Decisions, decisions, decisions

rcultrona

So I am trying to decide what to buy for my stash and am curious as to the pros and cons of different styles. I am thinking of using a combo of pre-folds and covers and pocket diapers. It seems like whenever anyone asks which style is best the general consensus is that you should have a variety, but why? If there is a style you like why not have all the same style? Are some styles better in certain situations or is it all a matter of personal preference?

Into+the+Kitty

Different brands work better (or worse) for certain babies and their body types. 

And different styles work better for different families. And some families think they will like one style but for whatever reason end up disliking them. I thought I'd love prefolds, and personally just couldn't stand folding them. Some people think they'll love AIOs but then end up hating the drying time.

Since most people researching cloth don't have a baby yet, it's not recommended to stock up on only one diaper since either the brand or style may be a total bust, and it's better to have some diapers that work while you destashed the rest rather than a whole stash of diapers you can't use.

flummadiddle85

What ITK said.

We use mainly prefolds, but we do have a bit of variety. 

The few pockets we have I started using as overnights, but I feel like it was sometimes difficult to stuff enough absorbency without getting gaps. I started that way because it gave DS the stay dry feeling, but I don't think he cares. And then there was a small leak one morning, so then I switched our fitteds to ON, and no more leaks.  Now our pockets are for babysitters. 

Also, as baby grows, you might find his needs change over time. So I like to have the bit of variety for whatever the occasion may be.  

  

LottaLattes

I think it depends. I like having all one type to use per day because I am odd like that, and I pretty much just use aios and pockets during the day. I have gone through a number of types of stashes and enjoy bst, so it isn't a big deal to me to get all of one type and switch to another.

Aurora_Borealis

I use a combination of prefolds/covers and pockets...with the occasional fitted.

Different styles are definitely better in different situations. Like overnight. DD was a peeing machine overnight from 5-13 months and there is no way I would have wanted or needed to diaper her during the day the way I had to overnight. 

And then there is the preference between caregivers. I generally use prefolds, but DH prefers pockets. So we have both.

 

ElleBeeDub

I agree with pretty much everything everyone else has said. Our stash has a little bit of everything for various reasons.

We started off with prefolds and covers for the price and simplicity. I love that I can reuse the covers and the prefolds wash and dry quickly.

We also have pockets, AI2s and AIOs for daytimes. DH prefers the pockets because he feels like they're easiest to put on (our AIOs have side-snaps). I like the AI2s because they get "put together" a smidge faster than the time it takes to stuff pockets (though I've gotten so used to both at this point that I think it's a tie). The AIOs were mostly all picked up at really great prices because I loved the prints. They end up getting worn the least only because they take so long to dry.

Our ON diapers are fitteds and wool because they're the only thing I've found that keeps us leak-free. I've been making the fitteds and found most of my wool at really good prices, so even this "expensive" route hasn't completely broken the bank (although dry sheets would still be worth it to me!). 

PolythenePam

I definitely agree with what everyone has said. Another thing that shaped our choices for styles/brands was a balance between what might work for us and what would be easiest for daycare/grandparents since H and I both work full time. Most of our diapers for LO when I return to work will be OS pockets with aplix. I got a lot of great feedback on here as to what brands have durable aplix, so that helped us choose brands.

ForeverEverAfter

I went overboard with diversity (15 different brands), and I do wish I had more of one kind for when LO starts daycare. I have 4 each of my favourites, one each of the 'meh' ones. I have favourite kinds depending on the situation, and I don't like one most overall. Fuzzibunz elite are trimmest, RaRz can be stuffed the most without gaping, Happy Heiny aplix are easiest for babysitters, applecheeks are cutest under a dress with no pants (ruffled legs), and BG 4.0s are good all around, but not the best in any category. I use SBish fitteds overnight for absorbency.

It is worth trying a few though, I thought id love prefolds and AIOs and now prefer pockets. 

AKB090609

One reason we have different kinds is for different uses. We like covers with prefolds or inserts at home but pockets or AIO for the diaper bag.

runningyogimama

I took the diverse stash thing to heart, and I'm honestly glad I have a little but of everything. Pockets and AIOs were great for the first 8 or so weeks for when she couldn't stand not having the stay dry feel. DH and grandmas use pockets and AIOs, and I usually throw them in the diaper bag for on the go. Oh, and her first morning poop, haha. I don't like wasting a cover on that, so I use a pocket.

I use prefolds and covers while I'm home during the day, and fitteds overnight, though I'm trying to build up my fitted stash so I can use some during the day. I found I'm not a fan of keepin up with stuffing enough pockets for all day every day, and the AIOs take too long to dry, and prefolds weren't at all as bad as I thought they would be.

robyn2201

Exactly what ITK said.

I'll keep it short since you have already received good advice from other posters.

AIO's and Pockets for DH (SAHD) and babysitters.

I like covers with PF's and Flips (Hybrid diapers) as my go to diaper. I like how trim the Flips are and I put them in the diaper bag.

We use fitteds with a wool cover for ON. DD2 is a heavy wetter and a pocket double stuffed wasn't working. 

Lennongirl

We have a varied stash just because there is no one "perfect diaper" in terms of any time of day, anywhere, trimmest fit, cheapest and most absorbent. 

So we have trim diapers, cute prints for when I want to show off our cloth, super absorbent diapers for overnight, every day easy-to-use diapers for daycare/DH, and diapers that take up very little space for in the diaper bag or when travelling.