (some are handwash, others can be done on the gentle cycle in your washing machine), and re-lanolize it every 2-3 months (see the wool page for more about caring for wool). There are lots of cute wool soakers out there, and you can also get wool longies, which are wool pants.

Inserts, doublers, and liners

Inserts and doublers are flat, rectangular or contoured pieces of terry cloth, cotton, hemp, microfiber, etc. used to add absorbancy to any diaper or to stuff a pocket diaper.

Liners are a flat piece of cloth used inside a diaper to help keep baby dry and to help prevent staining diapers. Often made of fleece. You can also find disposable liners. Many mamas just make their own by cutting fleece (either bought at the store or old receiving blankets) - no sewing necessary!

Diaper Accessories

Snappis are a great little invention that allow you to fasten a diaper without pins. You can see it in use here.

Diaper pins, the old classic, are still preferred by many moms, however. If the thought of pins scares you, though, don't worry. Not only are there Snappis, but, as explained above, there are many diapers that don't need pins, and many covers the hold prefolds in place without pins.

Cloth wipes are great to use along with cloth diapers, and can simply be thrown in with your diapers to wash. You can keep them dry and have a squirt bottle to wet with wipe solution or water, or you can keep them wet in a plastic tub or wipes warmer.