When you first start researching cloth diapers, you may feel a bit overwhelmed by the huge array of choices. With a little basic information, you'll see that choosing a cloth diapering system does not have to be all that complicated.
In order to understand the different types of cloth diapers, you'll need to know that no matter what system you use, your diaper will consist of an absorbent layer that sits next to (or near) your baby's skin and absorbs moisture, and a waterproof layer that is on the outside and prevents moisture from leaking out. The absorbent layer and the waterproof layer can be designed in several different ways, which can be boiled down to four main types of cloth diapers.
Four Types of Cloth Diapers
Prefold Diapers
Fitted DIapers
All in Ones
Pocket Diapers
Prefolds
The term prefold refers to a rectangular shaped absorbent layer. Several layers of absorbent material are sewn together to make one prefold. Prefolds must be folded, and you can experiment with several different types of folds to suit your needs. Prefolds do not have a built in waterproof layer, so you must buy covers separately.
These diapers are very inexpensive, but they are the most work when it comes to changing time because they must be folded.
Fitted Diapers
The term fitted diaper refers to an absorbent layer that is shaped just like a disposable. This type of diaper normally has gathers at the legs for a snug fit, and closes with snaps or hook and loop (like velcro). Fitted diapers do not have a built in waterproof outer layer, so they must be worn with a separate cover.
They are quite convenient since no folding is necessary, and although you will need to buy some separate diaper covers, they covers stay clean and dry, so they can be reused for several changes. Fitted diapers generally cost a little more than prefolds but are less expensive than AIOs or pocket diapers.
Pocket diapers
Pocket diapers are made of an outer, waterproof layer and a soft liner which are sewn together on three sides to form a pocket. The pocket must be stuffed with a separated absorbent layer. Because the outer layer comes in contact with baby's skin, it must be changed with each diaper change. You'll need to separate the absorbent layer from the pocket after each diaper change in order to wash pocket diapers correctly.
Pocket diapers are quite convenient, but they are more expensive than prefold and fitted diapers. They are slightly more work than all in ones because they need to be assembled, but they dry faster than all in ones because they can be separated.
All in Ones
All in ones, sometimes referred to as AIO, are a one piece cloth diapering system. They are a combination of an absorbent layer and a waterproof layer sewn together into a single, one piece diaper. All in ones are extremely easy to use because they is no need to fold or assemble the diaper in any way. These diapers can be a good choice to use with babysitters or other care givers who are not entirely comfortable with cloth diapering. They are also handy to use when you are out with your baby for the day because they are extremely easy to change on the go.
Because AIOs are a one piece system, you will need a fresh all in one for each diaper change.
All in one cloth diapers are more expensive than prefold and fitted diapers, and closely comparable to pocket diapers (depending on other options you choose) in price. If this type of cloth diaper is out of your price range, you may choose to fill out the majority of your diaper stash with less pricey styles, and buy are couple of AIOs to have on hand when you want the extra convenience of an all in one system.
Making Your Choice
Keep in mind that you do not have to use one type of cloth diapers exclusively. Some parents decide upon one specific type of cloth diaper work for them, but many parents buy a few different styles in order to meet different needs.
