Types of diapers

 All in ones

Also known as AIO's, these receive agold star from many parents as the easiest to use cloth diapers.  They are fitted, or one size diapers, with an outer waterproof shell made of PUL (polyurethane fabric).  The inner material is usually made of absorbent cotton, hemp, bamboo,or microfiber.  No stuffing the pockets, no adding a cover; it is all encompassed in one diaper.  Only fasten the velcro tabs, or snap closed, and the job is done. 

Because they’re so convenient they’re ideal for out of home use, or for when babysitters or grandparents visit. Due to their bulkiness though, they tend to take longer to dry.  Some cloth diaper manufacturers provide a "snap on" inner layer of fabric which can then be removed (snapped out from the outer shell) for faster drying time.  With such diapers the inner portion can be removed several times before the cover is to be washed, only pertaining that the cover has not been soiled.  For such diapers visit our "Berry Plush" and "Sugar Peas"  Diaper Covers. 

Fitted Diapers

These are made of softest absorbent materials such as bamboo, hemp or cotton.  They are an excellent choice for tiny newborns to cover their extra sensitive bums.   Because of their tiny size, newborns sometimes do not fit as well in AIO diapers. 

Fitted diapers have a contoured shape for extra perfect fit, and have gathered edges around the legs. To fasten they use velcro or snaps. A waterproof diaper cover is necessary when using fitted. They are generally somewhat more expensive than prefolds, however many find them easier to use.  They also tend to leak less than prefold diapers.

One Size Diapers
Ideally this is  avery economical choice  as  you may not need to purchase any other diapers till potty training.  Also excellent if you are diapering children of various ages or sizes at the same time.

These come with many snaps on the front of diaper to achieve a desired size. This allows you to adjust the size of a diaper as the baby grows.  They are generally made to fit children from 8 lbs to 35 lbs.  Many parents find them a bit too bulky and large to use for their infants though.  For the newborns they opt to use the fitted and prefold diapers until the infants are about 10 lbs.  One Size cloth diapers are available in a variety of options, from pocket versions to AIO versions, and snaps for closure.   See our selection of AIO’s (Bamboo Doodlez, Bumgenius, Baby Kangas AMP One Size Duo, Flip and Econobum).  

Pre-folds
Another excellent choice in economical diapering is purchasing these very absorbent and soft cotton rectangles.  They look most similar to the "old style" diapers our grandmothers used.  Looks are deceiving though, as these little thirsty guys are many times over more absorbent.  They are divided in 3 parts- middle being the thickest and most absorbent (at times even 8 layers of thirsty cotton thickness).  This allows them to absorb great amount of liquid at one time. Many love them for their versatility as they can be enclosed in a diaper cover, pinned with safety pins or snappy fasteners, or used as "stuffers" for other pocket diapers.

Visit this link for “fastening and folding pre fold cloth diapers)

Diaper Covers
Covers come in many forms colours, materials, and sizes. They are placed on top of prefolds, or other cloth material diapers. They may be contoured, shaped, and can be fastened with snaps, velcro, or you pull them on like undies. Their main purpose is to contain those diaper messes and "blowouts". 

New covers are no longer the dreaded non-breathable plastic material.  They are manufactured from PUL (polyurethane laminate) a very popular choice of material for its light, durable and waterproof properties.  Polar fleece is another option in cloth diaper covers (Polar Bummi).  Fleece has that "magic" property to wick wetness away from the body and contain it within itself, all while keeping the body at the right temperature.   

Wool has gained enormous popularity as a diaper cover material due to its natural "water repellent" and antibacterial properties.  Wool covers can be worn for over two weeks prior to washing.  Just dry it if it becomes wet.  It is a breathable material, able to absorb 30% of its weight.  Excellent choice for those who wish to use only natural fibers for their little ones’ skin. Sugar Peas Organic Wool Cover is a great choice in convenience and material.  This material is lightweight, breathable, and keeps baby cool in the summer and cozy warm in the winter. 

Wool and polar fleece are a great choice as night diaper covers because the material breathes and keeps little ones comfortable.

Soakers
You will see this term refer to the mid layer of the diaper.   it is made of absorbent material such as cotton, and now very popular hemp and bamboo.  Scroll down the page to read more about the various materials and their benefits. In pocket diapers a soaker is stuffed in, in AIO's it is sown in.

Or Doublers.  Inserts are thick rectangular pads added as an extra material between the diaper and the baby’s bum to increase absorbency. They're stuffed in with the soakers in the pocket diapers, added to cloth diaper covers.  Great for night use, or your heavy wetters. 

Liners
Liners are thin material used between a baby's bottom and the diaper itself to keep stool away from diapers for easy clean up. Many cloth diaper businesses carry flushable biodegradable liners which are a perfect size and very convenient to use. Fleece is another popular option. They are thicker than paper flushable liners, but can easily be thrown in the wash with the rest of the diaper, and best of all, reused.  Check them out at Diapering Accessories.

Polar Fleece
Fleece's ability to wick moisture away from the skin makes it a great fabric for covers. Also, since fleece has the ability to allow liquid to shoot through it and not penetrate back, it works as a wonderful stay dry liner. Fleece liners are great for night-time wear. Some do not like fleece liners because it is a synthetic material. However, others love it. 

Hemp
Hemp is made from the bark of the hemp plant. It has become very popular due to its durability, absorbency, and natural anti-microbial properties. One can purchase fitted, AIO diapers made from hemp, or use hemp soakers in other diapers. 

Bamboo

 Often a favorite choice of material as it is naturally antibacterial, extremely soft, absorbent and very breathable so it's great for keeping your baby cool, dry and comfortable. It is often combined with cotton or polyester in diapers to retain longevity and a little stretch.  This creates a more trim fitting diaper, especially in prefolds. It is also a green choice in material as bamboo grows up to a foot a day.  Hence a great renewable resource. We have a variety of bamboo soakers and inserts.

Wool
A popular diaper cover as it can be reused over and over without being laundered.  When wet, let dry and reuse up to a week or two.   Wool is a great water repellant and a naturally breathable material.  Wool needs more care when laundered as it will become stiff if you throw it in a wash with regular detergent.  Read "how to care for wool" article in our "Washing Your Cloth Diapers” section.