CD University: Diaper Choices
The number one thing that is most confusing and overwhelming for someone new to CDing is the types of diapers out there! Pockets, prefolds, covers, AIO’s just to name a few. It can be daunting at first, but once you know the terminology, you’ll be an expert!
Let’s talk about the DIAPER. The actual diaper and JUST the diaper. What kinds are there?
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Prefolds (PF): these are the simplest and cheapest CD. They are what your mom or grandmother might have used. They are simply a rectangle of cloth that you fold.
Fibers Used: Cotton or Hemp
Fasteners: Pins or Snappis
Cover?: YES
Types of PF’s:
Unbleached vs Bleached: This is quite simple actually. Bleached PF (BPF) will be, well, bleached by chemicals to make them that bright white color we all associate with cotton. BPF’s might wear out sooner than unbleached due to the chemical bleaching process breaking down the cotton fibers. Unbleached PF (UPF) will be a nice brown, natural color. All PF’s will need to be PREWASHED before using and UPF’s will need a few extra prewashes to get those natural oils out.
Chinese vs Indian: Chinese PFs (CPF) are more durable than Indian PFs (IPF) and will last longer (as in diapering 2-3 children). IPF’s are durable, just not as durable as CPFs. IPF’s are softer than CPF’s. Both can come bleached or unbleached.
What does 4x8x4 mean?
This is the number of layers in the PF. The center will have the most layers. See picture for better explanation.
What Sizes Do Prefolds Come In?
PF’s come in sizes Preemie to Toddler.
Smallest to Largest (with typical # of layers):
Preemie: (9.5”x16”) 2x6x2 Very small; up to 10lbs
Infant: (12”x16”) 4x8x4 A nice size to start with; up to 18 lbs
Standard: (14.5”x22”) 4x6x4 Much bigger than Infant; from 18-30 lbs
Premium: (14.5”x22”) 4x8x4 Same size as Standard, just added absorbency in middle; from 18-30 lbs
Toddler: (17.5”x23”) 4x8x4 For toddlers over 30 pounds
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Contours: Almost like a prefold, but “shaped” into that diaper shape for less bulk. Will usually have an absorbent middle, like PF’s. Sizes will vary from manufacturer.
Fibers: cotton, flannel, bamboo, terry, hemp
Fasteners: pins or snappi
Cover?: YES
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Fitteds: Almost like a contour, only difference is that fitteds will have closures built into them and will not need pins or snappis. Sizes will vary from manufacturer. Fitteds are more commonly sold than contours and in many different fabric prints!
Fibers: cotton, flannel, hemp, bamboo, terry…almost anything!
Fasteners: snaps or aplix or touchtape
Cover?: YES
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Pockets: Here’s where the CD’s get cool. Pockets are probably the most popular type of CD because they do not need a cover and can be custom designed (by you) for absorbency. Sizes will vary by manufacturer. The outside of pockets will usually be made out of a fabric called PUL, which is a fabric that has been laminated on one side, thereby making it waterproof (more about PUL in the Material Tutorial). The inside of a pocket can be made of a variety of materials: microfleece, flannel, cotton, sherpa, bamboo, and suedecloth are the most commonly used. Pockets dry super, super fast since you will pull out the insert before you wash/dry them.
Fibers: PUL outers or other waterproof material, various inners
Fasteners: snaps or aplix or touchtape
Cover?: NO*
*There is a cousin of the pocket called the pocket fitted which is just like a pocket when it comes to stuffing, but it needs a cover because the outer is NOT made of PUL.
What makes pockets cool that they open on one end (hence the name pocket) where you will stuff in the stuff that makes them absorbent.
A pocket NOT stuffed with something WILL NOT WORK.
So, what do you stuff pockets with??
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Inserts: This is what you stuff pockets with. They will be a piece of material, usually several layers thick, that you will stuff into the pocket in order to make the diaper absorbent. You can stuff your diaper with as many inserts as you wish, but obviously, the more you stuff in there, the more bulky the diaper will be.
Inserts vary in size and shape. Most diaper makers will specifically make an insert that ‘goes along’ with their diapers, but for the most part, you can use any insert in any diaper. Of course there are exceptions, most notably, Swaddlebee’s Diapers because they are so trim, they usually only work with Swaddlebee’s Inserts.
What are they made of? Oh, inserts can be made from just about anything! The most popular fabrics for inserts are microfiber and hemp because both of these materials are super, super trim AND absorbent therefore reducing bulk in your diaper. But, you can use anything from a prefold to a washcloth to stuff your pockets with.
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All In Ones: (AIOs) Are the most easy to use, most like disposable diapers. They are beloved by daycares, babysitters, dads and grandmas. Sizes will vary from manufacturer. They are also the most expensive. They are exactly what the name implies: all in one. The outer will be made of PUL or some other waterproof material. The inner fabric will vary. The absorbent material will be BUILT (sewn) into the diaper. You cannot pull it out. It’s already in there, ready to go. You can only add absorbency by adding a doubler. AIO’s take an insane time to dry, even in the dryer.
Fibers: PUL outer or other waterproof material, various Inners
Fasteners: snaps, aplix or touchtape
Cover?: NO
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Now that you know what kinds of diapers are out there, next up is covers!
As you learned, some types of diapers need a cover in order for them to become waterproof. The types of diapers that need covers are:
Prefolds
Contours
Fitteds
Pocket Fitteds
All covers serve the same purpose: to provide the waterproof barrier. Covers differ in the type of material they are made of. Materials will be addressed in another tutorial; here I will just explain the general function.
PUL: is a fabric that is laminated on one side and makes the fabric waterproof. Covers made with PUL may have the PUL “hidden” between two layers of non-PUL fabric.
Fleece: is more breathable than PUL. You might have compression wicking (when the pee gets squeezed out through the fibers when pressure is added; like sitting in a car seat) but otherwise, will provide a nice waterproof barrier
Wool: is the most breathable! Will keep baby cool in summer and warm in winter. Only is waterproofed when lanolized. There will be an entire tutorial dedicated to wool, so just for know, know wool is a type of cover that can be used.
Plastic Pants: I only mention these because they are what most people will think of when you say cloth diapers. They are inexpensive and can be bought at Target and Wal-Mart and if you HAVE to use them (for budget reasons) then you have to, but I’d try and stay away from them because they are not breathable at all.
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Misc Diaper Supplies
Doublers/Boosters: Are pieces of material, usually at least a couple layers sewn together, that will be placed inside the diaper (NOT inside a pocket) that will add absorbency. These are helpful if your child is a heavy wetter or at nighttime or during naps. You do not need to use doublers unless you need the extra absorbency.
Liners: Liners will line the inside of your diapers. Liners DO NOT add absorbency. Liners can be made of anything and can be cloth (reusable) or disposable. There are a few purposes of liners:
- Can wick away wetness so baby stays drier (if made of microfleece)
- Can help keep diapers from getting stains
- If liners are disposable, will help immensely when your baby starts solid foods and you need to flush poop before washing. If you don’t use liners you might have to scrape the poop off.
Snappis: are awesome little devices that take the place of pins. They have little grips that will catch the fabric and hold it in place. Not all fabrics will be snappiable. All prefolds are snappiable.
Pins: will fastener prefolds and contour diapers. Dritz pins are the good pins and are much better than generic pins you can by at like Wal-Mart.
Snaps: snaps are snaps that are fastened to the diaper material and work as closures for the diaper
Aplix and Touchtape: work like Velcro, but are much, much better quality. More durable and fasten stronger. I wouldn’t buy any diapers that close with Velcro. Make sure it’s always aplix or touchtape.