Cloth Diapers 101: Types of Cloth Diapers

One of the things we see a lot from moms who are new to cloth diapers is that the cloth diapering lingo is very confusing and overwhelming. We've all been there, new to cloth diapers and struggling to figure out what each type of diaper really is and what we need to purchase to make it work. We've compiled a basic list to get you started. We won't cover every cloth diaper in existence, but consider it a primer to get you started in the right direction.

Pocket cloth diapers: A pocket diaper is usually made of two layers of fabric sewn together to form a pocket that will hold an absorbent insert. bumGenius 4.0 and Fuzzibunz are pocket style cloth diapers. The advantage of pocket style diapers is that they can be as convenient as disposables to put on baby during diaper changes. Pocket style cloth diapers do require an extra step after laundering of placing (sometimes called "stuffing") the insert back inside the pocket.

All In One (AIO) cloth diapers: AIO style diapers have a waterproof outer fabric and absorbent inner fabric, all sewn together to create one piece. bumGenius 3.0 Deluxe All-In-Ones and bumGenius Elemental are all-in-one style diapers. The advantage of AIO cloth diapers is that they can be more convenient because there is no need to stuff inserts after laundering, although these diapers frequently take longer to dry because of their multiple layers of fabric.

Hybrid diapers: Hybrid diapers are a new class of cloth diapers that are a blend of traditional all cloth diapers and disposable options. Hybrid diapers are usually a two piece system comprised of a waterproof outer cover and an insert that can be a variety of materials ranging from cloth to disposable. Our Flip Diapering System is a great example of a hybrid. I consists of a waterproof, one sized fits most, cover and your choice of stay dry, organic or disposable inserts. The advantage of hybrid diapers is the versatility of changeable inserts to suit your baby's changing needs.

Covers and prefolds: Covers and prefolds are an economical way to cloth diaper. Covers are typically a single layer of waterproof fabric. Prefolds are the classic, original cloth diaper. With modern covers, there are no need for pins to keep your prefolds in place. Prefolds are all cotton, with bleached and unbleached options available. Econobum is an economical cover and prefold system, where you can cloth diaper your baby from birth to potty training for as little as $100.

Another important thing to know when purchasing cloth diapers is about sizing. There are both sized and one-size options in all the categories of cloth diapers mentioned above.

Sized diapers: Each cloth diaper brand has it's own sizing system, so be careful to read the weight suggestions for each size before purchasing. bumGenius 3.0 Deluxe AIO (all-in-one) cloth diapers come in sizes extra small (XS), small (S), medium (M) and large (L). FuzziBunz Perfect Size cloth diapers are available in S, M and L sizes, while Thirsties Diaper Covers are a cover/prefold style with covers available in sizes XS through L.

One-Sized diapers: One sized diapers are a shorter way of saying "one size fits most". These cloth diapers or covers are designed to fit most babies from newborn stage (approx. 8 lbs.) through toddler stages (approx. 35 lbs.). The way these diapers grow with baby is by having rows of snaps in the center of the diaper that create an adjustable rise. These snaps do not have to be changed at each diaper change, only adjusted as babies grow. bumGenius 4.0 is a one-size pocket style diaper; bumGenius Elemental is a one-size, all-in-one clothdiaper and Econobum is a one size cloth diaper cover.

The key to successful cloth diapering is to remember that you must have a waterproof outer fabric or cover in addition to an absorbent inner liner or insert and it needs to be the correct size for your baby.

Are you wondering about other cloth diapering terms? Ask in the comments and we'll add to this post.