The majority of parents today use disposable diapers. It is almost a given in our society that your life will be filled with runs to the grocery store to pick up another batch of diapers. Then, the baby will do its business in each diaper, and off they go into the trash can, never to be seen again.
Despite the popularity of disposable diapers, there is a new movement of cloth diapering spreading amongst parents in the know. A cloth diaper is no longer a recipe for fathers and mothers to fumble around with a square piece of fabric and some diaper pins. The new generation of cloth diapers features comfy fleece, Velcro or snaps, and way-too-cute designs.
The parents who choose to cloth diaper nowadays are doing so to help the environment and, depending on the brand of cloth diaper, to save money. There are many types of cloth diapers available.
One kind of cloth diaper is a flat diaper. They are one layer, traditional cotton diapers that require folding, and have generally fallen out of use because they need pins or some other way of holding the diaper together. A similar option is the prefold diaper. They have multiple layers in the middle and can be found in stores like Target and Wal-Mart.
Prefolds come in many sizes, good for your ever-growing baby. Parents who start out using these and graduate to other kinds of diapers often end up using prefolds as inserts in the diapers described below. Prefolds are not the easiest option as they must be pinned or held together with diaper clips. Both prefolds and flats require a diaper cover.
Moving along towards easier to use diapers are the fitted variety. Fitted diapers appear much like a disposable, and can have Velcro or snaps to close the diapers. They are generally made out of cotton or hemp for more absorption. Fitted diapers still require a diaper cover to keep your babies clothes (and your clothes) dry.
Diaper covers come in a variety of shapes and sizes as well. Some are of the simple pull on variety and others have Velcro to fasten them. Whatever diaper cover you choose, it will be waterproof and cover the diaper underneath.
Despite those diaper options, many come to cloth diapering because they want something easy. Flats, prefolds, and fitteds may be alright for some, but other want to come as close to a disposable as possible.
Pocket diapers are one way to achieve that. They usually feature a fleece or suedecloth inside that wicks moisture away from your baby. Pocket diapers close using either snaps or velcro. They are called pocket diapers because there is a pocket where you stuff a microfiber insert. This insert is what absorbs the wetness. You can add more or less inserts as needed. Pocket diapers have and waterproof PUL layer. These are the most popular type of cloth diaper.
All in One Diapers are also a choice in the world of cloth diapering. They are similar to pocket diapers, but do not have a removable insert. They have a PUL waterproof layer. These diapers take quite a bit longer to dry than pocket diapers because the insert is not removable. Both Pocket and All in One diapers are similar to disposables in their ease of use.
