Cloth Diapering 102: What's out there?

**This is a post in the making, I am steadily editing and adding photos**

The easy part is done, you have read the why, now we begin the how.  This is where I started getting overwhelmed and where I will try to break it down into a simpler series and process to ease your transition from paper diapers.

There are several different types of cloth diapers.

1.  Flats -

These are the dinosaurs of cloth diapers.  Made of one layer of cotton, these are folded using a variety of techniques and secured with diaper pins, or this handy new tool, a Snappi.

 
The facts:

• Cheapest
• Easy cleaning and fast drying time
• Whole diaper is absorbent
• Can get a custom fit
• Folding creates gussets that protect against leakage; able to get custom fit
• Folding can be inconvenient and difficult
• Not waterproof
• Needs a cover
• Needs pins or snappi for closure

How to use: Easiest folding technique


Prefolds -

These are very similar to flats.  They are made of cotton, bleached or unbleached, and need to be folded.  However, these are much smaller than flats and easier to fold.
Prefolds are 3 panels of material with layers of 4x6x4 usually. 
The facts:

• not waterproof
• needs cover
• needs pins or snappi as closure
• fairly cheap
• fast drying time
• whole diaper is absorbent
• easy to fold
  folding creates gussets that protect against leakage
• able to get custom fit
• needs to be folded can be an inconvenience
• Price ranges $12-$30 per dozen

How to use:
I will show you 2 of the techniques that I use.  These two are the most common, however I learned a different trick to mine that made folding easier and less bulky for me.
You can also trifold the layers and lay it into your cover as an insert for a simpler solution (this is the only way hubby will use them)

Contours-

I had a few of these, they were made out of some kind of terrycloth material.  These are absorbant material that is shaped like a diaper and usually fastened with pins or a snappi.  Best description is they are a fitted (see next type) without the elastic.  I found I liked the fitteds better as the elastic provided better fit and protection, but that is me. 
 The Facts:

• not waterproof
• needs a cover
• snappi or pin closure
• able to get custom fit
• very absorbant
• good drying time
• easy folding
• Prices range $5-$8

Fitteds-

These are awesome! Shaped just like the familiar disposable diaper with elastic legs and back for a snug fit and great leak protection. They are made just like prefolds, but pre-shaped so no folding required.  Most also have an extra "soaker" layer in the "pee-zone" for extra absorbancy. Some come with snaps to secure them close, others do not have closures that you can use pins or Snappi on to get your fit.
The Facts:

• Not waterproof
• Needs a cover
• No folding 
• Great fit
• Comes with snaps or without
• Thicker, longer drying time
• Price ranges $5-$20

Hybrid Fitteds-

This is what you will find that most work at home moms (WAHM) make. I find them sooo cute, but they are a little on the pricey end, so I don't own one, though I have been eyeballing this one brand for quite some time now. It is a fitted diaper with a polyfleece layer in the middle.  This makes the diaper wear longer, instead of immediately needing to be changed, as the polyfleece reflects moisture back to the absorbent inner.  They are not totally waterproof, and therefor would need a cover to be used a so, but as long as you change properly these can be worn around the house without a cover.  This allows them to be breathable which is great to prevent and rid of rashes.
The Facts:

• not waterproof
• needs a cover
• breathable
• insert either as a sewn in flap or snap in feature for extra soaker
• snap closure
• longer drying time
• Great fit
• custom prints and designs
• lots of options
• Price Ranges: $15-$30

I am about to use this term often below, so here's what it means!
*One size:  These diapers have several rows of snaps.  There are "rise" snaps, which shorten, or lengthen the diaper.  This allows the diaper to "grow" with baby.  There are waist snaps, which allow you to get a good fit around your babies tummy and legs.  They typically fit 8-35 lbs.
*Wick- This refers to a fabric pulling moisture through and off of baby's bum. This is different than absorbing.  These materials are often refered to as "stay-dry" because they do not feel wet to baby, where-as cotton and natural fibers like above do.

Covers -

These are waterproof protection for the above diapers.  They are typically made with one layer of PUL and have velcro or snaps for closures.  They come sized or one sized.  My favorite are Thirsties.
Also with covers, you don't need but 3-4 per child.  I swap out 2 covers usually during the day.  Most of the time you can just wash/wipe out the inside during a change and lay it out to dry while you use another, then swap at the next change.  sometimes poo ends up on the cover and it requires and more thorough cleaning and longer drying time. The top picture is a wool cover, which is a whole different post on its own, but yes, if maintained properly, wool is very water resistant.  I used wool with a fitted for a great night time option because it was so breathable!

Pockets -

The "pocket"

pocket diaper with OS snap settings

These are inserts that are stuffed into pockets.  On the left is a charcoal bamboo insert, which is made of 3 layers of microfleece sandwiched between two layers of charcoal bamboo. I use them the most. Next to it is a Bumgenius microfiber insert.  You can see the snaps on it that allow it to go from newborn size to todder premium size. These are the most absorbant, but irritating to baby bums, therefore have to be in the pocket.

