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Diapers Defined |
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There are many types of cloth diapers today. To help you sort it all out and decide on the best system for you, we will try to define the different types of diapers.
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Flat: The flat is the least used cloth diaper today. It is probably the type of cloth diaper that you and your parents remember. They are nice to have on hand to clean up spills, to use as burp cloths etc, but they aren't the best diapers. Flats are large rectangles or squares of usually thin cloth. They are usually either birdseye, gauze, or cotton. These diapers are meant to be folded into the proper shape. Then you pin these diapers, place them into a cover of some type and you are done. This is by far the hardest method, although very economical. |
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Prefold: Prefolds would seem to be much smaller than flats,but in reality they are not. They are flats that have been folded permanently. There are several qualities available. Please, take the time to get good quality prefolds if you decide to diaper with prefolds. The first quality are the ones that you will find in most large discount stores, grocery stores etc. These are often made out of gauze or birdseye and they often have some type of foam pad swen into the soaker area. This is just not a good diaper. They will not last, they are not absorbent, they leak,etc. The two types that I recommend are either DSQ (diaper service quality) or CPF(Chinese Prefold). There is a new prefold making a move onto the market, and that is a prefold made of hemp. Since hemp is the most absorbent of all diapering materials and one of the sturdiest, these are also aceptable. Prefolds come in several sizes and thicknesses. Most prefolds require as many as six washings before they fluff up to their full thickness and full absorbency. Prefolds come in several common thicknesses: 2x6x2, are the thinnest and commonly used on the newborn size prefold.. You can not skimp and skip these as the standard and infant are just too big, but they make excellent doublers for later on. The two most common thickness are: 4x6x4 and 4x8x4. These numbers refer to the two side panels and the middle panel. The two side panels are 4 layers thick and the middle panel is either 6 or 8 layers thick. Today, you have several options for fastening diapers. You can go with traditional diaper pins. If you use pins, you can make them easier to slide through the fabric by storing them in a bar of soap. There is also something called a Snappi. This neat little gadget is inexpensive, faster, easier, and safer than pins. It works great to hold your diapers in place. Finally, you can use a velcro wrap and not have to pin or snappi the diaper. You simply lay the diaper in the wrap, velcro the wrap on and there you have it, diapered baby. Prefolds require some type of diaper cover or wrap. |
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Contour/Shaped: Contour or shaped diapers take the prefold concept one step closer to the fitted diaper. These do not require any folding. They are often hourglass shaped, and sometimes even have velcro. They still require a cover, although they are much easier to use than the flats or prefolds. This is still a very economical choice. These diapers are typically available in birdseye, cotton flannel, sherpa, terrycloth, and hemp. |
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Fitted: Fitted diapers are both easy and economical. Diapering is fun when you start to shop for fitted diapers. You may choose options which are rather plain, but less expensive, or you can go for all kinds of cute and fancy options with fitted diapers. Fitted diapers look like disposable diapers, and you usually have the option of either Aplix ( a super strong industrial type of velcro) or plastic snaps. These diapers come in various sizes and weights. A word of warning: a newborn size in one brand is not necessarily the same as the newborn size in another brand. Don't order two dozen diapers from one company because one diaper from another company that was that size fit. Order a sample diaper, try it, make sure it fits your baby well, that it handles his/her wetness level etc. Every fitted diaper brand is different - they fit differently, they work differently, they are made of different materials etc. You will find diapers made out of a wide assortment of fabrics and you will have to find what fabrics you like best, which you like to be against your babies skin,etc. Fitteds are easy and they are still economical. You will find that the prices vary widely depending on the quality and the materials used to make the fitteds. Please remember when buying cloth diapers that you will not have to buy diapers every week. These diapers can be used as long as they fit baby, then you can either keep them for the next baby to come along in your family or you can sell them through one of the auction houses or swap boards online. Fitted diapers do require some type of cover over them. |
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All in One: The name says it all, these are the cadillac of diapers. You have the ease and convenience of disposable diapers without the long-term financial cost, enviromental cost, and you are not putting your baby's health at risk through the use of disposable diapers. All in one diapers look the most like disposable diapers. They are a complete diaper, the cover is built in. These are perfect for the church nursery, long outings, the baby sitter, grandma, you name it. Anyone can use these diapers! If they can change a disposable diaper, they can change an all in one diaper. |
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