When making the transition from cloth diapers, the sheer number of different types of cloth diapers can be intimidating. How do you choose the right type of cloth diapers for your family if you don’t understand the differences? While some of the terminology can be confusing at first, most of the different types of diapers are pretty self-explanatory once you know a little about them.
Plain diapers
Vappa is the oldest form of cloth diapers. They consist of a large square or rectangular piece of fabric that must be folded to fit. While flat diapers can be complicated at first, they are very versatile and will work in a wide range of sizes. Flat diapers require the use of a waterproof cover.
Prefold cloth diapers
Prefold diapers essentially a flat diaper that is “prefolded” into a smaller square, with several layers in the center third of the diaper. There are different types of prefolds available, but a good choice is one that is 4x8x4 – four layers on each side and eight layers in the middle. These work better than 4x6x4 diapers for heavier diapers, but they can be a little more expensive. Prefolds are a popular option among cloth users as they are cheap, effective and fairly easy to use. Prefolding diapers still need to be folded to fit, but a little less complicated than diapers. These diapers require the use of a waterproof cover.
Contour cloth diapers
The outermost diapers are shaped much like a typical disposable diaper. They don’t have elastic at the waist or legs, and usually require buckles or snaps for a belt. Form diapers are easier to use than flats and prefolds, but can be a little more expensive. Form diapers require the use of a waterproof cover.
Cloth suitable for diapers
Diapers fit diapers in a similar shape, except that they have elastic adjustments on the legs and waist, where they do not have contours. Braces also tend to fit with a velcro or snap belt, and do not require pins. Many parents prefer the diapers to fit along the contours because the elastic tends to help in the breath better, but some babies with sensitive skin. find an irritating elastic. Suitable diapers need separate waterproof covers.
Pocket cloth diapers
Pocket diapers – well, they have a pocket where the insert can be used for absorbency. Pocket diapers are pretty much useless without an insert, since they have no bib material per se. Most of the diapers do have a pocket, however, they play on the built-in cover, making them more comfortable than some other options. Removable inserts make drying time faster.
AIO (all in one) cloth diapers
AIOs are a popular option among parents with infused cloth. Touted as “dad-friendly,” the AIO works in a similar way to arranging diapers. They usually have a velcro belt at the waist (others use a twist), and have a waterproof cover built right into the diaper. No matching or matching is necessary. But you’ll pay for the convenience – the AIO tends to be on the expensive side.
AI2 (all in two) cloth diapers
AI2 are similar to AIO, with one very noticeable difference: they are in two pieces. AI2. This adds an extra step with your child’s wetsuit, but the removable doubler significantly cuts drying time by reducing the amount of moisture in the dryer.
One size cloth diapers
One-size clothdiapers are what they sound like: diapers are designed to fit all sizes from newborn to to the potty However, as not all babies follow the same growth curve, not all diapers all diapers will follow the same curve for all babies. Most one-size-fits-all cloth diapers won’t fit premature babies, and many won’t fit toddlers who are older or late potty-learners. While one-size-fits-all diapers are more effective and comfortable than one-size-fits-all diapers, many parents find that they can be heavy on their little babies.
Now that you have figured out the different types of cloth diapers, go shopping! For more information on choosing the right type of diaper for your family, please refer to my article How to Choose a Cloth Diaper System for Your Family. Happy diapering!
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