Cloth Diapering 101: Types of Cloth

​​Every family has a system or combination of systems that works best for them. It really depends what you want from your diapers (for example, economy, ease of use, cuteness). Here is an explanation of each system with their features.

Prefolds

Prefold diapers are rectangular pieces of absorbent cloth that have several layers. Most prefolds are either 4x6x4 or 4x8x4, which indicates the number of layers on each side and in the super absorbent thicker strip down the middle of the diaper.

Prefolds can be secured either with Snappi diaper fastener, or simply folded and laid into a diaper cover, which is then fastened onto the baby. Prefolds require a cover because they are not waterproof.

• Prefolds are one of the most economical ways to diaper. 
• Some would argue they are the easiest to launder as they do not need any special care like folding or the removal or stuffing of inserts. They also dry quickly.
• You can choose which type of cover to use, PUL or wool (read on…)
• Prefolds are a two-part diapering system meaning you need to use a diaper and a diaper cover.
• Prefolds don’t have a lining to wick moisture away from the baby’s skin, although you can add a micro-fleece liner inside the diaper for this purpose.
• Prefolds are pretty plain as far a cloth diapers go, although some people like to dye or embellish them.
• Prefolds are available in preemie, infant, and toddler sizes.

Using Prefolds:

Start by prewashing your prefolds at least a few times in hot water. They will quilt up, and become more absorbent with each wash.

There are many ways to fold prefolds:

Tri-fold and place inside a snug-fitting diaper cover. Then fasten onto your baby. The cover will contain any poop blowouts.

The poop-pouch fold - lay the prefold on the table and place baby on top. Fold the front of the prefold up between baby's legs letting the diaper bunch up between baby's legs to form a pouch. Fasten with a Snappi or pins. Use a cover to make this system waterproof.

Cover prefold with a diaper cover for a waterproof system. Some parents of older babies like to use a prefold Snappied without a cover to let the bum get some air - just change your baby once he/she feels wet.

Washing prefolds couldn't be easier! Shake solid poop into the toilet and toss it in the dry pail (exclusively breastfed babies' poop can go straight into the pail). On laundry day dump them in the washer - then either tumble dry or hang in the sun to get stains out and save energy. There is something so serene about a clothesline full of prefolds drying in the sun!

Here's a little video to learn how to fold prefolds. I've used this myself. I refer the jelly roll fold for my little guy.

Fitted Diapers

Fitted diapers are contoured cloth diapers which generally resemble disposable diapers in that they have a contoured shape and have gathered edges around the legs, and fasten with either Aplix (velcro) or snaps. However, as with prefold diapers, a waterproof diaper cover is necessary.

• Fitted diapers typically cost $10-20 or more a piece, depending on the style and material. Fitteds can be made from cotton, bamboo, or hemp.
• Fitted diapers tend to be better at containing messes and preventing leaks than prefolds due to elastic leg casings. Many people use fitteds for overnight for this reason
• Fitteds are a two-part diapering system meaning you need to use a diaper and a diaper cover. You can choose which type of cover to use: PUL, wool or fleece.
• Some fitted diapers don’t have a lining to wick moisture away from the baby’s skin, although you can add a liner inside the diaper for this purpose if you prefer.
• Fitted diapers are available in sized or one-size designs.
• Fitted diapers are available in plain, coloured, or printed designs.
• Many parents will put a fitted on their baby without a cover or pants while at home and then change whenever they become wet. This is a great way to let baby’s bum get some air (like on hot summer days!) and can help prevent or cure a diaper rash.
• Fitted diapers often take longer to dry in your dryer or on a clothesline than prefolds - although many have soakers that snap or flip out to decrease drying time.

Pocket Diapers

Pocket diapers are a two-piece diapering system typically with a piece of fleece that makes up the inner portion of fabric, and a waterproof outer layer. An absorbent material (such as an insert or a prefold) is placed inside of the two pieces, making the whole system act as an all-in-one system that keeps babies dry. Pocket diapers are available with Velcro or snap closures, depending on your preference.

