S'more Fluff : Cloth Diapering 101

I fell into the idea of cloth diapering while I was pregnant with Marshmallow. I had no idea what I was getting into when I first decided cloth diapering was something I wanted to do. The world of cloth diapers is much different than what my mom told me about cloth diapers from 20 plus years ago. I came across things like AIO, fitteds, PUL, snappis, pockets, hybrids, prefolds, soakers, wet bags, aplix, snaps and the list goes on. The world of cloth diapers certainly was no longer prefolds, diaper pins and plastic pants. But a new confusing world with a million options.

I found out that a local store, Zoolikins, carries cloth diapers. So I met a friend who cloth diapered, and had offered to meet me at the shop and started to explore the new world of cloth diapering. It helped me to get my hands on the various options and see in person how they worked and also test them out. The shop has a stuffed bear you can try various diapers out on, to see how they all work. Between my friend and the shop employee I learned a ton that afternoon and left encouraged. I knew we would be cloth diapering for sure after that day. I also had a small idea of what route of cloth diapering we would be taking after playing with what seemed like a million choices.

Below is a basic breakdown of the various types of covers and diapers available for cloth diapering. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Hope this is helpful.

DIAPER TYPES:

All-In-One Diapers :
These are usually just called AIOs. These are what I would consider to be the simplest and easiest form of cloth diapering. The diaper is all one piece and is put on a child the same way as a disposable diaper. It has the waterproof layer (known as PUL) and all the absorbent layers sewn together. We will be using a bunch of these during the newborn stage with Skywalker. Personally, I do not like these as a child gets older, as there is no way to change the absorbency of the diaper. It also takes forever to dry, since everything is sewn in place and all together. It is great for those that need user friendly diapers. Anyone can use these, no instructions are required.

Pocket Diapers : 

These are another very user friendly diapers. But do require a little assembly before using on your little. The main part of the diaper has a pocket. The diaper alone has no absorbent qualities. Something has to be placed in the pocket to make the diaper become absorbent. Most pocket diapers come with an insert or two. Inserts can be made from several materials, such as microfiber, bamboo, hemp or cotton. Pocket diapers when completely assembled are just as easy to use as AIO diapers. Personally, this is what we mainly used with Marshmallow as he got older. I liked that I could change the absorbency by choosing the number of inserts I put in the diaper. I also like that the diaper comes apart for the washing and drying. Since the absorbency layers come out it makes the drying process much quicker. And I can throw the inserts in the dryer, while hang drying the diaper. These are another great user friendly option, as long as they are assembled for the new user.

All-In-Two Diapers :

Commonly called AI2s. These are a combination, sorta, of an AIO and a pocket diaper. Instead of a pocket for the absorbent layers to go inside of in the diaper. The absorbent layer is usually attached to the inside of the diaper via snaps. Many of these diapers come with multiple layers to give the opportunity for various absorbency. Again this has a PUL layer on the outside and the absorbent layer attached to the inside. We uses a handful of this style with Marshmallow. I liked again that I could change the absorbency on the diaper, as needed. It again was great for drying, as they are separate parts. The inserts again are made from various materials, but more limited than the inserts used with pocket diapers. Things like microfiber should not touch baby's bum as it can dry it out. So most of these inserts are made from materials like bamboo or hemp. As long as these are pre-assembled, these are another great user friendly diaper style.

Hybrids : 

Hybrids can be a cross over of both the disposable and cloth diapering worlds. These diapers consist of a shell that is PUL material. Then the insert is placed inside. How it is placed inside, depends on the brand. Many of the hybrid brands offer both a disposable insert or a reusable insert. Most of these that use disposable inserts are actually biodegradable inserts. Which appeals to many of those that choose to got this route. These are fairly easy to use. Again great if assembled ahead of time for new users.
[I do not have any Hybrids personally, but I will post a picture soon of one.]

Fitted Diapers :

Fitteds similar to AI2 in the way they are set up. The difference is that there is no PUL layering in fitted diapers. These are a breathable diaper. The whole diaper is made of absorbent material, plus the insert. If left long enough in the diaper, it will leak. As nothing is preventing the diaper from doing so. They are made in a way to help make it so they will last a couple hours before leaks or needing to have the diaper changed. I personally love fitted diapers and hope to build our diaper stash with this type of diaper for Skywalker. These are breathable which helps reduce a lot rash issues that come from sitting in a wet diaper, especially over night. I used these with Marshmallow overnight with a cover, a fleece cover to keep everything breathable. I love that absorbency can be changed. And again nice to have parts for drying to help speed that up. These do take a while to dry, as the diaper portion with the elastic is absorbent. But the inserts can still be dried in a dryer if so choose to do so. Another user friendly option, but let user know to either use with a cover or to watch for when changes are needed to keep from having leak issues.

Prefolds :
Prefolds are one of the cheapest options in cloth diapering. They can be a bit complicated to use and have a minor learning curve to use. Typically they are made from hemp, bamboo or cotton. The absorbency varies depending on material of prefold and the layers the prefold. Many prefolds have a 4-8-4 layer system. There are 4 layers on each side and the center is thicker. Prefolds must be folded and held in place by either diaper pins or something like a Snappi (which is pictured below). Prefolds need to be used in combination with a cover to make it waterproof.

Flats :
Flats are similar to prefolds in that they need to be folded, held in place and used with a cover for a waterproof option. These are a bit more complex than prefolds, as with flats you have to create the absorbent area in the diaper with folding the fabric various ways to create layers. This is a great cheap option. Many just use receiving blankets as a flat, but really can use any absorbent material as a flat diaper. You can also purchase flats that are typically made from cotton, bamboo or hemp. These do have a learning curve, but a great option once you learn how to use them.
[I do not have a photo of a flat at the moment, but will add one soon.]


DIAPER COVERS :

PUL Cover :
PUL, as previously stated, is the waterproof material used diapers. These are a shell to be used with fitteds, prefolds or flats. They can be reused between washes. Just wipe out between changes and let dry. I rotated between 2-3 covers a day on average. Only really pulled a new one to use when a cover got messy.

Fleece Cover : 

Fleece is a great breathable diaper cover option. Fleece is naturally water resistant, so will create a barrier from letting leaks out. You do need to wash fleece after each use, no special washing is required. Just throw in with regular baby wash. Fleece is typically inexpensive to purchase and also fairly easy to sew, if you have a sewing machine and basic sewing skills. You can actually use any 100% polyester fleece pant as a diaper cover in a pinch. However, ones that are sewn specifically for diaper covers have an extra layer sewn in the wet zone, for extra protection. Fleece covers can be used over any diaper to create an extra leak protection layer, but great for breathable options with fitteds, flats or prefolds.

Wool Cover :
This is another breathable diaper cover option. These are usually fairly pricey, but great to use. Wool itself does not offer any water resistant qualities, but these are prepped in a way to make them water resistant. They need to be put through a lanolin wash to coat the wool cover. These can be used several times between washes, but do have a special wash routine. The lanolin process is one that does not have be done often, but does need to be repeated over time. Again, this is a great breathable diaper option when paired with prefolds, flats or fitteds.
[I do not have any wool covers to photograph at the moment, but will add a photo soon.]