The 411 on Cloth Diapers.

Cloth diapering seems to be intimidating to get started with. I know when I decided to make the switch I was overwhelmed with the terminology, choices, and what seemed like complicated care issues. I'm going to make a multi-post diaper 411 to help get you started.

Why should you switch to cloth? That answer depends on who you are.

• Some people are very eco conscious and switch because it is better for the environment because you are not filling up landfills with diapers that don't degrade. Also, you are not tempted to throw human waste in the trash, which is illegal, you're not supposed to do it with disposables either, and pollutes waterways with run off.
• Some people have babies with very sensitive skin and switch because cloth diapers are so much nicer on baby. Rarely does a baby get diaper rash with cloth diapers. You can also purchase all organic cloth options. Whether or not your baby tolerate disposables or not you should want the best for baby's skin and rash prevention.
• Some people do it to save money. If you use pocket diapers and have enough to wash every two days you will save over 2,000$ during the diapering years if you currently use a generic or bulk purchased diaper from a club store. You will save even more switching from a premium diaper brand or only buying enough to wash everyday.
• Some people do it because the diapers are so cute and stylish. Plus, cloth diapering is becoming trendy. The image conscious do cloth diaper just for the look or pride in doing so.

No matter the reason or combination of reasons you have for looking into cloth diapering there is a vast confusing world out there when you start. Often, you won't be as lucky as I am to have a store that educates and sells all types of cloth diapers, so you will be ordering alone online. The more prepared you are the better your experience. Cloth diapering does have a learning curve, but it is fast and virtually painless. I promise.

First thing to do when cloth diapering is to decide on a style. There are various ways to do this and each way has it's pros, cons, and costs. I will list all of these.

Prefolds and Covers:

What it is: Prefolds and covers are what will probably come to mind for your parents and possibly
                   what you will think of. These have come a long way from safety pins and rubber covers.
                   For this you need three things...prefolds, clips/grips, and covers. The prefold is put on the
                   baby and clipped into place. This looks like the "old school" cloth diapers. Then a
                   waterproof cover is put over this. There are many materials you can get for the prefold
                  such as cotton, wool, and bamboo or a mix of them. Each has a different cost and
                   absorbency.
Pros:          With this method you can have way more prefolds than covers because if poo doesn't
                   get on the cover you can continue to use for the day. Meaning less to wash.
                   This is the cheapest option for cloth diapering.
Cons:        You will have to get the prefold on properly and clip in place. This is hard to do on a
                   wriggling baby. Often with this in the learning phase leaks occur.
                  This is the most bulky option.

Fitteds with Covers:

What it is: This is very similar to prefolds. A fitted diaper is an all cloth diaper that looks just like a
                    like a regular diaper. You put this on baby just like you would any diaper. Then cover
                    with a waterproof cover. This is the next step in price. You again will find a vast material
                    selection.
Pros:          Very very absorbent. I use this method for overnight because my daughter is a heavy
                    wetter. Easier to get on than prefolds.
                   Once again the cover doesn't have to be washed every change unless it gets poo on it.
Cons:         You still have two separate pieces to get on a wiggly baby. If you don't get the cover
                    over all the fitted you get leak through from the fitted touching clothes. This is still very
                    bulky.

Pocket Diapers:

What it is: This option is moderately priced. With this you have a two layer cover. the outside layer
                    is waterproof, and the inside layer is moisture wicking and soft. The inner material is
                   often microfiber but can be made of mesh, bamboo, hemp, and cotton. These two layers
                    make a pocket. In this pocket you put an insert. The insert is like a maxi-pad. It soaks up
                   all the wetness and keeps baby feeling dry. The inserts come in different sizes, materials,
                   and absorbenciess.
Pros:          This is a very popular option. You can just stick in the inserts before hand and put on the
                   diaper. Just like a disposable. While more expensive than prefolds and fitteds it is still
                   budget friendly. There is a decrease in learning curve leaks. You can customize the
                   absorbency by layering pads. This is less bulky than the other options. For grandparents,
                   friends, and sitters this is a great easy option because you can have stuff diaper ready for
                   them just like disposables.
Cons:        You still have two pieces to wash and you have to wash both every single use whether it is
                  just pee or not. The cost may put people off from starting with this style.

All-in-one Diapers:

What it is: This is the most user friendly option, and the most expensive. This diaper is one whole kit
                   kit and caboodle. just like a disposable you just put it on. They are waterproof outside and
                    have the absorbent liners sew in.
Pros:          Obviously the easiest for you and other caregivers. Almost no learning curve except
                   for fitting certain styles. They come in all kinds of materials like the rest. Only once
                   piece to track.
Cons:         Very expensive. You have to have a large quantity on hand because drying takes a long
                   time. These are the hardest to wash and keep clean. Each diaper needs washed each time
                    it is used. Can get bulky.

Hybrid Diapers:

What it is: This is an advanced category of diaper. These tend to be more pricey than pockets but
                    less than all-in-ones. With these you get the convenience of prefolds and fitted since you
                    don't have to wash the cover every time and the easy of pocket inserts since you don't
                    to deal with putting two things on. You simple snap in an insert when it is solid you snap
                    it out and snap in a new one. The cover doesn't need changed if it doesn't have poo on it.
                    This is the diaper style I personally use.
Pros:           No need to was the cover every use so you don't have to buy tons of them. Many types
                    of materials and absorbencies are available. Customize the absorbency by layering
                    inserts. Not very bulky.
Cons:          Can get expensive. Sometimes hard to find. There are a limited number of brands that
                    offer this style. Has a moderate learning curve.

Here is the link to the brand I use and love, Softbums. I use the Omni style because it has a pocket so I can set it up for grandparents and sitters to use without any further instruction or complication. They take it off and put on a whole new one like a disposable, but I get to use it like a hybrid and save some washing and buying tons of covers. Plus with their special One Size system I get an easy completely custom fit that the snaps on there brands just simply cannot do. I'm a sucker for a bargain and they sell packages that give you a discount!

So there you have it. The different types of cloth diaper systems in simple terms. Before diving into how much to buy, care, and tips, there is one more thing to talk about. Fits, and there are special terms to learn...

One Size; This is a diaper that general fits 5 to 40 pounds. there are snaps, elastics, or vecros that change the waist and length of these diapers. This allows you to use the same covers/shells the whole time. The cost more up front but save you in the long run. These tend to be fickle about fitting well and often need adjusting to prevent leaks, but not so much that is difficult. As your baby grows you adjust to fit his or her body. abbreviate OS.

Single size, or Regular: Just like disposable diaper these are covers, fitteds, and shells that fit one size. These are cheap up front but end up costing more in the long run because you will have to buy all new sets as baby grows. These don't have a learning curve for fitting. Either they will or won't fit.

I use one size covers myself because I am looking at long term savings.

The next post will cover what you need to start for each style of diaper if you want to wash daily, care, and tips. I hope this has given you a better idea of what is out there for your diapering needs.