Introduction to Cloth diapers
Cloth diapers come in a variety of different styles today ranging from flats & prefolds to All- In-Ones. There are many reasons why people cloth diaper. Included in these reasons are: to save money, to help our environment, and cloth diapers are healthier for baby. One of the first things many people think of when you mention cloth diapers are pins, flats, and plastic pants. Many people continue to use flats and pins, however today there are many new choices with cloth diapering. They come in fun prints, soft fabrics and best of all ---there are so many choices!!!
Flat diapers are large square diapers that need to be folded. They can be pinned or snappied and placed in a diaper wrap. These diapers are extremely versatile and once you are finished using them as diapers, they can be used as household rags. If you are unfamiliar with folding flats and need some help, I recommend you check out Gumbush which has tons of information about flat diapers and various different folds!
Rectangular diapers that are slightly thicker in the middle. These need to be folded and can be pinned, snappied (a special plastic device that replaces the use of pins), or layed into a diaper wrap.
Contours A diaper that has a shape, does not need to be folded. Can be pinned, snappied or just layed in a wrap.
Fitteds A shaped diaper with either a velcro or snapped closure. This diaper needs a cover to be waterproof. Some fitted diapers come in a variety of sizes while others are "one size" designed to fit your baby throughout his or her diapering years.
Pockets A shaped diaper that is a waterproof cover with an inner layer of microfleece or suedecloth. The fleece or suedecloth keeps baby feeling dry by wicking moisture away from the skin. Between the microfleece and the outer layer is a pocket. You'll need to stuff the pocket with an insert or a prefold. Inserts come in microterry, hemp, or organic cotton. These diapers are extremely versatile because you can place one insert in the diaper for daytime or more inserts for nighttime use or for long outings. ***No cover needed
All In One's - A diaper and cover all-in-one! No need to use a separate diaper...or insert. ***No cover needed
PUL (polyurethane Laminate) covers come in velcro, side-snap, front-snap, and pull-on. These are laminated waterproof covers to use with prefolds, contours, or fitteds. With wrap style covers you can simply lay a prefold into your wrap and close and go (no pins or snappi needed).
Wool is a wonderful material. It is completely breathable, natural and leak proof. Depending on the style of the cover, these work very well for both day and night. They should be hand washed every couple of weeks or when soiled. They will need to be lanolized once a month. These come in pull-on types commonly called "soakers" or front snap, front velcro, & side snap. You can also purchase wool "longies" which are great nighttime covers and pajama bottoms as well!
Fleece These covers work like wool, in that they are breathable, but they are made from a synthetic material. These are usually thicker than PUL and some wools. These make good night-time covers. These can be washed in the washing machine.
Flat diapers are large square diapers that need to be folded. They can be pinned or snappied and placed in a diaper wrap. These diapers are extremely versatile and once you are finished using them as diapers, they can be used as household rags. If you are unfamiliar with folding flats and need some help, I recommend you check out Gumbush which has tons of information about flat diapers and various different folds!
Rectangular diapers that are slightly thicker in the middle. These need to be folded and can be pinned, snappied (a special plastic device that replaces the use of pins), or layed into a diaper wrap.
Contours A diaper that has a shape, does not need to be folded. Can be pinned, snappied or just layed in a wrap.
Fitteds A shaped diaper with either a velcro or snapped closure. This diaper needs a cover to be waterproof. Some fitted diapers come in a variety of sizes while others are "one size" designed to fit your baby throughout his or her diapering years.
Pockets A shaped diaper that is a waterproof cover with an inner layer of microfleece or suedecloth. The fleece or suedecloth keeps baby feeling dry by wicking moisture away from the skin. Between the microfleece and the outer layer is a pocket. You'll need to stuff the pocket with an insert or a prefold. Inserts come in microterry, hemp, or organic cotton. These diapers are extremely versatile because you can place one insert in the diaper for daytime or more inserts for nighttime use or for long outings. ***No cover needed
All In One's - A diaper and cover all-in-one! No need to use a separate diaper...or insert. ***No cover needed
PUL (polyurethane Laminate) covers come in velcro, side-snap, front-snap, and pull-on. These are laminated waterproof covers to use with prefolds, contours, or fitteds. With wrap style covers you can simply lay a prefold into your wrap and close and go (no pins or snappi needed).
Wool is a wonderful material. It is completely breathable, natural and leak proof. Depending on the style of the cover, these work very well for both day and night. They should be hand washed every couple of weeks or when soiled. They will need to be lanolized once a month. These come in pull-on types commonly called "soakers" or front snap, front velcro, & side snap. You can also purchase wool "longies" which are great nighttime covers and pajama bottoms as well!
Fleece These covers work like wool, in that they are breathable, but they are made from a synthetic material. These are usually thicker than PUL and some wools. These make good night-time covers. These can be washed in the washing machine.
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