Choosing Cloth Diapers

So Much Selection!

Are you just starting out with cloth diapers? Do you need a little guidance? Here are my recommendations for getting started!

Are you looking for economy?

My suggestion for an economical cloth diapering system is to use Chinese prefolds secured with a Snappi and nylon pull up pants. Incidentally, this is what I recommend for newborns even if economy isn’t your main priority. Newborns can be hard to fit and a Chinese prefold with a Snappi is very customizable. Explosive breastfed bowel movements are very well contained by the pull up pant as a cover. The pull up pant is very good for a newborn because it keeps any wetness from seeping up to the umbilical cord stump that needs to dry up in order to fall off. Any wetness can prolong the process and possibly even cause an infection. The other reason to use an economical system for a newborn is that they will grow out of their first diapers so quickly. If you still want economy, but desire a little more style try the Chinese prefolds in a velcro wrap cover, like the Bummis Super Whisper Wrap. These wraps are only slightly more expensive and are very cute; the Bummis wrap comes in adorable prints (sold as the Super Print).

Are you looking for the Cadillac of cloth diapers?

Fuzzi Bunz wins in my book, hands down. Fuzzi Bunz are a pocket style diaper. The inner layer of fleece passes any wetness through to an absorbent layer sandwiched in between the fleece layer and the outer waterproof layer. Your baby’s bottom will feel dryer with the fleece layer. The diapers can be stuffed with an insert especially made for the Fuzzi Bunz, a Chinese Prefold, or a hemp liner such as the Joey Bunz. The beauty of removing the inner absorbent layer is that drying is quick. Many diapers with multiple layers take an extra long time to dry. The Fuzzi Bunz system is currently what I primarily use for my baby. Many people use a combination of diaper styles for the daytime while using the Fuzzi Bunz at night for excellent absorption and protection from wetness.

Are you looking for the ultimate in ease of use?

All in one diapers (aio) win for this category! All-in-one diapers have absorbent inner layers and an outer waterproof layer all sewn together. These are just like disposables only cuter and they go in a diaper pail instead of a trash pail. My favorite aio is by Bumkins. These are so cute, come in many different prints, and work very well. Older babies or extra heavy wetters may need to have a doubler (an extra layer of absorption) with this diaper. All-in-ones are a favorite of dads and babysitters.

Are you looking for diapers that will last for a long time?

One size diapers are made with a unique system of snaps that allow you to adjust the diaper as your baby grows. This eliminates the need to buy bigger sizes. Most one size diapers are a little too big for an average or small newborn so you might have to wait a few weeks before you can use it. You can use a one-size diaper with almost any kind of cover. I use my one-size with a Bummis Print pull up pant.

Are you looking for adorable diapers for your afternoon out on the town?

I like to use Chinese prefolds or fitted diapers, such as Kissaluvs or Cricketts, with a super cute cover like the Bummis Print. Bummis and Bumkins covers are the best for cuteness and functionality. Bumkins offers a very wide selection of prints to choose from. You can also find work-at-home moms on the internet who can sew a customizable cover in adorable prints. My advice is that if you want cute, don’t spend a lot of money on cute fitted diapers because they will be covered up. Instead, save your money for cute covers because that is the layer that will be seen.

Are you looking for natural fibers?

Many cloth diapers have some synthetic materials. Though all cloth diapers are 1000 times more environmentally friendly than disposables, natural fibers such as organic unbleached cotton and hemp are the friendliest. A few babies have allergies to synthetic materials such as polyester (which is usually the fiber used for fleece). For a cover made with natural fibers, try wool covers. Wool covers are naturally water resistant and naturally anti-microbial.