Here's Exactly How To Choose The Best Cloth Diaper Type For Your Baby

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Even though you’re a busy, working momma, you can still achieve cloth diapering success!

Congratulations on deciding to cloth diaper! Cloth diapering has to be one of the best-kept secrets in motherhood. It may require a few extra steps, but the benefits far outweigh the downsides. Even with working 40-plus hours a week, I still find the time to cloth diaper successfully, and you can too!

I’ll be honest in saying when I first got started cloth diapering I was overwhelmed. I wasn’t sure exactly what I needed or how cloth diapering worked. I wasn’t even sure how to put on the diapers! For the struggling momma, I figured it would be helpful to make a quick guide filled with everything you need to successfully cloth diaper.

This blog post is about cloth diapering success!

Types of cloth diapers

There are several types of cloth diapers. Do not be intimated by different kinds and brands.

Just like there are various brands of disposable diapers, the same is true for cloth diapers. Each type of diaper is a little different and there may be several brands for a specific type.

Flat Cloth Diapers

This is what comes to mind when most people think of cloth diapers! They’re traditional in style and require a little work on your end. These are large, single-layer squares of fabric you fold to fit your baby. They’re affordable, dry quickly and can be used for multiple tasks (like burp cloths!)

Learn how to fold flat cloth diaper types here:

Who Would Love These:

The DIY mom who loves a good challenge and doesn’t mind folding. If you have some extra time at home, love to be hands-on and want a budget friendly option, these cloth diaper types are for you!
The Minimalist who wants a solution that can be used for different purposes (like burp cloths, changing pads, etc.)
Sustainable mom who wants quick-drying, easy-to-wash, and long-lasting diaper options

Prefold Cloth Diapers

Prefolds are already in a smaller, more manageable shape which makes it a bit easier to fold (in my opinion!). They’re already in sections with the thicker layers in the middle so there’s less guesswork. Prefolds are still affordable and a great middle-ground to traditional flat diapers because they offer a bit of assistance.

You’ll need:

pins, velcro or snaps to hold them on to your baby
a waterproof cover to prevent leaks

Learn how to fold pre-fold cloth diaper types here:

Who Would Love These:

The practical planner who likes a simple and cost-effective option, but prefers more structure than flats.
Parents on a budget who want a straightforward solution without the extra bells and whistles
Stay at home or work from home moms who can dedicate a little extra time to diaper changes but still want reliability.

Fitted Cloth Diapers

These diapers are already folded and ready to wear. They’re elastic around the legs to contain leaks, but you’ll need a diaper cover to make these waterproof. Fitted diapers are amazing for heavy wetters and nighttime because they’re so absorbent!

You’ll need:

velcro, diaper pins, or a snapee if you don’t have a closure

Learn about fitted cloth diaper types here:

Who Would Love These:

Parents of heavy wetters who need something reliable to stay dry longer without leaks (especially overnight!)
Parents with toddlers who want an option with extra absorbency
The no-fold parent who wants a structured diaper without the folding!

Pocket Diapers

Out of all cloth diaper types, pocket diapers are my favorite. These diapers contain a waterproof outer layer and a removable cloth in the back. You can choose microfiber inserts, bamboo, or charcoal inserts for extra absorbency. Generally, the microfiber inserts are sold with the pocket diapers. For more absorbency, add more inserts!

Who Would Love These:

The hands-on mom who loves customization and wants to be able to control the level of absorbency by adding or removing inserts.
On-the-go families who need a diaper that is easy to throw in the diaper bag. Perfect for familes who don’t mind a tiny pit of prep, but want flexibility.

See pocket cloth diaper types here:

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All-In-One Diapers (AIOs)

These diapers are just what they sound like – all in one. These diapers are similar to the fitted diapers but already come with a waterproof diaper cover attached. Most people choose these diapers because they don’t require any extra steps – no adding an outer cover and no stuffing pockets. These diapers tend to be a bit more expensive and they take a very long time to dry since everthing’s attached.

Here’s an example of All In One cloth diaper types:

Who Would Love These:

The busy mom who wants a cloth diapering solution that’s as easy as disposables.
Parents who send their baby to daycare or babysitters who will want to be eco friendly.
The first time parent who wants convenience, but still wants to cloth diaper for their wallets and the planet.

Hybrid

These diapers are also called All-In-Twos. They’re like an All-In-One diaper plus a pocket diaper. Hybrids give you flexibility! This is super convenient when you’re on the go or traveling.

See Hybrid cloth diaper types here:

Cloth Diaper Items To Add (Regardless of Your Cloth Diaper Types)

Wet bag

Wipes – you can also choose to use reusable wipes!

Diaper Liners – if you are exclusively breastfeeding, you won’t need these until your baby starts solids. You can also opt for a sprayer to be a zero-waste cloth diaper momma.

Where to buy cloth diapers

Do not get overwhelmed by all the different types of cloth diapers and various places you can buy them.

Think of it like this…there are various types of disposable diapers and you can buy each of those types of diapers at hundreds of different stores. It’s the same concept here.

Window shop until you find what you like and don’t be afraid to buy one or two of one type of brand until you find the kind you and your baby prefer.

Second-hand baby store
A friend (or a friend of a friend!)
Amazon
Target
Walmart
Alva Baby
Thirsties
Bum Genius
Charlie Banana

Cloth diapering tips

Diapers should be changed every 2-3 hours.
Diapers should be washed every 2-3 days.
It’s not all or nothing. You can supplement cloth diapering with disposable diapers.
No matter the diaper type, disposable or cloth, there will be blowouts, but you got this!
Prevent leaks by securing the diaper well and changing the diaper frequently.
Wash diapers for a normal cycle on hot, followed by a quick cycle on cold with a small amount of baby detergent.
Dry diapers in the washing machine or line dry. Note: Fitted and all-in-one diapers tend to have longer drying time.
You’ll need 18-24 diapers for your stash.
Once your baby starts solids their poop will change. They’ll either need diaper liners to add to their diaper or you’ll need to use a spray attachment to rinse the poop into the toilet before washing.
Diapers are adjustable to grow with the baby in time. It will take time to adjust to fitting the diapers correctly on your baby, but you’ll get the hang of it!

I hope you enjoyed this blog post about cloth diapering success!

Cloth diapering can be overwhelming, but the best way to overcome the overwhelm is to get started. Just like with parenting, we learn by doing.

Here’s Exactly How To Choose The Best Cloth Diaper Type For Your Baby

Ready to Cloth Diaper?

This blog post is about cloth diapering success!