• What are the different types of cloth diapers?
• How do I choose a cloth diaper for my baby?
• How many diapers do I need?
• Which cloth diapering accessories are recommended?
• How do I wash cloth diapers?

What are the different types of cloth diapers? TOP

 Prefolds

For parents looking to save the most money using cloth diapers, prefolds are the way to go. Prefolds are layered cotton, with the thickest layer in the middle.  They are very soft and absorbent.   Prefolds must be folded at each diaper change to fit your baby. However, pins are not needed thanks to the Snappi! 

Fitteds

 Fitted diapers are contoured and fasten with snaps or Velcro. The elastic around the legs and back make this diaper great at holding in big messes. This diaper still requires a cover,  but your covers will get dirty less often than using prefolds.  Fitteds are great newborn diapers! 

Pocket Diapers

 Pocket diapers are just as convenient as disposable diapers! Pocket diapers have a pocket where absorbent material, like microfiber inserts, is stuffed.  The outside of the pocket is waterproof, so no cover is needed.  The inside of the pocket is made from fleece.  Fleece is a great material for diapering because it allows the moisture to go through to the microfibers inserts while keeping baby's skin dry. 

All-in-Ones

 All-In-Ones are the closest to disposable diapers as they come! They are similar to pocket diapers, except the absorbent part of the diaper is attached to the outer waterproof layer. No "stuffing" of an insert and no cover required.

All-in-Twos

All-in-twos are easy-to-use diapers that are easier to wash and dry than all-in-ones.  The diaper is two parts, a shell and soaker.  The shells are designed to be reused while the soakers are changed at every diaper change.  Therefore, more soakers than shells are needed.

How do I choose a cloth diaper for my baby? TOP

The best diapering system for one family may not be the best choice for another family.   What do you need your cloth diapering system to do? Personally, I have used a combination of different diapers.   It is another benefit of cloth diapering, being able to tailor your cloth diapering system to your baby's needs.

• Looking to save the most money?  There are two choices that will save you the most money.  The first system is prefolds and covers.  The second choice is a "one-size" option.  Please note that one-size diapers do not fit newborns very well.  I recommend starting with a one-size diaper when your baby is 12 lbs (2-3 months old).  
• Looking for diapers the easiest to use?  Like learning to change a disposable diaper, after doing it for awhile, any of the cloth diaper choices become easy to use.  However, for parents unsure about switching to cloth, I recommend all-in-ones.
• Looking for the best newborn cloth diaper?  A fitted newborn diaper will contain the runny messes that newborns are so well known for! Match it with a great cover, and cloth diapering a newborn will be easy as pie!
• Looking for a diaper to contain big messes?  A fitted diaper with a thick deep pile terry, like Kissaluvs, slows down those explosive poops and the elastic around the legs and back keeps it in the diaper.  This is especially important when babies are exclusively breastfed.
• Looking for a great nighttime solution? A pocket diaper can be adjusted by adding extra microfiber inserts or hemp inserts. For very heavy wetters, I recommend an absorbent fitted and a fleece cover.  See our nighttime package here.
• Choosing between snaps and aplix/velcro - Snaps are more durable than velcro.  Velcro is easier to get on and off babies, especially extra wiggly ones.  However, older babies may be able to get a velcro diaper off!  It really comes down to personal preference.

How many diapers do I need? TOP

Keep in mind that babies grow at different rates and have different needs. In general, here is how many diapers you will need if you are washing every other day:

Which cloth diapering accessories are recommended? TOP

Diaper Pail Liners

The pail liners on this site will work with any tall kitchen garbage can at your local store. When it's time to wash your cloth diapers, just carry the full pail liner to your washing machine.  Wash and dry the pail liner along with your diapers.  It's great to have two pail liners, so you can use your pail when you're washing one liner. 

Cloth Wipes

Cloth wipes not only work better than disposable wipes, but they save so much money!  You'll need about 18-24 cloth wipes for newborns, and 12-18 for older babies.  

Detergent Safe for Cloth Diapers

You have to choose a detergent that is safe for your cloth diapers to protect your investment.  Basically, you want your detergent to rinse completely clean, and you don't want a harsh detergent that will shorten the lifetime of your diapers.

Zippered Wet Bag

When you are away from home, you will need a place to put wet/soiled cloth diapers.  You can definitely just reuse your plastic grocery bags.  Better yet, use a cute zippered wet bag!  I suggest two, but one will work fine.  These can be washed with your diapers.

How do I wash cloth diapers? TOP

Regular wash routine:

• Toss into a dry pail; wash every day or every other day. Do not go longer than 3 days.
  
• Rinse with cold water and no detergent.
  
• Use a regular hot wash with cold rinse and 1/3-1/2 cup everyday detergent.
  
• Another cold rinse to remove any leftover detergent.
  
• Dry diapers in the dryer or hang dry.
  

Cloth diapering No-No's:

• No chlorine bleach.
  
• No fabric softeners
  
• No diaper creams
  

Recommended detergents:

• Charlie's Soap
  
• Arm & Hammer Essentials
  
• Purex Free & Clear