Cloth Diaper Styles

It appears I am a little late in the game when it comes to cloth diapering. My daughter is already 8 months old, and I'm just now considering making the switch. In my research I have read a lot of varying opinions, and found some really great advice I wish to share. Please note that methods differ per person, baby and experience!

If you too are looking for a way to begin saving money during new found mommy-hood, or are searching to add a few dollars to the budget, cloth diapering may be for you. While there are many styles of cloth diapers, they are far from your Mom's (or Grandma's) version of cloth diapers... they have come a long way! I'm going to begin explaining prefolds with a PUL diaper cover.

Econobum makes a great trial package usable pretty much right out of the box. Every prefold should be washed several times to enhance absorption, but doesn't require further treatment (unless they are made of wool). You can find an affordable lot of one cover, along with three prefolds, on Amazon for $12. These are as simple as folding your prefold (according to several folding techniques), and securing it under the waterproof shell. This brand features a one size cover with snaps for variable fits.

Pocket diapers are another cloth diaper style that has different options to bring to the table. KaWaii pocket diapers feature a waterproof shell, lined in suede or micro fleece, and feature a prefold or lining sleeve. These can also be used as a simple diaper cover (mentioned above), as well as an AIO (all in one). Pocket diapers provide a middle ground for ladies who aren't sure which road to take, and allow pre-stuffing at any time.

All in ones are more of a disposable diaper style, allowing the user to simply grab and put on. There's no need for stuffing or folding, but they cannot be used again in the same day. I feel a little less excited about AIO diapers, simply because you need to purchase more, and spend extra money, to diaper your baby in a day (making for more laundry time). That being said, the BumGenius freetime AIO diaper can be found at many local retailers (such as Target), as well as online, for your convenience.

 

If you are like many Moms who aren't sure which style they'd rather try, you can find several trial packs (like the Econobum). This allows you to spend less money and time testing larger cloth diaper packages. In the end, you cannot be exactly sure which type will work for you, or your baby.