Whenever I change Elliot’s diaper in public I am sure to get a “What is that?” question from a curious onlooker. They just can’t believe that the simple contraption I am using is a cloth diaper! Now that I have shared with you some common misconceptions I had regarding cloth diapers I want to show you the CD options that you never knew you had!

Prefolds and Covers

    Prefolds are what you normally think of when you think CDs. A lot of people use the cheep ones from Walmart or Babies R Us for spit rags or wash rags. They are fabric that has already been folded and sewn to stay in place. You then fasten them onto your baby with safety pins or the new “Snappi.”

    These are “Snappis.” They are the new alternative to safety pins for CDs. I have heard them described as those ace bandage fasteners with the little prongs that just hook into the material. Well, each of the three ends has one of those little hooks making it much easier and faster to put on a prefold diaper. After fastening the diaper you put a waterproof cover over the top to prevent leaks.

    They make these covers in many colors and patterns. You can see that this one has an elastic band around the leg holes and the back of the waste. Diaper covers can be reused throughout the day by letting one dry out while the other is being worn and then switching them at the next diaper change.

    Prefolds are the most economical choice when thinking about cloth diapering. They are also said to be the easiest to clean. However, they can be more difficult and annoying to change 8-10 times a day! -Especially for Dad or grandparents.

Fitteds and Covers

    These have the same principles at work as prefolds only they are a step up because the absorbent part is already shaped like a diaper and doesn’t need pins or Snappis to hold it together. You just put the “fitted diaper” on like you would a disposable and fasten it with the velcro or snaps that are on the diaper. Then, just like a prefold, you put a diaper cover over the top to prevent leeks.

    These are a little bit more expensive than prefolds, but still one of the most cost effective ways to cloth diaper. They are easier than prefolds, but still not as easy as some of the other options I am going to show you.

Pocket Diapers

    These are the kind of diapers we have. They require a little assembly on wash day, but after that, they are ready to go when you do a diaper change! Pocket diapers have a pocket in the back where you slide in an absorbent pad. The waterproof layer is sewn right into these babies so changing a diaper is one simple step. They come in all different colors and prints and you can choose between snaps or velcro. As you can see they have elastic sewn into the legs and waist to keep in messes. The inside layer (closest to the skin) is a really soft  fabric that absorbs wetness and keeps your baby’s skin dry.

    Pocket diapers are really easy for husbands and grandparents to change because they go on just like disposable diapers. They are more expensive than prefold and fitted diapers, but less expensive than the last option I will show you. The great thing about pocket diapers is that you can adjust the amount of absorbency you have and where you have it. Because Elliot is a boy and needs most of the leak protection in the front, I fold the pad and slide it all the way to the front of the diaper. During the night when you need extra absorbency you can double up. When you change your baby’s diaper you simply take out the pad and throw the whole thing into your diaper pale to be washed. When they are washed and dried you put the pads back inside the pockets and your diapers are ready for you to use. Also, because the pads come out, they wash and dry quicker.    

All-in-Ones

    All-in-One diapers, or AIOs, are exactly what they sound like. They are the most comparable to disposable diapers, except you wash them when they get soiled instead of throwing them away. Usually there is no assembly required (unlike the other options) and they just velcro or snap together. Everything else is very similar to the pocket diaper design. There is a waterproof outer layer and a soft inner layer that wicks away moister from your baby. The inside of the diaper has an absorbent pad sewn into it.

    These are the ultimate in simplicity, but can be the hardest to clean because you can’t really get to the inside layers yourself. They also take a really long time to dry because they absorb so much water from the wash. They are the most expensive of the CD options, but will still save you a ton of money compared to DDs.

    Prefolds, fitteds, pockets, and AIOs are the four categories that any cloth diaper sold today will fit into. Knowing their names and descriptions will help you navigate your way through the maze of CD websites. You may see slight variations or customizations out there, but you should be generally well equipped to know what they are talking about now. Next week we will take a look at the accessories that make cloth diapering a breeze!

        

...Check back next week for the continuation of Diaper Diaries   

Jessalyn