Cloth Diapering – The Basics

There are four basic types of cloth diapers

1. All in One Cloth Diapers (AIO’s) - I recommend these diapers for first-time users. They are easy to use and most like a disposable diaper regarding how they are put on. They have a built in diaper cover sewn into the cotton or fleece layer. They fasten with snaps or velcro. You do not need a separate diaper cover. However, AIOs can take extra drying time since they are thicker and don't come apart.

2. Fitted or Contoured Cloth Diapers - These diapers are fitted with snaps or velcro. They DO require diaper covers.

3. Pre-Fold and Flat Diapers (old-school diapers) - Pre-fold and flat diapers can be used for a variety of reasons (washing your car, cleaning, burp cloths, etc). These diapers are some of the cheapest options available (if you go for the plain-jane variety). Of course, these come in a variety of fabrics and colors…or you can go with plain white. They must be fastened with pins or other diaper fasteners. They DO require diaper covers.

4. Pocket Cloth Diapers - Pocket Cloth Diapers are a three piece diapering system, consisting of a waterproof material sewn to a moisture-wicking material (to keep baby’s skin dry), which makes a pocket. The third “piece” is a removable absorbent insert which is “stuffed” into the pocket to increase absorbency. Pocket diapers are also popular because the inserts can be adjusted from thin to thicker, depending on the child's need for absorbency and can be taken apart for quicker drying.

Where do I buy these diapers?

You can buy diapers from a variety of retailers. If you're just starting out, you may want to find other parents who cloth diaper and borrow a few diapers to see which you like best. If that's not an option for you, you can try www.diaperpin.com, where you can buy or trade gently used diapers. If you are wanting something new, I would highly recommend checking out http://www.nickisdiapers.com, there are a lot of great buys and a wide variety of great diapers as well as some free shipping on certain items. Another favorite website for new but discontinued, overstock, or seconds (those with a minor defect) brand name diapers is http://www.clothdiaperclearance.com/.

This sounds disgusting. Why on Earth would I cloth diaper my child when technology has advanced so I don't have to stand over a toilet and swish diapers?

The good news is that technology hasn't only advanced disposable diapers, but it's also meant the advancement of cloth diapers, too. Leak-proof covers and diaper systems have replaced the old vinyl pants (which can actually be found at Walmart, still) and thanks to some new fabrics, most diapers don't even need swishing - the "#2" just falls right off when held over the toilet! So, with all of this in mind, why would you cloth diaper your child? Well, that's up to you but many parents choose to cloth diaper their children for a variety of reasons - to reduce the exposure of their children to chemicals commonly found in diapers, to help prevent yeast infections and diaper rashes, to help minimize pollution and trash, and to save money.

Wait. To save money? How much exactly will these things cost me?

Well, that depends. It depends on how often you want to do laundry and it depends on which type and brand you choose - as well as whether you prefer new or used diapers. Run-of-the-mill flats and pre-folds can be as inexpensive as $10 for a large package, while some pocket diapers can end up costing anywhere between $10 and $20 (new). Saving money doesn't really begin for most people, though, until after a few months of use, because unlike disposables, cloth diapers can be used over and over again (and are often used with subsequent children). Check out this website for more information about cloth diapering costs: http://www.diaperpin.com/calculator/calculator.asp