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Compare Cloth Diapers

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Compare Cloth Diapers

 

Getting started with Cloth Diapers can be confusing. It will help to compare cloth diapers to find out which ones will best suit your needs. There are so many different kinds of diapers but they fall in to the basic categories of all in ones, pocket diapers, and prefolds. These are the categories I will use to compare cloth diapers.

Compare Cloth Diapers: All In One Cloth Diapers 

All in one cloth diapers are the easiest, and some of the cutest diapers available. All in one means just what it says, all the parts of the diaper are all connected in one diaper.

So you have the absorbant material as well as a waterproof cover all connected.

PROS:

Ease of use. These diapers are really no different than disposables, only made of cloth.

They are CUTE. By attaching a waterproof material to the inside of the diaper or between layers any type of fabric can be used for these diapers. That leaves the maker open to use any adorable fabric available and still have it be waterproof.

Resale Value: A all in one diaper in good condition, especially a well known name will have excellent resale value when you are finished diapering your little one.

CONS:

Drying time. Since the whole diaper is one piece it can take substantial time to dry these. Some manufacturers have tried to overcome this fact by having "flo through" layers that allow air to pass through and lessening drying times.

Cost. All in one diapers are the most expensive diapers available. You can get good deals on them used and/or at auction sites.

All in One Diapers 

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Compare Cloth Diapers: Pocket Diapers 

Bumgenius DiapersPocket Diapers are easy too, they consist of a waterproof outer layer and an inner layer made of suedecloth or fleece which keeps your baby feeling dry. You have to add the absorbant layer yourself. You will have to buy "inserts" (or use something/anything you have available at home) which you will "stuff" your diaper with after you wash and dry them. These inserts often times come with the diaper at no extra cost. If you are buying from an auction site or second hand make sure to check if you are getting the insert with the diaper.

PROS:

Ease of use. These diapers are very easy to use. In fact they are just as easy once you put the insert in.

Quick Drying Time: Since you take the insert out before you wash them the time it takes to dry them is much quicker than all in one diapers.

Cuteness: These diapers come in a variety of patterns and cute designs.

Snaps and Velcro: With Pocket Diapers you have enough choices that you are able to choose between snaps and velcro, whichever you like better.

One size: Don't confuse this with all in ones, but some brands of pocket diapers offer you a "one size" diaper which means the diaper will fit from birth to potty training.

CONS:

More expensive: They are more expensive than using prefolds and covers, but generally less expensive than all in ones. It will cost you about the same to use pocket diapers as it would to use cheaper disposables.

*****
These are my personal favorite diapers. I used prefolds and covers in the beginning due to the price factor and gradually built up our stash of pocket diapers until we could exclusively use them
*****

Bumgenius Cloth Diapers  

My favorite pocket diaper

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Snaps vs Hook and Loop (velcro) Closure 

which one's right for you?

I have used both snaps (fuzzi bunz) and Velcro (bumgenius). I have to say which I like best is completely dependent on the age of my child.

When Hanna was really little I had fuzzi bunz and I hated the snaps. She was so squirmy I couldn't get them done fast enough. It was a big struggle to get her diaper on.

And then of course everyone has their favorites, so I'd say try a couple of each and see which you like best.

I got some Bumgenius, which I loved because I could quickly velcro them shut and she' be on her way.

Now that she's a toddler I frequently hear the dreaded shrip of velcro coming undone. It is a bad sound, especially when accompanied by the word "poop".

Now I don't have any fuzzi bunz in her size, but I think I would like them better, they take a little more doing to get undone, and she is much better about staying put when I'm changing her diaper.

Fuzzi Bunz Cloth Diapers 

Great for toddlers with fast fingers and wiggly buns

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Compare Cloth Diapers: Prefolds 

Prefolds are more similar to the diapers your mama might have used. They consist of a flat rectangular cloth diaper that you fold and then place inside a waterproof cover. You then place both pieces on your baby and fasten.

PROS:

Price. Prefolds and covers have the competition beat when it comes to price. You can start cloth diapering for under 150 dollars with this method.

Ease of Cleaning: It is really easy to wash and dry the flat prefolds and on only wet diapers you can just wipe out the cover with a wipe and reuse it.

No Leaks. Work great on breastfed baby poo.

CONS:

Learning curve: It may take you a little while to figure out exactly how to fold the diaper to fit your baby best and keep leaks at bay.

Bulky. This method tends to be bulky for little ones and if you have a small infant you may find it difficult to get some clothes on over diapers.

Takes longer to put on. Folding and putting on a prefold can take longer than other methods, so if you have a squirmy toddler or infant that doesn't like diaper changing this could be difficult.

Chinese Prefold Cloth Diapers 

For easy on the budget cloth diapering

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Compare Cloth Diapers: Covers 

Covers are used with prefolds to maintain dryness. If you are at home and closely monitoring your little one you can go without a cover. Covers come in a variety of materials including Synthetic (UL), Fleece and Wool.

Synthetic (PUL) Covers PROS:

PhotobucketCheap: They are very affordable to buy and you can even get seconds of some brands for half off.

Don't Leak: These are great for holding in leaks

Multiple uses: you can just wipe out and reuse for wet diapers.

CONS:

Not so cute: Mostly come in plain white

Different designs: you may have to try a few brands until you find one that fits your baby best

Fleece Covers

PhotobucketPros:

Cheap
Dries Fast
Soft
Breathes

Cons:

Can retain odors
Pilling may occur
Can wick moisture under compression
Special washing may be necessary

Wool Covers:

ThumbPROS

Natural fibers
Can make your own
Keeps baby cooler
Can use multiple times if only wet
exellent air circulation
due to lanolin only need washing when they smell dirty

CONS:

More maintenance when washing
May take 3 days to dry
VERY Expensive to buy
Must be hand washed
Can be bulky
may need special wool wash soap to wash

Diaper Covers for Prefolds 

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Which did you choose? 

What are you favorite diapers? Which kind did you decide to use?

DiMcDonald

Great lens Jackie.Love it!

Posted April 21, 2008

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JackieLee

About JackieLee

Hi! My name is Jackie Lee. I'm a mom of a 23 month old little girl and a cloth diaper fanatic. We've been using cloth on my little one since she was born and continue to love every minute of it.

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