|
The
WHAT of cloth diapers
What
are your options when it comes to diapers and supplies?
What
do YOU use as your diaper system, and what are your favorite
accessories? Submit your answer here and your response will be
listed.
The
following information was taken with permission from Diaper
Decisions. To read the reason behind this, read "behind the
site"
This
site will continue to evolve so check back often.
The What of Cloth
Diapers
After reading The Why of Cloth Diapers, you
may now believe that cloth diapers are best for baby, budget and
environment. After reading and The How of Cloth Diapers, you might
even be able to visualize yourself using them! But what are these
modern cloth diapers? What are they made from? How do they work?
Most of us imagine flat white rectangles
drying on the line when we think about cloth diapers. Do you need
pins? Plastic pants? On this page we will go over the different
materials diapers are now made from, the different styles available
and how to use them, how to choose which style is right for you and
what you need to get started.
What are cloth diapers and covers
made from?
Cloth diapers can be made from flannel, terry cloth, knit cotton,
well almost anything it seems! Here are a few articles about less
well-known diaper making materials:
What styles of cloth diapers are
available?
 Flat
diapers: Flat diapers refer to the single-ply square
shaped diapers that our mothers and grandmothers used. The flat
diapers that you find in a store, such as Target, are not
effective for use as cloth diapers, but make great burp rags! Flat
diapers must be folded and pinned or closed with a Snappi. Flat
diapers are the most economical diapers to buy.
 Pre-folded
diapers: Pre-fold diapers are rectangular shaped diapers
that are thicker in the middle. The sides usually have a thickness
of 4 layers. The middle section can have 6 or 8 layers. This gives
pre-folds greater absorbency in the middle. You will often see
prefolds defined as 4-6-4, 4-8-4 or more rarely 2-4-2. These
numbers refer to the layers of cloth in each section from left to
right. Pre-folds are the second least expensive option, costing
slightly more than flat diapers. They can be enclosed in a Velcro
or snap fastened cover or they can be folded and pinned with
diaper pins or Snappi fasteners.
 Fitted
diapers - Fitted diapers resemble disposable diapers.
They have a contoured shape and elastic around the legs and waist.
Instead of tape, they fasten with Velcro or snaps. A waterproof
diaper cover is necessary when using a fitted diaper. Fitted
diapers are more expensive than pre-folds ranging from about $4 to
$11 each. However they are much easier to use. If you purchase
those with Velcro closures, look for wide Velcro strips and
fold-back laundry tabs.
 All-in-One
diapers / AIOs - All-in-one diapers are fitted diapers
that have an outer waterproof layer built in. Often they have
fewer absorbent layers than their counterparts. These diapers are
ideal for situations in which people unfamiliar to cloth diapers
will be changing baby’s diaper, like the church nursery, and for
people who want the ease of a one-piece diapering system.
 Pocket
diapers (Click Photo to Enlarge) - Pocket diapers are the
newest types of diapers to hit the cloth-diapering world. Tereson
of Mother of Eden holds a patent on pocket diapers. Pocket diapers
are like customizable AIOs. They usually have an outer layer of a
waterproof material and an inner layer of a stay-dry material like
microfleece or suedecloth. Pocket diapers are sewn with the back
or front edge open to form a pocket. In the pocket you put an
absorbent insert. Many pocket diapers are sold with an insert, or
you can use a prefold. Pocket diapers are great for nighttime use
because you can customize the amount of absorbent material used.
During the day you might use oneinsert, while at night you might
use two. Pocket diapers also close with snaps or Velcro.
Wow! This decision could become
overwhelming! How do you decide which system is right for your
family? This
article has some tips to help you decide.
Still not sure what style of diapers will
suit your family best? Diaper
Decisions has put together the perfect package for you! The
Choose Your Style Diapering Package contains a sample of just about
every style available today. Click here for more information!
When you decide to switch to cloth diapers,
you obviously need cloth diapers, but what other accessories will
you need? Click
here to find out what accessories are vital for cloth diapering!
|
