Mothers make lots of decisions for their kids. Using cloth diapers or disposable diapers is a very important one.
Cloth diapering has come a long way. Gone are the days of uncomfortable, plastic, sweaty pants. Advance cloth diapers are making a comeback that many families are now opting for their babies.
With so many diapering options available, It is baffling for mothers to choose which cloth diaper to choose? Which cloth diaper is perfect? What are the easiest cloth diapers to use? Which is the most absorbent diaper insert? What types of cloth diaper fabrics are more comfortable? Let’s find out the correct answers to these questions.
What Is A Cloth Diaper?
A cloth diaper is a soft, eco-friendly, and reusable diaper that holds urine and poops in place. They are easily laundered and dries fast. Cloth diapers are solutions for efficacious poop catching. Cloth diapers are a reusable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution.
Why Choose Cloth Diapers Over Disposable Diapers?
There are numerous benefits to cloth diapers:
- Cloth diapers are super comfortable and efficient. They are no less fancy than disposable diapers.
- Cloth diapers are healthier as they are getting made from natural fibers. On the contrary, disposable diapers are getting manufactured using plastics and harsh chemicals.
- Cloth diapers are economical. They don’t bore a hole in your pocket.
- Cloth diapers are environment-friendly, as they are getting manufactured using natural materials. They are biodegradable and don’t end up in landfills like disposable diapers.
How To Choose The Right Cloth Diaper?
There are many types of cloth diapers available in markets, from ready-to-wear to prefold and clipped cloth diapers. The distinct varieties make choosing a bit confusing and exciting. A cloth diaper is as effective as a disposable one. While choosing from cloth diapers, mothers should focus on the comfort, rash-free, economical, reusable, and healthier stuff.
Every kid has distinct needs. One cloth diaper that suits a baby may suits another as well. Here are some key features to take into consideration when comparing cloth diapers.
To choose the right cloth diaper, look for these deciding factors-
- Types of cloth diapers
- Types of cloth diaper fabrics
- Most absorbent diaper inserts
- The right fit
- The diapering System
Types Of Cloth Diapers
- All-in-one’s cloth diapers
The whole diaper is a single piece exactly like disposable diapers. The absorbent inner layer and the leak-proof outer layer are sewn together in one piece. The whole of the diaper goes on the baby. When soiled, the whole diaper goes into the diaper pail.
Pros
- One-piece, one solution. No extra fuss.
Cons
- Pricier than other cloth diapers
- More diapers required means more laundry.
- Drying time more than other cloth diapers.
- Pocket Cloth Diapers
Pocket cloth diapers comprise two separate layers. One is the absorbent inner layer, and the other is the outer leak-proof cover. The inner layer has a pocket-like opening. You need to slide the insert layer into the pocket. The pocket keeps everything in place. The removable insert allows the diaper to dry quickly.
Pros
- Lesser diapers required in the diaper stash
- The inner layer allows quicker drying
Cons
- More laundry as both pieces get soiled together.
- More diaper parts to handle. Thus, It is inconvenient.
- Fitted Cloth Diapers
The fitted cloth diapers are similar to disposable diapers. These diapers are carved in an hourglass shape to provide a tighter fit. There is elastic to fit around the legs and the belly of the baby. The diapers hold in place using tuck buttons and fasteners.
Pros
- Comfortable to wear
- Fewer chances of leakage
Cons
- Bulky
- Expensive
- More drying time.
- Prefold Cloth Diapers
These are the old-school cloth diapers. Pocket diapers are a piece of cloth that is folded and stitched together to hold pee and poop. The inner layer work as an absorbent layer. To use pocket diapers, you need waterproof diaper covers.
Pros
- Economical
- Comfortable
- Lesser laundry
Cons
- Require diaper covers and other accessories.
- There is always a chance of displacing the inner layer and leakage.
Types Of Cloth Diaper Fabrics
- Bamboo – It is an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial fabric that absorbs moisture leaving your baby dry and comfortable. Types of bamboo used in fabric diapers are fleece, terry, and velour. Velour bamboo is the softest fabric, and fleece bamboo is the most absorbent type of bamboo fabric.
- Modal – This fabric is similar to bamboo. It is made of wood pulp from beech trees and retains its softness even after many uses
- Wool- Wool is a natural and breathable material. This fabric is anti-bacterial and has high water resistance. This fabric requires high maintenance while laundering. Wool is the finest choice if the baby’s skin is rash prone.
- Cotton – It is the most commonly used fabric for cloth diapers. This fabric is soft for the baby’s skin and more breathable than many others. This fabric is easy to wash and quickly dries.
