Choosing a Cloth Diapering System
Once you decide to cloth diaper, you must decide which type of diapers you want to use and how many to buy. There are a variety of choices that fit a wide array of styles and budgets.
For a newborn, you will want to start with 12-24 prefolds and 3-6 covers if you plan to use this system full-time. I also recommend having 2-4 all-in-one or pocket diapers for baby-sitters and outings.
Fitted and contour diapers are diapers that fit over your baby without folding, but still require a cover. Fitted diapers go on like disposables with snaps or applix. These are my favorite option for the first 4-6 weeks. They are much less expensive than pockets and all-in-ones, but are pretty easy to change. These diapers come in a variety of fabrics, most commonly cotton, sherpa, velour, and terry. For a newborn, you will want to start with 12-24 prefolds and 3-6 covers if you plan to use this system full-time. I also recommend having 2-4 all-in-one or pocket diapers for baby-sitters and outings.
Pocket diapers have a pocket in the back to stuff an absorbent insert. Most inserts are made of microfiber or hemp, but prefolds make a cost-effective alternative. Once the pocket diaper is assembled, they go on just like disposables. These diapers are very easy, very convenient, and dry quickly. For a newborn, you will want to start with 12-24 diapers and at least as many inserts. Because hemp inserts are more absorbent than microfiber, many families use microfiber during the day and hemp overnight.
All-in-one diapers go on and off just like disposables. No inserts, no covers. AIOs are the most convenient diaper to use. Because they are also the most expensive, you may want to wait until you baby is at least 6-8 weeks old before you start using them. Families who chose other diapering options often like to have a few AIOs at hand to keep in the diaper bag.
One size AIOs and Pockets fit most babies from birth until potty training. Buying one size reduces the amount of diapers you will need in the future and is also great for families with two children in diapers. Because one size diapers can be a little tricky and bulky on a newborn, you may want to have 2-4 sized diapers for baby-sitters and outings. One size diapers are also very useful for families with an infant and toddler.
All-in-two diapers usually consist of a cover and an insert that snaps directly into the cover. They are as trim and convenient as pocket diapers, but for most changes, you only need to change the insert, not the entire diaper. This also saves money. Like other styles, all-in-two diapers come in one-size options.
Many families find that their diapering system evolves as their child and family grows. It is common to have several different types of diapers, to to start off liking one type of diaper and switch later on.
Return to Envirobaby Store
Comments