Best Cloth Diapers

Best Cloth Diapers Buying Guide

What Is a Cloth Diaper?

Flats/Prefolds

This cloth diaper consists of two parts: an absorbent inner layer and an outer waterproof cover. The inner layer is either a “flat” or “prefold.” A flat is typically a large single flat piece of absorbent material (usually cotton, hemp or a blend). A prefold is traditionally made of several layers of absorbent fabric sewn together into a rectangle that is folded into three sections with a thicker, more absorbent area in the middle section. Prefolds are generally preferred over flats because prefolds have more absorbency and fabric thickness right where it’s needed most – in the middle. Flats and prefolds need a waterproof cover because they are not waterproof on their own. A waterproof diaper wrap is usually enough to hold the absorbent inner layer in place. A wool or pull-on waterproof cover will require a fastener (like the Snappi, Boingo or safety pin) to secure the flat or prefold.

The Pros:

• This is the most cost-effective cloth diapering option. Covers can be reused multiple times and flats and pre-folds are both inexpensive and easy to clean.
• They’re also a favorite for newborns because newborn prefolds and covers are designed to fit small babies. They dry quickly and are great at preventing leaks. You will need to size up the prefold and cover after a few months.
• Folding can be customized for the baby’s size and for the preferred fit.
• They are durable and should last through multiple children.
• They are versatile. You can also use the absorbent inner layer as burp cloths, changing pads and even dust rags.

The Cons:

• This is probably the most complicated cloth diapering method to learn. Even if you’re using a prefold, you’ll need to learn how to fold to get a custom fit. Check out our Flats and Prefolds Videos page for tips and how-to.
• Requires cloth fasteners (see above) for most folds as well as a waterproof wrap or cover.
• Are bulkier than other diaper cloth options.
• Natural fiber flats and prefolds need to be washed and dried several times to strip out the natural oils that inhibit absorption. It then takes several more laundry cycles to reach maximum absorbency and fluffiness.

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Best Cloth Diapers Buying Guide

Covers

Diaper covers provide a waterproof layer over flat, prefolds, and fitted cloth diapers. If not stained, covers do not need to be swapped out with every diaper change and can be used more than once. A diaper cover is not required for All-in-Ones or Pocket diapers. There are many styles of covers to choose from:

• Waterproof Covers
  This is the most popular style and is usually made of a poly knit bonded to a thin, clear film of polyurethane plastic to contain moisture.
• One Size Covers
  These adjustable covers are designed to fit most babies from birth until potty training. Sizing is adjustable with snaps or hook and loop (like Velcro) allowing the cover to "grow" with the baby so you don’t need to buy multiple sizes.
• Newborn Covers
  These covers are designed to fit most babies form birth until about 12-15 pounds. They are usually made to protect the umbilical area.
• Pull-On Covers
  These covers are ideal when the underlying absorbent diaper is secured with a closure such as a pin or Snappi. Just pull up and you’re done. Gentle on the waist and thigh, pull-ons come in both waterproof and wool styles.
• Wool Covers
  These covers are natural, cool, antimicrobal and breathable. A wool cover will hold 30% of its weight in liquid and also naturally evaporates moisture to help keep things dry. Wool diaper covers are not waterproof and require treatment with lanolin to be water-resistant.

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Best Cloth Diapers Buying Guide

Fitteds

Messy poops? Heavy wetter? Looking for a nighttime diaper? Try fitted diapers. These diapers are contoured in shape and secured to baby with Velcro or snap closures. There’s no need to fold these diapers but a waterproof diaper cover is required.

With fitteds you don't have to worry about pins or bunching and because they often have elasticized legs, you don't get leakage. They are less bulky than regular diapers so babies can roll, crawl and walk a lot easier.

Fitteds come in a variety of size options which provide a trim fit without excess bulk. There are also one size options for families who want to save money and newborn sizes with an umbilical notch.

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Best Cloth Diapers Buying Guide

Pocket

Pocket diapers consist of three different layers. A waterproof outer shell is attached to an inner "stay dry" lining. These two layers form a pocket that is stuffed with the third layer, an absorbent insert. The absorbent insert (such as a pad or prefold) can be layered to customize absorbency.

Most pocket diapers are lined in stay-dry materials like fleece or suede cloth so baby will feel dry because urine passes through the liner and absorbs into the pocket insert. With a soiled diaper, “unstuffing” the pocket can get messy. If the lining is polyester, you’ll have synthetic fibers against the baby’s skin. Our choice for the pocket cloth diaper, the Rumparooz One Size, has a hypoallergenic lining.

Because of the design, the pocket diaper cover needs to be washed after every use. Also, unless you use a specially designed insert, a prefold cloth diaper will need to be folded before inserting it into the pocket. The key advantage of a pocket cloth diaper is the choice of inserts which can be customized for day and night usage.

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Best Cloth Diapers Buying Guide

All-in-Ones

All-in-Ones are premium cloth diapers that are generally pricier than the other types. The primary benefit is that these are one-piece diapers just like disposables but reusable. They don’t require separate covers, stuffing or folding.

All-in-Ones consist of a set of absorbency layers sewn inside of an outer waterproof cover. Some brands, like our recommended bumGenius Freetime All-in-One, have a handy extra pocket sewn into the diaper for stuffing additional inserts. This is useful if you have a heavy wetter or need extra absorbency overnight.

The primary disadvantage of All-in-Ones is that the diapers must be washed after every change which means that you’ll need to keep a big stash on hand. Also, these diapers cannot be machine dried (because of the covers) so they will take longer to dry. Even with these drawbacks, they are very convenient for quick changes and the sheer simplicity of design make them great for first-time cloth users who want to keep things simple.

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Best Cloth Diapers Buying Guide

Hybrids

A Hybrid cloth diaper is comprised of a reusable waterproof (or water resistant) cloth diaper cover that is paired with an absorbent insert of your choice. Hybrid cloth diapers are sometimes called an All-in-Two or AI2. The Hybrid got its name because the absorbency layer(s) can be either cloth or disposables.

The cover is typically made of polyester fabric with a thin layer of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) laminate (like a standard cloth diaper cover). If not soiled, the cover can be wiped clean and reused a few times before washing.

Inserts can be chosen based on need and preference. For example, you can choose to use cloth inserts (like flats and prefolds) at home and disposables when travelling or out and about. Hybrids are easy to customize for heavy wetters or for nighttime usage by using different or layered inserts. Eco-friendly inserts are another popular choice but typically a costlier option.

Hybrids are eco-friendly, long-lasting and economical. One key disadvantage is that a Hybrid cloth diaper system usually has a longer learning curve but with a little practice, this is less of a concern.

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