- Microfiber – This fabric is man-made. It is absorbent and does not wear out over time. This fabric is made up of chemicals and petroleum and used in pocket diapers. This fiber tends to develop odors over time.
- Hemp – It is a natural fiber that is anti-bacterial holds more liquid than cotton or polyester.
Most Absorbent Diaper Inserts
Many cloth diaper inserts are absorbent. There are three main features to look for when you are going to select them. These are the size ( more large – more absorbent), the thickness of the insert (more thickness – more penetrable), and the cloth material of the diaper. The most absorbent insert will always have a larger size and more layers to soak up more liquid.
The type of fabric also determines the potential of absorbency. Many types of cloth fabric have been used in making diapers.
- Hemp
A large number of people are using hemp diaper inserts that have ultra absorbency. It can penetrate much more liquid. But, Hemp inserts stink over time because of the moisture.
Pros: trim, ultra-absorbent
Cons: expensive, dries slowly than other inserts
- Microfiber
Microfiber has ultra-absorbent qualities and is much cheaper than other inserts. Microfiber is soft for the baby’s skin, but microfiber material stinks.
Pros: economical, absorbs quickly, dries quickly
Cons: stinks easily, prone to leaks, flattens over time
- Bamboo
Bamboo is a long-lasting and ultra-absorbent material. The insert made from bamboo absorbs more water and doesn’t stink. You can wash it easily. It gets dried faster.
Pros: very soft fabric, absorb quickly.
Cons: expensive, manufacturing is not eco-friendly
- Cotton
Cotton inserts are both organic or non-organic. Cotton inserts are best for the baby’s skin but don’t penetrate a lot of liquid. Cotton insets perform well if used with other combination inserts like bamboo.
Pros: Easy-on-budget, soft fabric
Cons: absorbs slowly, heavier than other inserts
Overall, the microfiber is budget-friendly and the most absorbent diaper inserts. (Most families use microfiber inserts throughout the world)
Easiest Cloth Diaper To Use
Depending upon which cloth diaper you are using, cloth diapering can be as easy as disposable one.
- All-in-one cloth diaper
The All-in-one cloth diaper is the easiest to wear and closest to disposable diapers. It is an ultra-absorbent diaper with waterproof covering sewn together to create one piece. Diapering your kid with AIO is as easy as with disposable ones. It is only one step away from disposable diapers- wash and dry it. These diapers may be expensive but not more than disposable ones.
- Pocket cloth diaper
A pocket diaper is also a popular choice nowadays, and it is only two steps away from disposable ones – stuff insert into the pocket and wash it.
- All-in-two cloth diaper
The All-in-two cloth diaper requires liners and soakers to lay into its cover. The inserts or soakers, both are replaced with clean ones. This cloth diaper is three steps away from disposable diapers – remove the insert, add a new clean insert and wash it.
- Prefold cloth diaper
Prefold cloth diaper folds the diaper to put on the little one. This type of diaper is snapped together using accessories or diaper pins. Diapering in prefold is four steps away from disposable diapers – fold onto your baby, secure with Snappi or pins, cover the diaper and wash.
Fit
Babies grow up so fast. Ask the mothers who puzzle how the new romper isn’t fitting in a month. It is the same for cloth diapers. The size that fits today may not be fit tomorrow.
Also, You need snug-fitted diapers to hold everything in place.
- Prefold and Flat Diapers- Prefold diapers are best suited for newborns. Older babies and toddlers need sized diapers for a better fit.
- Sized Diapers- These cloth diapers come in various sizes like disposable diapers. You have to look for the appropriate size for your baby. You will need to replace it when the diaper gets outgrown.
- One-Size Fabric Diapers- These diapers are designed to fits all-newborn to toddlers and older kids. The size can be adjusted using tuck pins, snaps, and velcro. It means you need to buy fewer cloth diapers. Doesn’t it make life easier?
The Diapering System
There are three diapering systems known.
- The All-in-one Diapers – It is a one-piece diaper. The absorbent layer and outer waterproof cover are sewed together to make it one whole diaper. Whole diaper goes in the diaper pail when dirty.
- The Diaper Wrap- The absorbent insert is wrapped around by a waterproof cover. The insert holds the solids and pee. The outer layer protects from leaking. When dirty, you need to toss the insert into the bin. The cover, however, can be used repeatedly.
- Diaper Insert- It also comprises two pieces, The insert, and the cover. The difference is unlike the diaper wrap, the insert is slid inside the pocket or the hole. When dirty, the whole diaper goes into the bin as both layers get soiled together.
All three diapering systems are effective in holding pee and poop. It’s you who need to find which system better fits your preference.
Go through all deciding factors. Evaluate which diaper is the right cloth diaper. Happy Diapering!
