Types of Cloth Diapers: Complete Guide

Planning to say goodbye to disposable diapers? Cloth diapers can be a great alternative, but you must know how to use them.

Many parents want to say a big No to disposable diapers for various reasons. But they need to figure out types of cloth diapers and their usage patterns too before switching from disposable diapers.

Let’s have a close look at the different types and learn more about their pros and cons in detail.

All-in-One (AIO) Cloth Diapers

As the name suggests, this is an all-purpose cloth diaper that is well-suited for high-end absorption and provides a top waterproof layer. So, unlike other types of cloth diapers, there is no need to use any diaper cover. At the same time, the baby can enjoy the high absorbance of the cloth diaper.

Pros

• They are easy to use and a one-stop solution for diaper needs
• No need to add any extra absorbent layers 
• Cleaning them is pretty easy because you can simply dump the dirty diaper at once

Cons

• They are more expensive than other popular types of cloth diapers

Cost

Each unit of disposable cloth diapers is $20.

Popular options

• Grovia
• Thirsties
• BumGenius
• Kanga Care

All-in-Two Cloth Diapers

This is possibly the best-known cloth diaper variant. It is super easy to use or affordable as a cloth diaper option. It has good things for both disposable diapers and cloth diapers. The detachable insert of the All in two diapers can be reused multiple times. 

Pros

• Easy to use
• Flexible
• Affordable
• The detachable insert makes it super easy to use and even remove

Cons

• This may lead to infections if the detachable inserts are not washed properly.

Popular options

• Grovia
• Super Bottoms
• Bumpadum

Pocket Cloth Diapers

Currently, they are ruling the market by popularity. Pocket diapers are one of the best options because they can be easily assembled. It comes in a two counterpart system.

The first part is an outer layer that is waterproof using PUL, and the inner layer is made of an absorbant-wicking material cover like microfleece. The pockets are provided to accommodate additional absorbent material for better coverage. 

Pros

• They are easy to assemble and also to remove
• The provision for adding an extra layer of wicking material enhances the absorbance of the diapers.

Cons

• They are much more expensive than probably all other variants of diapers. Additionally, the extra-absorbent materials would pose charges.

Popular options

• Fuzzi Bunz
• Apple Cheeks
• Rumparooz

Flats Cloth Diapers 

This is the most primitive type of cloth diaper. This one is a typical old-school diaper type that your parents and grandparents have used throughout their lifetime.

It is the best organic cloth diaper type because it is constructed of 100% pure, natural cotton fiber. They are simple, inexpensive, yet vitally helpful as cloth diapers.

Pros

• They are a simple diaper variant 
• Easy to use and clean
• They dry quickly and are available in all sizes

Cons

• They are not quite readily available because everyone prefers to use pre-fold diapers.
• They cannot be used without a diaper wrap or cover

Popular options

• Mylo
• Super Bottoms
• Oso Cozy

Pre-fold Cloth Diapers

These are the typical cloth diapers that have been used for a long time. You can attribute them to old-school cloth diapers. The basic layout of these diapers is – folded and stitched with thicker middle padding.

The enhanced thickness in the mid portion of the diaper is created by stitching multiple cloth layers together. The materials used for pre-fold cloth fibers are hemp and bamboo.

Pros

• Diaper change is easy with pre-fold diapers. You simply need to replace the pre-fold
• They are made of organic fiber, thus comfortable and healthy for the baby.

Cons

• An additional layer of cloth diaper cover has to be used, which is quite an inconvenient
• They are not waterproof, and leakage is quite common

Cost

The approximate cost of each diaper is $2

Popular Options

• Gerber Birdseye
• Mylo
• Super Bottoms
• Bum Genius

Fitted Cloth Diapers

You can assume that fitted cloth diapers as a cloth version of disposable diapers. The design, cut, and effectiveness of these diapers resemble disposable diapers. They are made of cotton or absorbent bamboo fibers.

The contour shape of the diapers makes them super easy to use and change. They are known as fitted because their ends have to be fixed with velcro ties to secure their position. 

Pros

• Easy to use because of the convenient shape
• An ideal choice for active toddlers who exhibit a lot of movement

Cons

• They are not waterproof and must be used with an additional diaper cover that increases the mess and cost.

Popular options

• Kissaluvs
• Cotton Fleece Fitted
• Thirsties

Types of Cloth Diaper Fibers

Like the various types of cotton diaper varieties, there are several types of fibers. Let us explore some of them in detail.

Microfiber

Unlike many other fiber types, this is a synthetic fiber. While you can easily place all the natural fibers like bamboo or hemp against the baby’s skin, placing microfibers against them is not recommended as they may cause rashes or infections.

However, it is a tremendously popular option for diaper fibers because it has the highest absorbance and can soak up quickly. You can use microfibers as the top layer for pocket fibers. The negative things about using microfiber are that: 

Cotton

Perhaps the most primitive and most widely used cloth diaper fiber. They are a natural fabric that is super absorbent and readily available almost everywhere.

Cotton is the best non-allergic cloth diaper fiber that you can think of. Not all diapers have the cotton insert. Some have woven fabric cotton.

Fitted diapers and all-in-one knit cotton diapers are also made of cotton. Cotton can also be used as an absorbent material for pocket diapers.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a slow absorber. It cannot absorb much liquid, and the absorbance pace is slow. However, Bamboo pre-fold diapers are pretty popular. Bamboo is becoming increasingly famous as diaper fiber because it is organic and does not cause rashes or infections.

It is sustainable and eco-friendly. Bamboo cloth diapers are easy to clean and have a higher shelf life. It may seem quite expensive at the time of the first buy, but it is reasonable in the long term.

If you are unsatisfied with the absorbancy of bamboo diapers, you can add some diaper covers for better protection. 

Hemp

It is the slowest diaper fiber absorbing but has maximum absorbance capacity. It can absorb enough fluid but very slowly. Hemp is not entirely perfect as a diaper material. It is the best fit for overnight or nap time usage. Hemp is an ideal choice for heavy wetters.

Hemp is a natural diaper fiber. It is eco-friendly and sustainable and best used for making sustainable diapers. Hemp is a favorite of many new moms because it does not stain. Even if the kid has blowout issues, hemp can give them the best support. 

Tips to Choose the Correct Type of Cloth Diaper

Here are some of the best tips for choosing cloth diapers:

• Going for organic and sustainable options is better because they suit the planet and your baby’s health.

• Focus on frequently changing and cleaning diapers to prevent build-up and rashes or infections. Remember that every cloth diaper has a shelf life and can not be used for long.

• Only choose cheap variants when it comes to cloth diapers. Go for only the reputed brands. Ensure that you use a sample piece before investing in them. 

Which type of Cloth diaper is the best?

Pre Fold Cloth diapers and Cotton blend insert diapers are the best choices. They are almost equal in function to disposable diapers. But when choosing cloth diapers, go for well-known organic brands.  

You may also like to Read: Do Cloth Diapers Leak?