Learning about diaper styles
ALL-IN-ONES
All-in-one cloth diapers most closely replicate the disposable diaper. In an all-in-one diaper, the waterproof outer cover, the absorbent middle layer, and a soft inner layer are sewn together as one unit, and fasten together with Velcro or snaps. Changing these diapers is as simple as taking off the dirty diaper and putting on a clean one. Shop Now »
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This style of diaper can often convince reluctant spouses that cloth diapering is not going to be difficult. All-in-ones are also great if you're worried about your babysitter or mother-in-law trying to sneak in a pack of disposables.
POCKETS
Similar to an all-in-one diaper, pocket diapers consist of a waterproof outer cover and a soft inner layer. The difference is that the absorbent layer is not sewn into the diaper, but inserted into a pocket between the inner and outer layers. These inserts can be anything from a prefold or washcloth to inserts designed specifically for the diaper, and are available in differing levels of absorbency. Shop Now »
Diaper Lab Results:
Pocket diapers are very flexible! Many people use them at night, because you can use a more absorbent insert for heavy wetters.
DIAPER COVERS
Diaper covers provide the waterproof outer layer for fitted, contour, and prefold diapers. Usually made from polyurethane-laminated cloth (commonly called PUL), cover styles include pull-ups, which are elasticized around the waist and legs, or wraps, which are fastened with Velcro or snaps. Covers are also available in wool, a naturally water-resistant fiber. Because diaper covers are made in specific sizes, a baby might require two or more sizes of diaper covers over the course of diapering. Shop Now »
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A collection of covers is always helpful to have around, whether for prefolds on infants or with a big fitted at night with a toddler. You can never go wrong!
FITTEDS
Fitted diapers are held snug by elasticized waist and legs and secured by hook-and-loop (Velcro) or snaps. They consist of absorbent material covered with a soft layer (often microfleece) that touches the skin. Fitted diapers are not waterproof; these diapers require a separate waterproof cover. Because fitted diapers are made in specific sizes, a baby might require two or more sizes of fitted diapers over the course of diapering. Shop Now »
Diaper Lab Results:
Fitted diapers are another great addition to have on hand. They are particularly useful for infants at nights or with other caregivers, as well as providing extra absorbency at night and naps for older babies or heavy wetters.
PREFOLDS
Prefold diapers consist of a rectangular absorbent cloth, such as cotton, with a thicker, more absorbent middle section and two thinner side sections. Prefolds are often what people think of when they picture a cloth diaper. This type of diaper requires a cover. Shop Now »
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If you received a package of this type of diaper at your baby shower, you might have been intending to use them as burp cloths. However, with the addition of a few diaper covers, prefolds become the perfect solution for cloth diapering (and our most popular) during the first two months!
CONTOURS
Contour diapers fall in-between prefolds and fitted diapers. Shaped like an hourglass, these diapers do not need to be folded to fit, but they also do not have any of the extra features (elastic, Velcro, or snaps) found with a fitted diaper. Because of their shape, a baby might require two sizes of contour diapers over the course of diapering.
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Countour diapers are a nice compromise between the excellent value of a prefold and the ease-of-use of a fitted diaper.
TRAINING PANTS
As with cloth diapers, there are different styles of cloth training pants. The traditional training pant resembles cotton underwear with a thick absorbent panel. This style is not waterproof, so accidents will occur. Pocket training pants pull up and down like underwear, but have a pocket for absorbable inserts, similar to the pocket diaper. Finally, there are waterproof training pants that consist of thick cotton underpants combined with a waterproof cover. Shop Now »
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Many people find that cloth-diapered babies potty train more easily than babies in disposables. Cloth Training Pants are also a great way to save money (and trips to the store!) when you still have a few accidents occurring!
SWIM DIAPERS
Swim diapers are designed to hold in solids, not liquids. Pocket diapers can transition into swim diapers easily—just pull out the absorbent insert. Or there are cloth diapers made specifically for the water. Many are made out of swimsuit material and resemble underwear. Some manufacturers make girls swim tops in matching material. There are also swim diapers designed for boys that resemble swim shorts. Shop Now »
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Not only are they cute and fun, but many pools now require a diaper cover like these!
