Confused by your options when it comes to cloth diapers? Let's make this simple:
Prefolds
This is the "old-fashioned" cloth diaper: flat, rectangular, with more absorbency in the center. You would fold this diaper and secure it with pins or a snappi. Since a prefold is absorbent, but not waterproof, you would have to add a waterproof layer - a diaper cover.
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Pros: Cheapest option. Fast drying. Can be used as burp cloths, diaper inserts, rags, etc.
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Cons: Requires folding and some practice - not good for babysitters, etc. Requires a diaper cover - more to organize and creates a slower diaper change. Absorbent layer is against baby's skin unless you use an additional stay-dry insert - baby feels wet, can cause diaper rash, and absorbent layer will get stained.
Fitted or Contour Diapers
This type of diaper is like a prefold, but does not need to be folded. It is already contoured or "fitted" like a diaper. It closes with snaps or velcro. Since a fitted diaper is absorbent, but not waterproof, you would have to add a waterproof layer - a diaper cover.
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Pros: Cheaper than all-in-one diapers or pocket diapers. Easier than prefolds.
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Cons: Requires a diaper cover - more to organize and creates a slower diaper change. Absorbent layer is against baby's skin unless you use an additional stay-dry insert - baby feels wet, can cause diaper rash, and absorbent layer will get stained.
Diaper Covers
A waterproof covering of plastic (PUL) or wool that goes over a prefold or fitted cloth diaper. Closes with velcro or snaps. Elastic at the waist and legs. You only need one diaper cover for every 4-5 diapers.
All-in-One Diapers
This type of cloth diaper has absorbent and waterproof layers sewn together into one fitted shape. Usually has a microfleece lining against baby's skin. Microfleece allows urine to pass-through to an absorbent center, so baby feels dry. Closes with velcro or snaps.
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Pros: No separate parts to organize. Fast diaper change. Microfleece lining - baby feels dry, helps prevent diaper rash, stain-resistant.
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Cons: Harder to sanitize when washing because the absorbent layers are sewn flat, limiting agitation and waterflow to the absorbent center. Takes a long time to dry. Not very absorbent - not typically suitable for overnight with older babies.
Pocket Diapers
Pocket diapers are our favorite type of diaper. They balance our needs for convenience, savings, reliability, and ease-of-care. Pocket Diapers have a fitted shape, just like disposables, and close with snaps or velcro. They have a waterproof outer, sewn together with a stain-resistant microfleece or microsuede interior so baby will feel dry. Pocket Diapers are different from all-in-ones because the absorbent layer is not sewn into the diaper. Instead, there is an opening at the back of the diaper so that you can slide in an absorbent insert core. This design allows you to add extra absorbency when you need it, such as overnight. Plus, the absorbent insert is removed for washing and drying purposes for a more sanitary, fast-drying cloth diaper.
Here's how I see it
Cheapest Option: Prefolds are definitely cheapest, but keep in mind that they aren't babysitter-friendly, and you'll have to organize/put-on separate pieces.
Most Convenient Option: All-in-one diapers appear to be most convenient, since you don't have to stuff them. However, with the long dry time and inability to stuff them for extra absorbency, I've never been happy with them. Pocket Diapers are the most convenient type if you want ONE kind of diaper that can do overnight duty from baby to toddler. Pocket Diapers are also pretty cost-effective if you choose a one-size brand like BumGenius.
Most Natural/Eco-Friendly Option: If you want to completely avoid plastic, fitted diapers with wool covers are the way to go. Fitteds are easier than prefolds and are also available in organic cotton for the purest cloth diaper solution. We offer Organic Caboose fitteds and covers, which are made in America with certified organic fibers.
Whew! I hope that clears up some confusion. If you still have questions, just give us a call us toll-free at 866-282-8261 or email me at rachel@euphoriababy.com.
Looking for convenience? Checkout my favorite pocket diaper at Why Choose BumGenius 3.0 One-size Diapers. Do you want to keep it natural? Indulge in the greenest option at Why Choose Organic Caboose Diapers.