So many DIapers - How do I choose?
There are so many types of Diaps on the market! Let us help you choose. Below is an explanation of each type:
AIO - All-In-One - AIOs are fitted diapers that have a waterproof outer layer. This layer usually consists of fabric that has a PUL (PolyUrethane Laminate) backing, polar fleece such as Windpro, or wool. These are the closest in similarity to disposable diapers since they are a one-piece diapering system. The absorbent soaker material is often sewn into the diaper; it may also be detachable. 
An AIO, or All-In-One, is exactly what it sounds like. What you get is what you need. It is a type of diaper that functions completely on its own without the need for extra accessories. It does not require separate soaker material to absorb nor a separate diaper cover to contain leaks. All of the features are neatly packaged into one diaper. Many parents find this type of diaper to be the height of convenience since all they need is in one place. It also saves on space when traveling.
Advantages of AIO Cloth Diapers:
- Functions like a disposable, except you don't throw it away!
- No separate cover required
- No separate soaker or doubler required
- Easy to use
- Available in lots of cute colors and prints
- Perferred by childcare givers
- Longer drying times
- Harder to clean effectively
If you like the sound of an AIO but worry about the longer drying and cleaning times, you may want to try an AI2. These diapers are All in Ones that allow for the removal of the inner soaker material, the part that absorbs. This makes cleaning and drying much faster. When the two separate parts are paired, they form one diaper.
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AI2 - All-In-Two - AI2s are very similar to AIOs with the exception that the absorbent soaker material is not attached to the diaper in any way. The soaker is usually a second, separate piece that must be used in conjunction with the diaper. The drying time for these diapers is shorter than the traditional AIO.
If you like the sound of an AIO but worry about the longer drying and cleaning times, you may want to try an AI2. These diapers are All in Ones that allow for the removal of the inner soaker material, the part that absorbs. This makes cleaning and drying much faster. When the two separate parts are paired, they form one diaper.
Advantages of AI2 Cloth Diapers:
- No separate cover required
- Great for transitioning from disposables to cloth - easy to use
- Available in lots of cute colors and prints
- You can always get a new soaker or doubler if the original needs to be replaced
- Keeping soakers or doublers together with the rest of the diaper
- Usually more expensive than other cloth diapering methods
Contour or Fitted Diapers - Contours are hourglass shaped diapers with no elastic in the legs or back. They must be held together with a SNAPPI® Diaper Fastener, pins, or a diaper cover. These diapers are not waterproof, so a cover will be needed.
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Pocket Diapers - Pocket diapers are like AIOs orAI2s. They have an outer layer of a waterproof material and an inner layer of a stay dry material, like microfleece or suedecloth. They close with Velcro or snaps. They have a pocket opening that allows for the absorbent material to be stuffed in the pocket during use and then removed for laundering. The absorbent material for stuffing can be an insert that comes with the diaper or a pre-fold or doubler. Some moms use terry wash cloths. Pocket diapers are a popular choice among cloth diapering moms because you can customize the amount of absorbent material.
Pocket diapers are exactly what they sound like. They are cloth diapers that have a pocket. Most generally they have two layers, an outer layer and an inner layer, with a hole or pocket that separate the two at one point, forming an opening for the absorbent material to be inserted. The absorbent material that is inserted into the pocket is what absorbs the moisture when baby relieves himself. It can be removed later for more effective cleaning. Many moms believe that pocket diapers are the most innovative invention in diapering ever.
Pocket diapers can be two piece diapering systems with a waterproof outer layer that requires only a stuffer. They can also be a three piece diapering system with a non-waterproof outer layer that will require the use of a diaper cover.
Advantages of Pocket Diapers:
- You decide what to "stuff" the pocket with...so you can find the right absorbency level
- Easy to clean because they "come apart"
- Can be very trim if absorbent stuffing is not bulky
- Available in lots of cute colors and prints
- A separate stuffer is required to make the diaper function
- Can be bulky if to much stuffing is inserted
Flats - These one-layer diapers, generally made out of 100% cotton gauze, are the most "old-fashioned" choice. They dry quickly and fit a large range of sizes. Folding and pinning are required. Flat cloth diapers are the classic cotton square which is folded to fit baby, and secured with diaper pins or a Snappi.
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Pre-folds - Pre-fold diapers are rectangular shaped diapers that must be folded into the shape of a diaper. They are similar to flats, but have multiple layers with more layering in the middle. They often have 2-4 layers of absorbent material on either side and 6-8 layers in the middle. The amount of layers varies according to the size you choose, generally ranging from preemie to toddler. You may see a pre-fold described as being 4x8x4. This describes how many layers there are in the outer and inner sections: 4 layers in both outer sections and 8 layers in the inner or middle section. Pre-folds are usually the cheapest type of cloth diapers available. They must be used in conjunction with a cover.
A variation of the flat diaper is the Prefold, which includes extra layering in the center.
Flat and prefold diapers are the least expensive choice in cloth diapers, costing in the area of $15-$20 per dozen. These diapers require waterproof outer covers, so they are a three piece diapering system (diaper, cover, closure for diaper). Typically, these diapers are closed with either diaper pins or a Snappi. However, another option is to simply lay them in a wrap style cover and forgo the additional closure type.
Most of these diapers are made from birdseye or other gauzy fabrics. Some are made from velour or hemp. They are very absorbent, easy to clean, and quick to dry. Still widely used today, flat and prefold diapers are a very economical and simple choice for cloth diapering. But these cloth diapers have other uses as well. Fans of other diapering types often use flat or prefold diapers for doublers or pocket stuffers.
For a little fun with prefold or flat diapers, look at the many dyed or embroidered options available on the market.
Advantages of Flat and/or Prefold Diapers:
- Absorbent
- Very economical
- Easy to launder and fast to dry
- Can be used as diapers, doublers, pocket stuffers, burp cloths, or even cleaning rags.
- Available in lots of dyed colors, and can be embroidered very easily.
- A cover is required to make the diaper function
- Must take the time to fold
- Not as convenient as an AIO
- Hard to use on squirmy babies
- Pins and/or a Snappi can be hard to use
- Runny messes are harder to contain with these diapers
Diaper Covers - Covers come in many styles and shapes, but their function is to provide a waterproof outer layer for non-waterproof diapers (all except AIOs). They are often fitted with elastic and fasten with snaps or Velcro. Some covers pull-up, like underpants. Diaper covers are usually made from polyester, Polyurethane laminates (PUL), waterproof nylon, fleece or wool.