This is probably the most common diaper used. Outer layer is PUL with a wicking inner layer, most commonly microfleece or suede cloth.  Bamboo is also used, however this is a natural fiber and does not wick the moisture and feels wet.  Bamboo is best for babes who are sensitive to synthetic fibers (it happens) These two layers create a pocket in which is stuffed with an absorbent insert of about 3-5 layers.  Most diapers come with microfiber inserts. There are many types of inserts though, we will discuss those later.
The Facts:

• Easy and convenient
• inserts are stuffed and require prepping
• separates for easy cleaning and drying
• fast drying time
• velcro or snap closures
• PUL outer
• many options for inner, usually suedecloth or microfleece but also come in organic cotton and bamboo
• sized or one sized
• Lots of different brands offer different fits and patterns
• Prices range $4-$25

How to use: Stuff insert into pocket and smooth out.  Put on baby like a disposable.  Make sure it is snug.  As a beginner I was scared of getting it too tight and as a result it was too loose.  You want it snug, but not to the point of creating extra rolls or deep red marks.  Some red marks from the elastic may occur, much like when you where sweats all day.
When soiled, take off diaper, remove insert and place both in diaper pail.

I have used all the above types at some point of my journey and have done my best to relay to you what I know about them and my experience with them.  However, the next few I have no experience with, they are the more convenient yet more pricey options out there. Therefore I have asked around and will provide you with a basic description followed by a few quotes from users of these types of cloth diapers.

All-in-ones -

These are pockets without the pocket or stuffing needed.  The insert that you would be stuffing is already sewn in.  Some, refered to as hybrid AIO have the insert sewn in AND a pocket to allow for stuffing extra absorbency.
The Facts:

• Easy and convenient
• no stuffing or prepping neccesary!
• longer drying time
• velcro or snap closures
• waterproof PUL or TPU outer
• many options for inner, usually organic cotton or microfleece
• sized or one sized
• Lots of different brands offer different fits and patterns
• Prices range $15-$25

Experiences:
Amanda Kelley "I prefer aio because of the ease of preparation and ease of disposal. However, the Grovia AI2s and the Bumgenius Freetimes are both a MESS when using a sprayer... The attached inserts flop into the water and make a mess. I also have had problems a few times with the microfiber flap of the Bumgenius Freetime somehow flipping over causing a microfiber burn on his bum"

Sarah Kendrick " trim and awesome to snap in and out" 

All-in-twos:

Like a pocket, but instead of stuffing, the insert snaps into the diaper. Unlike the pockets and AIO, you cannot add inserts for more absorbency and you cannot use different inserts.  The inserts have to be the same brand as the diaper in order for the snaps to work properly and your insert fit right.
 The Facts:

• Easy and convenient
• no stuffing
• fast drying time
• velcro or snap closures
• waterproof PUL or TPU outer
• many options for inner, usually organic cotton or microfleece
• sized or one sized
• some brands are bulkier under clothes than others.
• Lots of different brands offer different fits and patterns
• Prices range $20-$25

 Experiences:
Katherine  Johnson "Ai2s are ssome of my most favorite diapers! Mostly because you can put on a shell that matches baby's outfit or T-shirt and only change the wet or soiled part and reuse the shell. Grovia AI2 are spectacular diapers. They have a TPU inner lined with an organic mesh (cotton, I believe). The inserts are made of organic cotton with waterproof TPU material on the back. This helps keep the fabric dry inside the shell. The inserts also have elastic leg gussets and the shells come in some great colors and prints. The inserts is also similar to the inside of a Bumgenius where the layers are attached at the ends but not in the middle so they can dry quicker. The ones just have are not stayed but they also make a stay dry option. Another thing I love about Grovia AI2 shells is that they are a hybrid system as well. They can be used not only with the snap in insert, but with a flat or a prefold (trifolded and laid inside cover) or a disposable insert, sold by Grovia. This brand offers cuteness, functionality and affordability."

Hybrids:
This is the best of both worlds! Hybrids are a PUL waterproof cover combined with the ability to use either a disposable liner or a cloth liner.  You can even use trifolded prefolds!  Disposable liners are like maxi pads.  When soiled, you just dispose, wipe the PUL clean if necessary, and reuse.
 The Facts:

• easy to use
• disposable liners create throw away convenience with the reusability of the cover.
• fast drying
• PUL outer
• uses inserts
• Price Ranges $15-$25 

Now you know the type of cloth diapers out there, stay tuned for Cloth Diapering 103: What's best for you?

Cloth Diapering 101: Cloth VS Disposable Part 2

Now sure, there are some cons to cloth, but to me they don't out weigh the pros.
You do have to wash them.  You do have to rinse/spray off the poop.  I didn't realize how horrible this con was til Peanut was born, because when I started clothing Bug at 9 months her poo was pretty solid and "ploppable" meaning I could just plop it out into the toilet and flush and not much was left on the diaper.
Then Peanut proved me wrong. A great thing was while he was breast fed, his poop was water soluble, so no rinsing or dunking neccessary, it washes right out in the washer. Then it got sticky with the introduction to formula.  Not fun to try to clean.  But no fear, there are solutions!
Diaper sprayers will be your friend.  For now I just use my utility sink which has a high pressured faucet for rinsing my diapers, but they do make these cool apparatuses that connect to your toilet's water input just like the sprayer on your kitchen sink, so you can spray it right off into the commode.
Liners:  I don't use them 'cause to me it almost defeats the purpose of cloth diapers, but they make disposable liners that (if you're lucky) will catch the poop and be deposited into the trash.   

