Choosing a cloth diapering system

The possible combinations when it comes to cloth diapers are endless and can be quite confusing to a person who is trying to figure out what kind of a system to use. There are no right and wrong choices; it's all a matter of finding out what will work best for you and your baby. Here are a few basics that can help make your decision easier.

A cloth diapering "system" generally consists of the cloth diaper and a waterproof diaper cover. The cloth diaper absorbs the baby's waste, and the waterproof cover prevents leaks and messes from leaking beyond the cloth diaper. This article will break down and give descriptions of the main types of cloth diapers, and covers. There will also be a quick description of cloth diaper "All-in-ones" at the conclusion of the article.

The most basic cloth diaper is a called a "flat" cloth diaper. It is simply a flat, rectangular piece of cloth (usually fairly thin) that can be folded and manipulated into any shape needed. The benefits of this diaper include its versatility, its long life (since it can be folded to fit a very small baby, or a larger one), and its economy (flat diapers are generally the least expensive). This diaper is lacking in that it is generally more difficult and time consuming to use because it must be folded each time the baby is diapered. As the baby grows, the layers that can be folded into the diaper decrease and the absorbency of the diaper decrease with the number of layers. This is a wonderful diaper for newborns because it can easily be folded to fit a small baby, and can "grow" with the baby through the rabid growth spurt babies go through in the first few months. It can be pinned and used with pull on pants, or used with a snap or Velcro fitted wrap. (see below for description of diaper covers)

Although still fairly basic, the next step up from a flat diaper would be a pre-fold. Pre-folds are rectangular pieces of cloth with a thicker middle section that has multiple layers of absorbent material pre sewn into the diaper. Pre-folds can be bought in small, medium, and large sizes and various weights of fabric. The benefits of this type of diaper include its increased absorption capacity because of the middle "soaker" area (as compared to a flat diaper), it requires less folding before being used on the baby, larger sizes can be folded down somewhat to fit a smaller baby, so it can be used for an extended period of time. The drawbacks would be that the middle soaker area could be too bulky between the legs for small babies requiring that various sizes be bought for the child. Small sizes will eventually be outgrown. The diaper must still be folded, and either pinned and used with pull up pants, or used with a fitted snap or Velcro wrap. (See below for description of diaper covers)

The next step up would be fitted diapers. Fitted diapers are the top end when it comes to cloth diapers. They generally will have elastic around the legs and waist, a multi-layer center core for absorbancy and snap or Velcro closures. They come in multiple sizes, and the sizes vary depending on the manufacturer. They very much resemble a modern day disposable diaper. The benefits to this type of diaper include ultimate ease of use. There is no folding required. A better fit can sometimes be achieved with a fitted diaper because there is less bulk (due to not having to fold so many layers as with a flat or pre-fold diaper). On the down side, fitted diapers can be quite expensive. Multiple sizes must be purchased as the baby grows, and smaller sizes will be completely outgrown since they can not be re-folded to grow with the baby. The styles of fitted diapers vary quite a bit depending on the manufacturer, so it may take some trial and error before finding a fitted diaper that fits your baby correctly. This diaper does not need to be pinned, and can be used with pull on pants or a fitted cover. (See below for description of diaper covers)

In addition to the cloth diaper, you will need to use a waterproof diaper cover. Most covers are made of either vinyl or nylon.

The simplest covers are the traditional pull on "plastic" pants. Pull on pants are quite economical, easy to use, allow for a fair amount of growth, and can be used over any type of diaper. On the downside, if you are not using a self-closing diaper (such as a fitted diaper with Velcro or snaps) you will have to pin the diaper closed with diaper pins. Plastic pants alone will not hold a diaper closed. They also tend to be a bit bulky.

Another alternative is a fitted cover. Fitted covers generally snap or Velcro close at the sides of the diaper. They will generally have elastic at the legs and waste, and may also have leg gussets to help control leakage. They are made to fit securely around the cloth diaper removing the need to pin the diaper closed with safety pins. Fitted covers come in many sizes, styles, and decorative colors. They are quick and easy to use, especially when teamed up with fitted diapers. However, they are more expensive than pull on pants. They are also less adjustable and will be outgrown quicker than pull on pants.

One other cover that should almost be in a class of it's own is a wool soaker. Soakers are crocheted or knitted of 100% wool, and then treated with lanolin to maintain their absorbent properties. They can either be fitted or pull on. Soakers are very absorbent, ultimately breathable, and very soft. They are generally the most expensive option however, and multiple sizes must be purchased. They will also need to be re-treated with lanolin on a regular basis to remain effective.

The last option is called and All-In-One. This is a cloth diaper and waterproof cover sewn into one diaper. They are used very much like a disposable since there is not a separate diaper and cover. They excel in ease of use, but are costly and may be difficult to clean. It is also somewhat hard to find one that will fit correctly, and several styles may have to be tried before the perfect fit is found.

After you determine which type of diaper and cover will fit your needs, you will need to start out with at least 2 dozen newborn size cloth diapers, and six to a dozen wraps. The more you buy, the less often you will have to do laundry! Don't be afraid to mix and match and try new types of diapers.