• Most pocket diapers require that you remove the insert before laundering.
• Pocket diapers are available in sized (XS, S, M, L or Size 1/Size 2) or one-size versions which can fit babies from birth to potty learning – these can be a great way to save money. See our FAQ on choosing between One Size and Sized Diapers for more info.
• Pocket diapers are available in many cute colors and prints!
• The absorbency can be customized to suit your baby’s needs. For example, a great nighttime solution is to double stuff a pocket diaper with two inserts for extra absorbency. Others like to add a doubler to the pocket to boost absorbency when needed.
• Pocket diapers have a quick drying time since the absorbent insert is removable for laundering. It's easy to extend the life of your pocket diapers by hanging the empty pockets to dry while drying the inserts in the dryer. This preserves the integrity of elastics and Aplix closures.
• Pocket diapers are very babysitter and grandparent-friendly! They can be pre-stuffed out of the dryer so they are ready to use at changing time.

All-in-One Diapers

All-in-one diapers are exactly that: A waterproof outer and absorbent inner all in one! These are available with snaps or Velcro fasteners. These diapers are ideal for out-of-home use, as they are very similar to disposables.

• The absorbent material is sewn directly into the diaper – no need to stuff pockets or remove inserts before laundering.
• All-in-one diapers are very babysitter and grandparent-friendly.
• All-in-one diapers take longer to dry in the dryer or on a clothesline than pocket diapers
• Some All-in-one diapers do not allow for customizable absorbency, although you can add a diaper doubler to the inside if you like. Many brands have a pocket opening to add extra absorbency if needed! 

*Some Diapers are really "All in Two" Diapers which means that the absorbent soaker is removable. This helps cut down on laundry plus saves money because more soaker than covers can be purchased and you can re-use the cover when changing the diaper (just change the absorbent part)!

Cloth Diapering 101: Accessories

Inserts
Inserts are used to add absorbency to a diapering system. Inserts can be placed between the diaper and cover or stuffed into the pocket or sleeve.

Diaper Ointment
It is very important to choose a baby ointment that is cloth diaper safe. Many traditional diaper ointments contain petroleum or other ingredients which coat fibers and cause diapers to repel.

Reusable Wipes
Are a great alternative to disposable wipes and can save you up to $500. Pair with a baby wipe solution for the best results.

Baby Wipe Solution
When using reusable wipes you will want to purchase a baby wipe solution to properly cleanse and moisturize your baby’s skin.

Wet Bag
A great accessory for your diaper bag used to either enclose clean or soiled diapers. Wet bags come with a closure system to keep odors from escaping.

Diaper Pail
The use of a diaper pail is necessary to keep odors at bay while storing your baby’s soiled diapers until laundry day. 52 quart garbage pails with a lid are a popular choice but any large container with a closure will work.

Pail Liner
Washable liners are designed to fit your diaper pail and be thrown in the wash with your soiled diapers. Pail liners are waterproof and designed to keep odors sealed within.

Diaper Sprayer
A hose with a nozel that is attached to the plumbing of your toilet and is used to cleanse poop from soiled diapers. Diaper sprayers aren’t typically necessary until your baby begins to eat solids.

Cloth Diapering 101: Thirsties' Types of Cloth

There are different styles of diapers to meet the needs of each individual family and baby. All babies are shaped differently and have different absorbency needs so one type of diaper may work better for your baby than another. In addition to fit and absorbency, many families may also compare convenience versus cost. For example, an all in one or pocket diaper may be more convenient, but a two piece system is typically less expensive and can be more absorbent.

All In One

All In One, commonly known as AIO, is the most similar type of cloth diaper to a disposable diaper. The one piece system consists of a waterproof cover with the absorbency sewn inside.

Thirsties Duo AIO includes a signature tunnel design which allows for thorough cleaning and stuffing of additional absorbency as needed. The interior is lined with a stay-dry fleece to keep baby comfortable and dry. The soaker (absorbency) is made of microfiber terry.

To use: Simply slide the diaper under baby and fasten with hook and loop or snap closure.

Pros: Convenient, easy, quick, daycare and sitter friendly, great for diaper bags, can be paired with insert for additional absorbency

Cons: AIO’s may take longer to dry than other diapers, may need additional absorbency for heavy wetters or extended, overnight use.

