Flats

Flats are your traditional cloth diaper. They are large flat rectangles. These are a cost effective way to cloth diaper!

Advantages:

     ~Most economical

     ~Dry quick (not a lot of layers)

     ~Versatile (can be used to stuff a pocket diaper or burb cloth)

Disadvantages:

     ~Takes a little skill to fold

     ~Will need a fastener or pin

     ~Requires cover

     ~Not the most absorbent type of diaper

Pre-Fold Diapers (PF)  

 Pre-fold diapers are a very versatile, durable and cost effective way to cloth diaper. Pre-folds are not actually folded at all!! They are a rectangle shape made up of layers, usually sewn into three panels with extra layers in the center for added absorbency.  The number of layers in a pre-fold represents the quality, for example each panel has a certain amount of layers, 4 (outside panel) x 6 (inside panel) x 4 (outside panel). You will find people describing Pre-folds diapers as Diaper Service Quality (DSQ), Indian or Chinese Pre-Folds. DSQ refers to the quality, Indian is a type of cotton usually very soft and durable and Chinese Prefolds are very durable. 4x8x4 are considered highest quality and the most absorbent.

Advantages:

     ~Economical

     ~Durable-will withstand multiple washings & children

     ~Versatile (can be used to stuff a pocket diaper or burp cloth)

     ~Can be folded in multiple ways to meet the needs of your child

Disadvantages:

     ~Requires a diaper cover

     ~Takes a little skill to fold

     ~Will need a fastener or pin

Contour Diaper

Contour diapers are a very trim way to cloth diaper! They are economical and very easy to use! They are made up of layers of absorbent fabric and shaped as a "diaper". Contours are a great because you will not have to fold them!

     ~One Size available for some brands

     ~Adjustable designs for some brands, you can fold or tuck the

       front of the diaper to adjust the rise

     ~Requires NO folding

     ~Various fabric choices

Disadvantages: 

     ~Requires a diaper cover

     ~Longer drying time for some brands

     ~Some brands require a fastener or pin

     ~One-size option may be too big for newborn

Fitted Diaper

A fitted diaper is a step up from a contour diaper. Fitted diapers are a great option for newborns; the fit is great with elastic at the waist and legs. Plus, you get the added bonus of a snap or Velcro closure. They are also made into a shape of a diaper!

     ~Great Value

     ~Easy to use

     ~Various fabric choices

     ~Requires NO folding

Disadvantages:

     ~Requires a diaper cover

     ~Longer drying time for some brands

Pocket Diaper (PD)

Pocket diapers are an innovative and easy way to cloth diaper!! They are as easy to use as a disposable.  Pocket diapers consist of an outer waterproof fabric and an inner fabric made of fleece, suedecloth or organic cotton.  These two fabrics are sewn together, forming an opening called a “pocket”.  This "pocket" allows you to stuff absorbent materials called “inserts” into the pocket.  The insert wicks away the moisture from the baby's skin.

Advantages:

     ~Ranges of sizes and fits

     ~Available in a one-size option, from birth to potty, saving you money

     ~You can tailor the absorbency needs for each baby (ie add extra

        inserts for heavy-wetters or nighttime use)

     ~Quick & Easy changes for the wiggly ones

     ~Closures are either snap or Velcro, allowing easy changes

     ~Dry time is quick

Disadvantages:

     ~More expensive

     ~Some parents may want their baby to feel the moisture to practice

       Elimination Communication

 All-in-Two Diapers (AI2)

Very similar to the pocket diaper, however, instead of having 2 fabrics sewn together to make a pocket to stuff. You have a separate "shell" (the waterproof cover) and a "soaker" (the absorbent material).  The All-in-Two diaper allows you to reuse your "shells" and replace the "soakers" when wet or soiled. Therefore, reducing the amount of cloth diaper wash!

Advantages:

     ~Available in a one-size option, fit from birth to potty

     ~Reduces wash because you are reusing your "shells"

     ~Various fabric choices

     ~Closures are either Velcro or Snap

     ~Quick & Easy changes

     ~Dry time is quick

Disadvantages:

     ~Expensive

     ~Some brands require you to snap in the "soaker"

All-in-Ones (AIO)

The ultimate solution, a one piece diapering system.  The cover and absorbent material are all built into the diaper, making changes very quick and easy.  Very easy for travelling or outings! All in ones are a great choice for families that are intimidated by cloth diapering. 

     ~No stuffing or folding required

     ~Available in a one-size option, from birth to potty

     ~Various fabrics and color choices

     ~Easy one step change for the bouncy baby or squirmy toddler!

     ~Good option for daycare/childcare centers

Disadvantages:

     ~Very expensive

     ~Some brands are not very trim

     ~Long drying time (some brands)

Diaper Covers

Diaper Covers are the waterproof part of your cloth diapering system. Diaper covers come in a variety of fabrics and styles. Polyurethane Laminate (PUL), Wool, and fleece are popular choices for waterproof materials. Diaper covers are generally used over flats, prefolds, contours and fitteds.

Polyurethane Laminate (PUL): A great, economical choice for cloth diapering! PUL will last a very long time and will hold up through multiple washings. These covers are available in a wide variety of colors and patterns. They are also available sized or one-size options.

Wool: A wonderful "natural option! Wool "naturally" prevents the growth of bacteria and it is breathable.  Wool does require a special hand wash routine, but the routine is easy and you can air dry your wool if it is not soiled between washes. When you lanolize your wool, it coats the fibers, adding to the water resistant properties.