Cloth Diapering 101
So you've decided to go cloth! Welcome to the wonderful world of cloth diapering.
So what kind of Cloth Diaper is right for you? Sometimes trying to choose cloth diapers for the first time can be a bit overwhelming considering there are so many different brands and styles out there. Only you know what will work for you, your baby, and your lifestyle. You may decide to stick to one kind of diapering system, or you may want a little variety. Whatever you choose, we are here to help you in making your choice, and feeling good about it. We are always here if you have any questions.
At The Eco-Chic Baby, located in Nanaimo BC Canada, we currently offer some great packages (coming soon!) for parents who want to give cloth diapering a try, but don't know where to start. Basically we have done the work for you and came up with a comprehensive package of diapers to purchase and use. This will give you a chance to try all the different styles and brands too see what suits you and your baby.
Introducing the Cloth Diaper Test Drive Program at The Eco-Chic Baby
Alternatively, we have just introduced our Cloth Diaper Test Drive Program, based on a unique concept from Karen at New and Green Baby Co. in Vancouver, BC. This program allows you to rent a kit filled with an assortment of different types and brands of cloth diapers and supplies for 2 weeks. This way you will actually see, feel, and USE different kinds of diapers first hand before you commit to making the investment in cloth diapers for your child. This Program is Coming soon...we are in the midst of working out all the details and getting a variety of stock on hand. Details on the program are HERE.
Let's take a look at each kind of cloth diaper out there. Use this handy guide to figure out what is what in terms of cloth diapering.
Prefold Diaper
Prefolds are the most economical diapering system around. Basically, they are a piece of cloth that you can get in cotton, hemp, or sometimes even bamboo velour! There are different sizes for different sizes of babies. They are super affordable and can be used for cleaning up spills, or as recieving blankets too! Some people love the simplicity of prefolds, however, they do require some folding and the use of diaper pins (or snappis: we'll get to what those are later). You don't always have to use a snappi or pins though. You can easily trifold a prefold diaper and place it in the inner of a cover. These diaper do require a seperate cover as they are not waterproof on their own.
Fitted Diapers
Like prefolds, fitted diapers need a seperate cover in order to waterpoof the diaper. Fitted diapers are usually made with elastic around the legs, which contains more leaks and messy poops. The cost of fitted diapers range depending on the diaper. Often times, it may be the material that you are paying more for. For example, if you choose an organic material, the diapers will cost a bit more. Some of the materials used to make fitted diapers are cotton, bamboo, and hemp. Our favourite combo are the Thirsties Fab Fitteds paired with a bright Thirsties cover for ultimate leak protection. If you are looking for a combo for a heavy wetter, for example a combination for nitetime use, we reccomend pairing a Thirsties Fab Fitted Diaper under a Luxe Baby Wool Pull-Up Cover.
Contour Diapers
Contour diapers are similar to fitted diapers except they do not have elastics around the legs or back and require pins or a snappi to be fastened. They also need a waterproof cover.
Diaper Covers
Diaper covers come in a variety of forms. They have the same shape as a diaper and are therfore meant to go over the diaper as a waterproof covering. Use covers with fitted diapers or prefolds. Some use velcro or snaps as their closure material, while others resemble pull on underwear. Covers can come in such materials as polyester or vinyl, wool and fleece. Wool and fleece are more breathable types of covers and great to use if your baby is sensitive to polyester or vinyl.
Pocket Diapers
Pocket diapers are a great option as they don't require a cover like prefolds or fitteds. The cover is actually built on for you! Pocket diapers cost a little more than fitteds for that reason, but if convienience and ease of use is high on your list, consider a pocket diaper system. With pocket diaper, they require an insert that you slide right into the pocket in the diaper. The benefit of this is that you can choose your absorbency factor. When you take the dirty diaper off, all you have to do is shake the insert out of the diaper and throw it all in the diaper pail. No touching of dirty diapers required! We recommend either Fuzzi Bunz pocket diapers which come in an array of colours and sizes, or a Happy Heiny's One Size Pocket.
All-in-One Diapers (AIO)
All-in-one diapers are a one piece diapering system that is related to the pocket diaper. They are also the closest to resembling in disposable dipes. An AIO is basically a pocket diaper without the pocket. The absorbent material is actually sewn into the diaper, but sometimes it can be detachable. The fasterners used on this is much like a pocket diaper too - velcro (aplix) or snaps. These diapers are for sure the easiest to use and a favourite for daycares, dads, babysitters, and outings. They do take a little longer to dry than pocket diapers and do not offer much in customizing absorbency, however you can always add a doubler to these diapers to make it that much more absorbent. All-in-two diapers (AI2) are really similar to AIO's BUT the absorbent material is NOT sewn into the diaper. The advantage to this is that the drying time is shorter.
Pocket AIO
There is also a Pocket AIO diaper! This is most commenly known as a Hybrid diaper. Bascially it is an AIO diaper with a pocket opening. The advantage to this diaper is that you can use it with or without an insert. For example, you can use it without an insert for daytimes because the absorbent material is sewn in. For nights, you can add absorbency by stuffing the pocket with something like a hemp or microfibre insert or two.
So what are inserts, doublers, and liners?
Liners
Liners are usually thin layers of biodegradable paper that are placed on top of the inner diaper and touch your baby's skin. These are used for easier cleanup by keeping poop from getting on the actual fabric of the diaper. These can be flushed or thrown away once they are soiled. Other types of liners used are fleece and silk. Fleece works very well as it wicks away the wetness away from your babe's bum. Once soiled, poop can be be shaken from the fleece liner and the liner can go right into the diaper pail to wash. Another liner is a raw silk liner and work excellent for babies who have sensitivites to bio-liners and fleece liners.
Doublers
Doublers are thick pieces of material that are used to add absorbing power to your diapers. They can be added inside a fitted diaper, an AIO, or a prefold diaper. The are wonderful when you need some added protection like at night or when you are out and about.
Inserts
Are absorbent pieces of fabric that are placed inside a pocket diaper. Usually they contain a lot of layers that contribute to their absorbing abilities. They are made out of various materials like bamboo, mircofibre, terry, or hemp.
Any questions? Please don't hesiate to call or email us at info@theecochicbaby.com. We will be happy to help!
