There are MANY different brands and types of cloth diapers. I am only going to talk about a few. The types I talk about are the most user friendly, basically they are the one's I think more people would actually use. I will just be explaining them to you and including my own opinion of them. I will have another post later explaining prices and where to get diapers!
Diapers:
Fitted:
A shaped diaper with elastic legs. Has either aplix (velcro) or snaps to secure on baby.
Needs a cover to be waterproof.
**We just got Bryson some of these! They allow the skin to breathe a little better. If you are at home, you can use them without the cover and just pay attention to when they get wet. We just started doing this with Bryson to let his skin breathe. His skin is pretty sensitive and needs some air to relieve irritation now and then.**
Pocket:
A 2 layered diaper with a "pocket" for inserts. The inner layer is usually a stay dry fabric that pulls moisture into the insert where it is absorbed. The outer layer is the waterproof layer. They come with aplix or snaps. Most pockets you buy will come with an insert. This diaper is waterproof by nature so no extra cover is needed. You need to change the pocket and insert with each changing.
**I use these diapers for the most part. They are super easy. Just stuff an insert into the pocket and your good to go. You can always add extra inserts to add absorbency if you have a heavy wetter like Mr. Bryson!**
AIO (All in one):
This is pretty self explanatory. It is just like the pocket diaper except the insert is sewn in already. So no need to stuff unless you need to add extra absorbency. Like the pocket it is already waterproof so no cover needed. These are the most user-friendly diapers.
**These are pretty easy as well. They are the closest thing to a disposable. The only complaint I have about them is that they take forever to dry. Line drying these is the best option so you don't have to run your dryer for a super long time.**
AI2 (All in two):
These are similar to AIOs but have a removable layer that cuts down on drying time. The outer layer is waterproof and the absorbent layer is snapped in place inside the diaper directly on baby's skin. This is also waterproof by nature.
**These are pretty awesome as well. The only complaint is it is somewhat hard to add extra absorbancy. Most babies don't pee as much as Bryson though so they shouldn't be a problem**
Inserts:
Inserts are what you will stuff into a pocket diaper. Inserts are what actually absorb moisture. They are many layers of different types of fabric.
Microfiber: These are the most common insert. NEVER EVER place directly on baby's skin as it will dry their skin out. These work really well.
Hemp: I LOVE hemp inserts. They are super absorbent and thin.
Prefold (as insert): These are typically made out of cotton. You can just fold it into thirds and use as an insert.
Terry: Think of a bath towel. Pretty absorbent but not the best.
**We use a microfiber with a hemp insert in each of Bryson's diapers. At night time we use a prefold, hemp, and then a terry insert. We do that because microfiber can release liquid if it gets squished after a long time of use. I found that because Bryson moves around a lot to sleep, the microfiber was squishing and releasing moisture causing the diaper to leak.**
Covers:
These are needed when using a fitted diaper.
PUL:
The waterproof fabric commonly used for making diapers and diaper covers. PUL covers can be air dried and reused in a day's rotation unless soiled with poo. 3-6 covers are usually adequate for a full diapering stash.
Fleece:
Another waterproof fabric. Cannot be "wiped down" like PUL so it would need to be changed if it smells like pee or of course gets poo on it.
Wool:
Also waterproof, though these are knitted with wool.
Diaper Pails:
Go to Walmart or Big Lots and get yourself a plastic bin with either an airtight seal or something close to that. Just throw your dirty diaper in the pail and leave them there until you are ready to wash. Your pail isn't going to smell overly pleasant so I suggest you sprinkle a little bit of baking soda in to control the odor. We keep our pail out in the garage.
