- Probably the best way to select a reusable diapering system is to decide on the diaper (absorbent) part of your system and then find a cover that works (some diapers have the cover built in so you won't need a cover) with the diaper and fits your baby well.
Prefolds
are rectangles of cotton or cotton/hemp that have been folded and sewn together. You may also see the term DSQ - meaning Diaper Service Quality or CPF - meaning either Cotton Prefold or Chinese Prefold. A Chinese Prefold has been made in China and Imported. They can be the easiest diaper to use and one of the most confusing to figure out - especially if you have never seen one in person. A prefold has extra layers in the center of the diaper along with two lines of stitching which divided the diaper into thirds.
Prefolds are folded and sewn but will need to be folded further to put on your baby. Together with covers, DSQ prefolds are the most economical choice for cloth diapering. They come in many different varieties of fabrics, sizes and weights. You will see most prefolds referred to with a 4x8x4 identification. The first and last numbers tell you how many layers of fabric are in the right and left panels of the diaper, the middle number is the number of layers in the middle panel of the diaper. 4x8x4 diapers are the most absorbent offered, they come in different lengths and widths to fit into different sizes if diaper covers. 4x6x4 diapers offer good absorbency and offer a little less bulk. They can be an excellent size for daytime when diapers can be changed more frequently.
Cotton prefolds are offered in bleached (white) and unbleached (natural). Natural diapers may need a hotter wash cycle to set up the diapers properly, but will probably last longer since the fabric has not undergone the manufacturers bleaching process. Organic and hemp fabrics are often offered as prefolds. While being more expensive Hemp prefolds offer excellent absorbency with less layers of fabric - they are often a 2x3x2 construction. Hemp can be grown without pesticides, fertilizers or soil depletion.
When new cotton prefolds will be thin and soft and feel a little stiff. Usually the diapers are stiffer when they are immediately removed from the compressed bale that they are shipped in. They need to be washed and dried several times before being used. Bleached cotton prefolds need to be washed and dried 3-4 times in order to reach absorbency. Unbleached cotton prefolds and hemp prefolds need to be washed 7-8 times in very hot water to reach absorbency (they haven't gone through the bleaching process which means it is necessary to wash them often enough to strip off the natural oils from the cotton.) Hemp prefolds do not start out flat and stiff.
All prefolds shrink several inches after being washed, and they quilt up and get soft and fluffy. Hemp prefolds will shrink more than cotton prefolds. Depending on the fold and cover, prefolds can be very trim or very bulky.
Depending on the diaper cover that you choose, you may or may not need a snappi. Woven prefolds like those made out of cotton are excellent choice if you want to fasten the diaper snugly with a Snappi. Knit prefolds like many made of hemp can develop stretch holes or runs from using Snappis. Prefolds are the absorbent part of your cloth diapering system and require a diaper cover.
are shaped to fit into a diaper cover without being folded. Contour diapers are not built with closures but may have elastic at the leg. For a snug fit, they will need to be pinned or snappi'd. Usually they are less absorbent than prefolds. Kissaluvs contours have extra-long wings in the back to make for easy pinning. Contours require a cover.
are shaped like disposable diapers. They close around baby's waist with velcro or snaps. Pins and snappis are not necessary to hold the diaper in place. Fitted diapers are usually made from more high end fabrics like organic cotton, hemp or cotton velour. They are constructed with an inner and out layer of material with inner soaker layers. The soaker material is sewn in the diaper in the middle for maximum absorbency without adding bulk to the outer wings of the diapers. Fitted diapers are more expensive than contours and significantly more expensive than prefolds, but lots of people love them as they can be used by themselves on a warm day. With a cover they are the best at keeping in the more explosive poops. Fitted diapers are the absorbent part of your cloth diapering system and require a cover.
are used exactly like disposables. They do not need a cover - the cover is built in. They are usually more expensive than other diapering options. You have to dry them on low, since the cover is built in, which means they take longer to dry, and they don't last as long because the cover is essentially being washed every time you wash the diaper. They are very convenient to use and most people like to have a couple around when their children are being watched by someone who is not familiar with cloth diapers. The Prorap AIO is the best at keeping in poop.
usually span infant to early toddler years. In the beginning, you snap down the rise so that they fit the baby. They can look really big on a newborn. One Size diapers are recommended if you don’t want to keep buying diapers as the baby grows. Also recommended if you’re starting as an infant and not later. A cover goes over the Imse Vimse. The bumGenius comes with a cover/diaper combo.
are a two piece system. The waterproof outer is attached to a suedecloth or fleece inner. They come with a microterry insert for absorbency. They are similar to All in One diapers in that you have to change the entire diaper every time that you change your baby. The advantage that pocket diapers have over the All in Ones is that the absorbent material (insert) is not attached to the waterproof outer. That allows you to wash the inserts and covers separately if you choose to. It also allows you to easily add more absorbent inserts for nighttime. Pocket Diapers also give you a built in stay dry liner to keep wetness away from your baby.
If you have any
questions about the products on our web site or questions about cloth diapering
in general please use our FAQs or the 'Contact Us' link in the Help section.
