The Basic Concept of Cloth Diapering

Just in case you are as clueless as we were when we first started, remember this:

For any diapering method you choose, you need to have two things:

1. Absorbency
2. Waterproofing

Some types of diapers will combine these two into one handy diaper (much like a disposable). Other types require the use of a couple of different layers. Always make sure the absorbent layer stays inside the waterproof layer and there should be no problem with leaking.

Cloth Diapering Methods:

Here are the five most popular cloth diapering "methods" and a short description of each:

Prefold diapers are rectangular pieces of cloth made up of three panels. This method is a little bit more involved.

The two outside panels are usually either two or four layers of cloth. The middle panel is thicker - usually either six or eight layers. There are many folding techniques for prefolds, but the basic idea is to fold the diaper around the baby's diaper area, secure the diaper, and cover it so that none of the diaper is sticking out. You can fasten prefold diapers with either old-fashioned diaper pins, or with a Snappi fastener. A Snappi is a stretchable, non-toxic, T-shaped device that stretches and hooks into the diaper to keep it in place. Prefolds need to be washed after each use. A popular type of cover is made of something called Polyurethane Laminate (or PUL, for short). Instead of the pull-on type of pants you may be familiar with, these PUL covers typically go on much like a disposable: you spread it out under baby, pull the front through the legs, and fasten (usually with Velcro). Because the cover does not touch the baby's skin, it does not need to be washed after each use unless it becomes soiled.
Prefolds and PUL covers are probably the most economical cloth diapering method.

Contour diapers are hourglass-shaped diapers that need to be fastened with either pins or a Snappi, covered with a waterproof cover and washed after each use.

Fitted diapers are shaped like a disposable diaper with elastic in the legs and back and fasten around the front, saving you the need of using pins or a Snappi. They are like prefolds and contours in that they need a waterproof cover and must be washed after each use.

Pocket diapers have an outer layer of waterproof material and an inner layer of absorbent material (usually either suede cloth or micro fleece). They fasten in front with snaps, Aplix, or Velcro. Pockets, as the name implies, have a pocket in the back where you stuff an absorbent insert. Inserts can be a micro fiber insert or just an infant sized prefold- folded and stuffed into the pocket. In a pinch, any absorbent material will work - a dishtowel, a few onesies, or whatever is handy. The entire diaper- insert and diaper- need to be washed after each use.

AIO's (or All-In-One's) are like pocket diapers in that they have the waterproof outer layer, the stay-dry inner liner, and the absorbent insert. In this case, the absorbent layer is sewn in and there is no "pocket". The entire diaper needs to be washed after each use. AIO's are the most convenient type of cloth diaper and the most similar to disposable diapers. People who need a diapering method that is easy for a caregiver (or a non-cloth-savvy dad) usually choose AIO's (or a combination of AIO's and then something more economical while at home). For caregivers, there are no extra steps involved with AIO's. The only difference between disposables and AIO's for them is that instead of tossing the diaper in the garbage, they toss it in a wet bag (waterproof bag).

How to Choose the Right Method:

As I mentioned above, prefolds are the most economical diapering method, but you do have the inconvenience (which is not so inconvenient once you get the hang of it) of having to fold and fasten (Snappi) the diaper before covering it. Contours and Fitteds are next in line as far as price goes, and slightly more convenient. Pockets and AIO's are like the luxury model of the cloth-diapering world. You don't need to fold or cover these diapers - just us them as you would a disposable.

Which style of diapering you choose should be determined by your lifestyle and budget.

For example:

If you're a stay at home mom, prefolds and covers are great - they're cheaper and once you learn the simple art of folding and fastening on a wiggling baby, it's simple.

If you work outside the home, you may need to consider how your diapering choice affects your baby's caregiver. You may go for an entire diapering stash of AIO's. While this is still far cheaper than using disposables, it's a large initial investment.

A middle-of-the-road choice may be to use AIO's while your baby is away from you and use prefolds and covers at home.

Any combination of methods is fine as long as it works for you, your family and/or caregiver.

Diaper Creams:
Diaper creams with Zinc Oxide create a residue layer on cloth diapers that is hard to get out. If you want to use these particular diaper creams, you must always use a Flushable/ Biodegradable liner with your diapers. In addition, Desitin Original Formula as well as A&D Ointment, contains cod liver oil, which is NOT very friendly even with the liners, so steer clear.

Other options for diaper creams would be to find one without Zinc Oxide, cod liver oil, glycerin, lanolin, petroleum, or dymethicone.

Some suggested diapers balms and salves are: Kissaluv offers a Diaper Lotion Potion Spray (www.kissaluvs.com), Northern Essence All Natural Diaper Rash Salve, Baby Bottom Better by Mother Earth Natural Products
(www.mother-earth.ca), Naturally Baby Bottom Balm (www.naturallyluxe.com).

Note:
If you accidentally used these products with out a liner, to prevent build- up and residue left on the diapers, you will need to strip the diapers. Please, see our Washing Page for more information on stripping diapers.

We are in no way insinuating that these products are bad or harmful, just not preferred for cloth diapering. We are also not endorsing one product over another.
  

The (Not so Secret) Decoder to Cloth Diapering Terms:

When we first began doing research into using cloth, we were overwhelmed by all of the abbreviations and terms referring to cloth
diapering. If you do any reading up on cloth diapering at all, you will come across abbreviations. Have no fear; we are here to help.

Let's start with a list of some commonly used ones and what they mean:

A

AIO: All In One diaper - as the name implies- AIO's are the diaper and    cover in one sewn-together piece
Aplix: similar to the brand Velcro, but more durable; hook and loop closure.

B

BCP: Bleached Chinese Prefold
BF: Breastfed

C

CD: Cloth Diaper
CPF: Chinese Prefolds

D
Dipes: Diapers
Doubler: an additional layer added to increase absorbency (also called a "soaker")
Dry Pail: a method of storing dirty diapers - in a pail with no liquid
DSQ: Diaper Service Quality - a high quality prefold diaper

E

EBF: Exclusively Breastfed
EBM: Expressed Breast milk
EC: Elimination Communication

F

FFS: Free for Shipping
Fitteds: Fitteds are cloth diapers that are shaped like disposables, made from hemp, micro fiber, cotton flannel, or other absorbent material that fasten in the front, and require a waterproof cover
Flatfold: These are the old-fashioned diapers without panels that your mom is probably thinking of when you mention cloth diapering to her
FSOT: For Sale Or Trade

P

Pockets: a type of diaper which requires you to stuff an absorbent insert in a waterproof cover's "pocket"
PPD: Price Plus Delivery
Prefold: a rectangular diaper sewn in three panels with the center being the most absorbent
PUL: Polyurethane Laminate - fabric used as a waterproofing layer in diapers

S

Snappi: a T-shaped device used in place of diaper pins that grips onto prefold or flatfold diapers and holds them in place
Soaker:
1. Knitted wool or fleece diaper cover.
2. An additional layer added to increase absorbency (also called a "doubler")
Sposies: Disposable diapers

U

UBCP: Unbleached Chinese Prefold

W

WAHM: Work at Home Mom
Wicking: Movement of liquid through fabric - this can either refer to liquid moving from the inside of the diaper to the outside or to liquid moving through the stay-dry material (such as Micro fleece) to the absorbent layer, leaving the baby's skin feeling dry

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