Types of Diapers
Not all diapers work for every baby. What may be lauded as the diaper to end all diapers might be the worst diaper you've ever tried and now you're out like $35. #Iaintbitterwhatdoyoumean.
AIO (All in One) Diapers
An absorbent layers sewn into a waterproof cover. Most look similar to disposable diapers. After used, the entire diaper is thrown into laundry pail.
Pros
Ease of Use
Most similar to disposables; no separates
More approachable for those unfamiliar with cloth (i.e., babysitter, daycare, grandparents)
Cons
Drying time; most manufacturers recommend line drying
Bulky, especially if you need to add more absorbency
Cost
Hybrids/ AI2 (All in Two) Diapers
A waterproof cover with a snap in or tucked in absorbent insert. These are typically sold with the inserts but you can mix and match as desired. When soiled, the insert is removed and the cover can be reused.
Pros
Ease of use; snap on or tuck in insert
Faster drying due to removable absorbent layers
Cover may be reused for multiple changes before laundering
Only need a few covers (4-6 is be sufficient)
Disposable inserts option
Cons
Incompatibility of inserts between brands
Drying time; can be long depending on the construction of the insert
Pocket Diapers
A waterproof cover with an attached stay-dry lining and an opening to allow for absorbent inserts to be stuffed in-between the outer and inner layers. When soiled everything is thrown into diaper pail.
Pros
Ease of use; stuff with insert
Customizable absorbency; switch out standard microfibre for cotton, bamboo, or hemp
Mix and match inserts across brands
Microsuede or microfleece pocket liner provides a stay-dry feeling
Cons
Laundry time; stuff inserts (all at once or as you go), and remove prior to wash (AppleCheeks will agitate out)
Some incompatibility of inserts between brands due to shape of the insert (i.e., Charlie Banana)
Overstuffing can cause leaks
Flats and Prefolds
Flats are a traditional one-layer cloth diaper which must be folded or wrapped on baby and fastened with pins, Snappi or Boingos.
Prefolds are similar; they are flat pieces of cloth that have been folded and sewn so there are more layers in the middle where absorbency is needed most. These can be folded and fastened or tri-folded.
Both of these require a cover, either wool, fleece or PUL or TPU.
Pros
Economical; cheapest way to cloth diaper (i.e., 100% cotton muslin burp cloths from IKEA, receiving blankets, flour sack towels from Walmart)
Flats are one-size fits most and offer a trim fit, great for newborns
Durability; can be used with multiple children without much wear and tear
Very absorbent
Good for hand washing and drying - quickest to dry when hung up
Can be repurposed (cleaning cloths) when baby is out of diapers
Hold their resale value well
Cons
Prefolds are sized, so you will need to size up as the baby grows
Can use large prefolds on smaller babies but they are bulky
Don't wick moisture away from baby's skin. Need a fleece liner for that stay-dry feeling
Need to also buy covers
Fitteds and Contour Diapers
Absorbent material sewn in the shape of a diaper. Fitteds can have some sort of snap that holds them in place and elastic in the legs. These also require a cover, either wool, fleece or PUL or TPU.
Pros
Entire diaper is very absorbent
Great for nighttime
Leg elastics help contain poop
Easy to boost absorbency with additional inserts
"Hybrid fitteds" have a layer of fleece. They can stay dry for a period of time thus you don't need a separate cover
Cons
Cost
OS is bulky on young babies
Drying time
Don't wick moisture away from baby's skin. Need a fleece liner for that stay-dry feeling
Need to also buy covers
PUL/ TPU Covers
Water-resistant diaper cover goes over a flat, prefold, or fitted diaper to contain everything. These are made of polyurethane laminate (PUL) or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), the difference mainly being how they are made. PUL is chemically bonded while TPU is a heat bonded. TPU covers offer a bit more stretch and feels softer than PUL covers.
Due to differences in lamination processes, care should be taken to read the washing instructions for each brand. Some allow for machine drying while others require line drying.
Some covers offer flap to hold inserts and prefolds in place (i.e., Diaper Rite 3.1, Flip, Blueberry Capri, Nikki's)
Pros
Economical; you only need 4-6 covers
Some have double leg gussets to contain the biggest messes
Can be reused multiple times before laundering
Breathable
Dry quickly, even when line-dried
Cons
Water-resistant, not water-proof!
Each brand has their own cut, it may take some trial and error to find what fits best on your baby
Wool and Fleece Soakers
Cover that goes over a flat, prefold, or fitted diaper to contain everything. These are made from felted, interlock or knit wool or fleece. These are often called "soakers", "shorties" or "longies."
Fleece can be laundered as normal. Wool needs to be hand washed every 2-3 weeks (or when soiled) and laid flat to dry, then relanolized.
Pros
Economical (only need 2-4)
Wool is very absorbent, great overnight solution
Wool has antimicrobial properties and can go longer between washes (2-3 weeks or when soiled)
Wool is very breathable for babies with wetness sensitivity
Easy to DIY covers from thrift shop sweaters and blankets
Fleece can be put into the regular laundry with your clothing
Cons
Wool must be lanolized before use
Wool must be hand-washed
Individual wool covers can be very expensive
Swim Diapers
Non-waterproof cloth designed to let liquids through and catch solids to avoid fouling in pools.
Pros
Economical
Cons
Does not hold liquid, change your baby right before you go swimming, not before leaving the house!