Cloth diapering 101

Michelle is a homeschooling mom to 6 with a grandbaby on the way; co sleeping, baby wearing, homebirthing, cloth diapering all while blogging at http://www.blessed-quiver.blogspot.com

I LOVE cloth diapers. This post is likely to get long because I have a lot to say about cloth diapers.

These diapers are not your mother’s diapers. These diapers are more like disposables. They are easy to use and easy to clean.

First let’s have a little tutorial for those cloth diaper newbies who may be reading. Please remember that this is just my opinion and everyone will have different results.

There are 4 basic kinds of cloth diapers: prefolds, AIO’s, fitteds with covers, pockets.

Prefolds-These are your mothers diapers. They are just the soft cotton square/rectangular diapers that you lay baby on and fold up. Now they make Snappis to fasten them with so you don’t have to use pins. These come in basically one or two colors; white and off-white. But you can tie dye them or color them.

Advantages: CHEAP, you choose absorbency

Disadvantages: time consuming to put on, several steps, bulky

AIO’s-These are almost exactly like disposables. They either snap or velcro. One step and you are done. These Berry Plush are especially soft, comfortable and cute. Every print and fabric imaginable can be found. These are best for short periods of time or when you feel lazy.

Advantages: quick, simple, slim

Disadvantages: can’t choose absorbency

Fitteds with covers: The bottom diaper is either snaps or velcro and it goes under a cover. (These must have a cover or they will get the clothing wet.) They come in various fabrics and designs, as will the covers. Usually the covers are plain though. As you can see in the picture, they aren’t all plain. These are Kissaluvs (my fave) and a Gen Y cover, which I thought was just so pretty, but that I’ve never actually used.

Advantages: ease of use, can choose absorbency

Disadvantages: two steps, can be bulky

Pockets: These are great for overnight and car rides. Every imaginable print or fabric. These are Blueberries which is a wonderful brand and one of my faves.

Advantages: last all night because you customize absorbency, they usually grow with baby a little better than other kinds

Disadvantages: STUFFING them gets tedious, hands can be too big

With cloth diapers there are “name brands” and then there are “generic brands”. Name brands are Bum Genius, Fuzzi Bunz, Kissaluvs and other brands like that, which are made by bigger companies and get national advertising. Generic brands are the work at home diapers like Loving, Caring, Anointed, and Kuddly Kreations. Basically moms who work from home to make a little extra money.

I suggest trying out a little of all and finding what you like. Every diaper will fit babies differently. And what you like for one baby may not work for another.