Cloth Diapers 

If you have decided to use cloth diapers and are trying to navigate through the sea of cloth diapers that are available nowadays here is a little help.

Definitions of the types of cloth diapers that are available to you

Prefolds and wraps:

Prefolds come as a flat diaper that has 4-8 plys of cotton or flannel in the center section and 2-6 plys of cotton or flannel on the outer edges. If you choose to use wraps with your prefolds you no longer need to use pins to secure your prefolds in place simply fold them to fit the inside of your wrap and then put them on your baby.  If you decide to use a plastic or polyurethane diaper cover you can also secure the prefold using snappi diaper fastener, which are a great alternative to pinning.

Pocket diapers and inserts:

Pocket diapers have a waterproof outer layer with a soft cloth inside layer. Between those two layers there is a pocket in which a diaper doubler can be placed. A diaper doubler can be any absorbent material you wish to use.  Even prefold diapers can be used inside a pocket diaper to increase its absorbency. Simply pull out the material from the pocket when you throw these diapers into the wash and you are all done.

Fitted Diapers and covers:

Fitted diapers are just as the name implies.  They come in 4 standard sizes from infant to x large and when they fit properly provide excellent leak coverage for your baby’s little messes. A fitted diaper is different then a pocket diaper because they require the use of a wrap or diaper cover in order to keep the moisture away from babies clothes.

All in Ones (AIO)

AIOs look very similar to commonly used disposable diapers and are just as convenient to use.  The AIO diapers have a waterproof outer layer and a fully absorbent cloth inner layer.  These diapers are generally fitted diapers that have the cover built right in.  You just put them on and when they are soiled take them off and throw then directly into the washing machine.  AIOs are the closest thing to a disposable diaper in the cloth-diapering world.

How many Diapers should you buy:

The number of cloth diapers that you require will depend on the amount of times you wish to do your laundry every week.  On average somewhere between one to two dozen diapers will do the trick.  This will allow you to do laundry ever other day or so. If your baby is a heavy wetter and frequent pooper you may with to have 2 dozen diapers on hand so that you are not rushing to do diapers every night before you go to bed.

Washing instructions:

You should consult the washing instructions that come with your diapers however here is a general idea of what is involved.

Take your new diapers and wash them two to three times in the washing machine and dryer before their first use.  This is a recommended practice to help the diapers reach their maximum absorbency level before their first use.

Throw your dirty diapers into a hot water wash and add a small amount of “free and clear” detergent.  If your diapers are extra soiled you may with to use the pre wash and second rinse cycles on your machine.  Take the diapers from the washer and throw them into the dryer.

If you do happen to have a diaper rash problem, you can add some vinegar to your wash cycle and this will help kill any bacteria that might be in your cloth diaper.  WARNING if you are using a pocket diaper or an AIO make sure that you check with the diaper manufacture about the use of washing products other then detergent with your diapers.  They may have a suggestion on what you can use if you are unable to use a small amount of vinegar. Make sure you do NOT use any type of fabric softener in either the washing machine or the dryer with your cloth diapers, as it will inhibit the absorbency of your diapers.   

Choosing which diapers to use:

If you are looking to use cloth diapers to save money then your best savings will come from using prefold diapers with a wrap or a plastic pant cover. 

If you are looking to use cloth diapers for environmental reasons but still want some of the convenience that you would get from using disposable diapers then you may want to look into using AIOs, fitted diapers or Pocket diapers.

Remember you do not need to choose only one style and stick with it from day one.  Many places that sell cloth diapers will also have package deals that offer you a variety of each kind of cloth diaper so that you can choose which ones work the best for you.  You may find that using prefolds at home is a great choice for you but that having a few pocket diaper of AIOs work best when you your baby is with a babysitter, or a daycare.