Cloth Diapering-Different Types?

CaraBoonie

So, I've already searched the boards, and have seen several discussions on reasons to cloth diaper, reasons not to, etc. HOWEVER, what I'm looking for is what all these different types are and why I would want one over the other? If anybody has a good site that they think actually explains it all, or personal experience, that would be super helpful! I'm especially looking for personal experiences, which I tend to trust more than somebody writing an online article who may have never even used them!

I'm looking to possibly cloth diaper for the first 6 months while I'll be exclusively stay-at-home and exclusively breastfeeding (after 6 months I hope to go back to work and pump, but we'll see what happens when we get there, that's a year away so I'm focusing on the more immediate). Since it's mostly going to be me dealing with the diapers during this time, and not a daycare or nanny or my mother, I figured I should at least try cloth diapering to save some money, maybe not be quite so mean to the planet (not my top priority, admittedly, but a nice byproduct), and plus they're cute! Is there any one brand or type (prefold? all in one? pocket?) that is best for infants and not-so-solid poop? I heard sometimes cloth diapers aren't as good with blowouts if you don't get the right kind? My mom dragged me to buy buy baby to register yesterday and pointed out some cloth diapers to register for and I didn't realize there were so many types! I want to do my research before adding anything to my list

steph_pegasus

Check out cottonbabies.com.
Under their main menu they have a section called "diaper info" and then under that "cloth diaper basics." It'll give you an overview of the different types and pros/cons. There's also a "how to wash" section.
Eta that basics page is down for maintenance right now but should be up again soon.


I wanted a simple system, not having to deal with pockets and inserts and what-not. After researching we decided to use prefolds with Flip one-size covers. Snappi elastic holders to keep the dipes closed under the covers. We had to learn a few different fold methods, but by far easier for us in terms of amount of diapers needed, laundering (we did ourselves), and love that we are all set for this LO diaper-wise already.

vvitchhazel

This is what I want to know too! Only I plan on using disposable diapers for the first few months and switching to cloth when the poos are a bit less newborny.

steph_pegasus

@vvitchhazel infant poo is so easy to deal with if you're BFing. Water soluble, rinses right out.
Can't speak to FFing, never did that but maybe someone else can weigh in?

holocene

A general break down of the main different type of cloth diapers. 

All in one (AIO) - a diaper that is one piece. It is the most like a disposable in the sense that you put it on, take it off and put it in the wash. These tend to be very popular for daycares, fathers, grandparents, etc, or a parent who just prefers a streamlined, one piece, super easy stash. A typical stash is 24 AIO. 

All in two (AI2) - a diaper that is two pieces. The shell (the exterior, waterproof bit) and the insert (the absorbent bit). Escentially, when the baby goes, if the outer portion didn't get soiled, you can simply remove the insert and replace with a fresh one. An all in two means less laundry, and less upfront cost. A typical stash is 12 shells or covers and 24 inserts. 

Pockets - Same make up as an all in one, except after the wash and before the wash you have to stuff the absorbent insert into the pocket of the diaper that holds it. And after the baby wets, you remove the insert before washing (there are some brands that don't require the second step). Pockets tend to be well liked because the diaper breaks down to two parts, it can be easier to clean and faster to dry. Typical stash is 24 pockets and inserts. (They usually come with inserts, but sometimes you have to buy them separately). 

Prefolds and covers - Prefolds are rectangle that is all absorbent. Typically made from cotton or bamboo. You fasten it onto the baby using a snappi, boingo or plain old diapers pins. Because it has no waterproof material, you have to cover it with something that is waterproof. So either a cover made from PUL (polyurethane laminate) or a wool soaker (easier than you think!). This tends to be the most economical way to diaper, as you require very little covers to prefolds ratio. (Because the diaper is fastened on before you cover it with a cover, the covers rarely get soiled, requiring much less). Typical stash is 24 prefolds to 6 covers. 

Fitteds and covers - Same a prefolds. Fitteds are absorbent diapers that fasten around your baby, typically with snaps. They are not waterproof and need to be covered. There are some fitteds that have a secret layer of wool or fleece, with provides extra protection before the outer part feels damp. These are awesome if you live in a hotter climate and want your baby to just wear a fitted around the house as they are incredibly breathable. Fitteds are more expensive than prefolds. Ranging anywhere from $5-$50 each. It's not the most economical way to cloth diaper, but if your cover of choice is wool (as most fitted Mama's are), then it's kind of like a cult favourite. Typical stash is 24 fitteds and 6 covers. 

Take a look at your budget, and what you require from diapers. Are you staying home with the baby? And all in two system is awesome for at home. All in ones are great for the diaper bag, babysitters and first time Dad's. Fitteds and wool are bullet proof for night time. I've never really understood the pocket love, so I'm not sure what they are awesome for, but you may love them!  

Youtube ObbsandLala cloth series. If you're in the US start browsing online stores and youtube any reviews you're interested in seeing/hearing a more in depth summary of. Ex. "applecheeks review" or "tots bots V4 review" - Youtuber Dirtydiaperlaundry is an excellent resource for unbiased reviews. 

Some popular stores in the states for browsing; 
Abby's Lane
Itsy Bitsy Bums 
Mom's milk boutique 

Maybe someone else can chime in with more as I don't like in America, so my knowledge on American stores is limited. 
If you happen to be in Canada, some great stores are Lagoon Baby, New and Green, Caterpillar baby and Gorgeous baby. 

CaraBoonie

@holocene, thanks for all the info! From what little I have seen so far in my online searches, I was thinking that the AI2 (I think they're also sometimes called hybrid?) seem best for when I'm at home, with some AIO and some disposable back-ups for outings/when my mom watches her depending on my mom's comfort level/etc. I'll keep looking into it more and await some more replies, I love hearing what people chose and have used and what actually works for real moms, not just the sales pitches

holocene

This will be my third fully cloth diapered baby. Cloth wasn't a money saver for me, it was more like a fun hobby (as ridiculous as that sounds...) I have tried pretty much everything out there over the course of 4 years. My stash for this baby is 18 AppleCheeks, size 1, to be used as an AI2 in conjunction with 24 size 1 grovia bamboo prefolds. I also have a dozen size 2 grovia bamboo prefolds and 2 xs woollybottoms organic interlock soakers for times of extreme comfort. Choosing diapers is so fun! I always recommend to buy a couple of each type, try them on your baby and then sell what doesn't work for you, and buy more of what does. There are loads of b/s/t pages on FB where you can do this. It may take a bit more work, but in the end, it provides you with a stash that is perfect for you and your baby. Good luck!