Cloth Diapers 101

Types of Cloth Diapers
prefold? fitted? pocket diaper? AIO? I just don't get it! Tell me what everything is and what I *really* need.

I know it is confusing at first but it really is pretty simple! You need a diaper - either fitted or a prefold - and you need a wrap. You could also use an All In One diaper (AIO) instead ... which is a diaper and a wrap in one! These are great for grandma's house. Some people like to use them all the time and some people like to use them just for going out. If you are looking for the convinience an AIO can't be beat... but a seperate diaper and wrap are pretty easy too. A pocket diaper is a totally different type of diaper. It is a layer of fleece (nice and soft next to baby's skin. really keeps baby dry!) and a layer of waterproof fabric. These two layers are sewn together on three sides to make a "pocket" You put a prefold or a hemp insert in the pocket. You can use pocket diapers full time or you can use them just for night time. They really keep baby dry!

Your 5 basic diapering choices are
1) a prefold diaper with a wrap
2) a fitted diaper with a wrap
3) All In One Diapers all the time
4) Pocket diapers all the time
5) a combo (like pocket diapers at night and something else during the day and AIO when you go out)

How Many Cloth Diapers to buy

Your best bet is 2 dozen diapers, 4-6 covers and something for nighttime. You'll need 2 or 3 of whatever you choose for nighttime. Most people use a pocket diaper with hemp inserts or a wool cover with a hemp diaper.

What Cloth Diaper System is Best

For newborns I recommend prefolds and proraps. They are inexpensive and newborns grow so fast. Plus they need to be changed a lot. Don't spend your money on something that will be outgrown in a few weeks.The proraps are also great because they have the umbilical cord notch.

When the baby hits 15 pounds he'll be ready for a medium in most brands and you can start trying the fun stuff. If he's going to daycare get a few AIOs. If you liked the prefolds and proraps system stick with that. If not you can experiment with some fitted diapers and different wraps. Buy a sample pack to see which ones you like best, then you can buy a package of your favorites to save money.

Myths about Cloth Diapering
1. Cloth diapers are expensive.
Actually cloth is much cheaper – though the initial outlay is high. Average costs -Prefolds $300
All-in-one diapers $700
Disposables $1500

2. Cloth diapers are hard to use.
Cloth diapers are just about as easy as disposable. Velcro and snap diaper covers make the use of pins obsolete plus no more late night runs to the store. With cloth you just throw your diapers in the wash instead of the trash.

3. My baby has sensitive skin, cloth diapers will cause diaper rash.
Cloth diapers are much friendlier to sensitive skin since they are not filled with chemicals and they are breathable. Plus it is easier to tell with cloth diapers when your baby is wet, so you are apt to change your baby more often.

4. I am on the go too much- I can’t use cloth diapers.
Regardless of where you are - babies need to have their diapers changed. When using cloth diapers, all you need to do is bring along a plastic bag or a waterproof tote bag to put wet or soiled diapers in you take them off of your baby. This is a lot easier than trying to find a trash can to dispose of a plastic diaper.

Stay tuned for the next class: out and about with cloth diapers....