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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pros

• Economical

Cons

• Does not hold liquid, change your baby right before you go swimming, not before leaving the house!