Now the need to wash means that there will be a "laundry basket" of dirty diapers around for however many days til you decide to wash. Me, I don't like to go longer than 2 days without washing, though I have heard people going 3 or 4 days. Ammonia starts to build up by then.  But there are ways to keep them without your whole house smelling of old pee.

Upfront cost.  We covered this in 101 part 1, but see my Tips and Tricks for starting, growing, and perfecting your stash on a budget. 

Another con is the lack of convenience compared to that of a disposable.  But honestly, I think this society sacrifices too much for a little convenience.  Cloth is better for your babe, it's better for the environment, and it's better for your wallet.  That is what you sacrifice for a little convenience.  Not to mention there are a few types that are just as convenient, but they're reusable!

That's it! I know a lot of people scoff at the idea of using cloth diapers.  It's gross, it's hard, it's prefolds and rubber pants. Wrong, wrong, and wrong. Cloth diapering has come a long way since our grandmothers used them.  And when someone complains that you are washing them in the same washer in which you wash your normal clothes, remind them that with kids and babes, accidents happen and poop and pee ends up on clothes and sheets and who knows what else for many many years, and that washing those things is really no different than washing your diapers.

Cloth Diapers 101: Cloth VS Disposable Part 1

So I have been talking about a cloth diaper post for a long time now.  Problem is, it is a bit overwhelming.  So I have been racking my brain for a way to present it in a less overwhelming way.  I almost backed out of it because my brain just got overloaded.
Best advice? Take it one step at a time, I'm 9 months into it and still building/altering my stash.
So first step to diving into the world of cloth diapers is to look at why people are doing it, and why you should do it too!

Did you know, that it takes disposables over 500 years to fully degrade in a landfill? yuck!
How much money are you throwing away just to sit in a landfill? This was the biggest get'her for me. I used Luvs, $0.16 per diaper. You think, awe that's not bad compared to spending $4 or even $25 on one cloth diaper. But let's look at it on a different level. 
You purchase a pack of let's say, 36 diapers for approximately $7.99 (again I used Luvs, Pampers and Huggies would cost almost twice this).  You change your infant about 10 times a day, you're looking at a pack lasting about 3 days, then you're back to the store, twice a week for the next 2-3 years, spending $7.99.
So let's do the math.  At this rate, 10 diaper per day or 70 diapers per week = 3640 diapers a year = 7280 til potty trained (if you're lucky to do it by age 2). At $0.16 per diaper, that's $1164.80 in diapers! That get thrown away! That's a lot of money! not to mention if you add another year to that and another $600, or if you use a more pricey brand. Wowzer!
Now let's look at cloth diapers. Supposing you go for a good brand (we'll review brands and types in a later post), but the most common diaper is a "pocket" and one of the most common brands is "BumGenius". Their diapers average at $17.95 per diaper.  Now, assuming you would like to wash every other day, you need about 24-36 diapers, we'll say 36 for good measure. That's $646.20.  Of course you can use this calculator to determine a cost based on utility use and detergent, but that really only adds a few cents a month.  And that is it.  A very good stash that will last your babe till toilet training.
Then guess what! You can sell them!!!!! Now you may not make all of your money back on used diapers, but you will get back at least half of what you spent on them, which is more than you can say for a disposable paper diaper!
How about them frugal apples!
Now, don't let the upfront cost scare you, I will share some of my "getting started" and "budgeting" secrets here.

Have you looked at the ingredient list of a pack of diapers?

Now those things are on your baby's precious sensitive skin.
Cloth diapers come in all types of materials, but let's look at the most common, a pocket.  The outer layer is PUL, a waterproof cloth, with plastic snaps.  There is elastic in the legs and along the back and the inner material that touches baby's skin is most likely suedecloth or microfleece. Both of which keep moisture off of baby so they feel dry.  The absorbant middle comes in various materials as well, most companies include multi layer microfiber inserts.  I use a blend of bamboo and microfiber.  There are also hemps, velours, bamboos, cottons, and more blends.

Now here's one of my favorite bonuses to cloth... They're so stinkin' cute! Cloth covered bums are often referred to as "fluffy butt" cause yes, they're bulkier than disposables, giving babes that cute "fluffy" behind.  Not to mention all the different colors and patterns you can get to adorn your precious little ones rear end.
 

Cloth diapering is really very versatile.  There are so many options to fit anyone's needs/wants/expectations of cloth, which is why it can be a bit overwhelming to the senses. Check out Cloth Diapering 102 to see the different choices and Cloth Diapering 103 to find out which is best for you!