Pocket

A pocket diaper is a 2 piece system consisting of a waterproof outer shell sewn together with stay-dry lining with openings on one or both ends. The sleeve or pocket that is created is used to stuff the included absorbent insert.

Thirsties Duo Diaper (our pocket diaper) comes with a waterproof shell with a stay-dry lining sewn into it. The openings on both ends make for easy stuffing while allowing the insert to easily agitate out of the diaper in the wash. The inserts feature two layers of serged microfiber terry snapped together with five serged layers of hemp jersey; seven thirsty layers in all!

40% of our customers chose pocket diapers as their favorite type of cloth diaper. (Based on 2012 Thirsties Customer Survey of 720 cloth diapering families)

To use: Secure the insert within the tunnel or pocket, slide the diaper under baby and fasten with hook and loop or snap closure. You may find it easier to stuff the inserts into the diapers right after washing and drying, so that your diaper is ready for use.

Pros: Convenient, adjustable, daycare and sitter friendly (when inserts are pre-stuffed), absorbent

Cons: Bulkier than other diapers, need to stuff inserts into diaper after laundering

Fitted

Fitted diapers are made from absorbent fabric that is tailored to fit, providing complete coverage around your baby. Fitted diapers require the use of a diaper cover to make it waterproof. The use of the fitted diaper and a cover provides two elastic barriers at the legs and waist to prevent leaks.

Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted includes a signature tunnel design which allows for thorough cleaning and stuffing of additional absorbency as needed. The interior is lined with a stay-dry fleece to keep baby comfortable and dry. The soaker (absorbency) is made of microfiber terry.

To use: Simply take the fitted diaper, slide under baby, and fasten hook and loop or snap closure. Repeat steps with the diaper cover.

Pros: Ultra absorbent, soft, comfortable, can be paired with insert for additional absorbency

Cons: Bulky, long dry time, higher cost, 2 piece system that must be paired with absorbent layer

Prefold and Flat

Prefold and flat diapers are what most people think of when cloth diapering is referenced. Prefolds are popular for their affordability and are the most common diaper supplied by cloth diaper services. Using prefolds or flats requiring folding the diaper and then covering it with a waterproof diaper cover. Snappis are a popular closure used to secure prefolds and flats.

Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefold’s revolutionary tunnel design provides a trim fit and is beneficial for better washing and quicker drying times. Our custom hemp jersey is incredibly soft and knitted right here in the USA. We do not recommend the use of diaper pins or Snappi fasteners with Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefolds as the fabric is knit and the sharp points on the fasteners may damage the fabric. We recommend trifolding our prefolds.

To use: Fold the prefold into thirds, and lay into a trim waterproof cover such as the Thirsties Duo Wrap or Thirsties Diaper Cover, and fasten hook and loop or snap closure. For added absorbency in the front for little boys fold the prefold down on top and then trifold.

Pros: Very absorbent, durable, soft, versatile, affordable

Cons: Takes extra time to fold

Stay Dry Duo Insert (exclusive to Thirsties)

Thirsties Stay Dry Duo Insert is a specialty that has two layers of our fast absorbing microfiber terry, topped with our stay-dry and stain resistant microfleece and snapped together with five layers of our buttery soft hemp jersey. Use the insert with a trim fitting cover to provide a snug fit.

To use: Lay the insert into the diaper cover, slide the insert and cover under the baby, and fasten hook and loop or snap closures.

Pros: Easy, quick, absorbent, affordable

Cons: Less coverage than a prefold or fitted diaper

Cover and Wrap

Covers and wraps are waterproof barriers that are used over fitteds, prefolds, specialty inserts, or flat diapers. The laminate inside of the diaper can be wiped clean between uses, allowing you to use the cover for 3-4 diaper changes before washing.

Thirsties offers our Diaper Cover and Duo Wrap as waterproofing options for your cloth diapers. The Diaper Cover comes in 4 sizes, has a generous cut, and the x-small features an umbilical cord cut-out. The Duo Wrap uses the duo sizing system and offers a trimmer fit.

To use: With the absorbent layer fastened on baby or placed inside the cover, slide cover under baby, and fasten with hook and loop or snap closure.

Pros: Light and pliable, double leg gussets, easy to use

Cons: 2 piece system that must be paired with absorbent layer

You can find this article here.