The Different Kinds of Cloth

There are so many different kinds of cloth diapers now. The first thing you need to figure out is what kind you want to use or make. As you know, pockets are my favorite. The other two diapers most similar to a pocket are all-in-ones (AIOs) and all-in-twos (AI2s). AIOs have the three layers that I described in my “How pocket diapers work” post all sewn together. AI2s have the PUL layer with an insert placed in it. There is no wicking layer. AI2s, also, have disposable inserts that you can place in the PUL layer.

Then there are and flats and prefolds. These are the “old school” kind of diapers that everyone thinks about when cloth diapers are mentioned. Flats are just a flat piece of absorbent material that you fold and wrap around the baby. Prefolds are sewn in such a way that the very middle is more absorbent than the sides. Snappis are used instead of pins to keep the flats and prefolds closed. Most people like to have a cover made from PUL to go over their flats and prefolds so they don’t have to deal with leaks.

All of these types of diapers have variations. The most notable variation is one size vs. fitted. I bought my pretty baby one size diapers, which can grow from 10 lbs to 35 lbs using snaps or adjustable elastic. I made her fitted diapers, which she will grow out of soon, and I will have to make her more. The one size tend to be more bulky and the fitted more trim, but ultimately they get the same job done. The only reason I am okay with making fitted diapers is because they are so incredibly inexpensive to make.

From there the variations are more design features than anything else. You can use snaps or hook and loop (Velcro) to keep the diapers shut. Some covers are the typical plastic pants while others actually open up like a disposable diaper. There are many different materials that can be used for absorbency. I’ve already mentioned cotton, bamboo, and hemp in a previous post. Then there is wool, zorb, and microfiber blends, all of which I have less experience with. Linen should work as well, and technically silk should, too, but that would be a very expensive diaper, and I don’t think anyone has ever tried it. There are so many different ways to cloth diaper, and they all work.