Cloth Diapers 101

Before we start getting into giveaways I want to make sure that New or soon-to-be mamas and daddies (and even grandparents) know all about cloth diapers! Cloth Diapers are not what they used to be! When I first started researching cloth diapers I was a bit lost. I didn't know what a "snappi" was or how it was used, I didn't know what AIO meant or aplix (even "hook and loop closure" left me confused). Slowly I started to figure it all out and I would like to give newbies a nice, concise resource for learning all of these terms.


Flat Diapers - These are the old fashioned, old fashioned diapers! They are the most basic. They are just a large, flat, thin, square of fabric. You fold it into layers and around baby and pin or "snappi" it in place.
Additional items needed: diaper pins or a "snappi", diaper covers
More information can be found at: http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-fold-flat-cloth-diapers







Prefold Diapers -  Similar to flats but with multiple layers. They require less folding and usually come in multiple sizes. You still must fold around baby and pin or "snappi" in place.
Additional items needed: diaper pins or a "snappi", diaper covers
More information can be found at: http://www.squidoo.com/prefold-cloth-diapers








Fitted Diapers -  Fitted diapers are more or less a prefold that is cut in the shape of a disposable diaper. Some of them have aplix (think "velcro") or snaps to close them, others require diaper pins or a snappi. These often come in multiple sizes, but there are a few one-size fitteds out there.
Additional items needed: diaper pins or a "snappi" depending on brand, diaper covers









Diaper Covers - With all this talk about diaper covers I guess it's time I explain them! Basically, the rubber pants that they used to use in the old days were diaper covers but there are many updated and easy to use styles out there today. It is a waterproof, or at least water resistant cover that is usually snapped on over the flat, prefold or fitted diaper. It helps keep clothes, floors, seats, etc. dry and pee-free.
Additional items needed: A Diaper (flat, prefold or flat), and diaper pins or a "snappi", although many moms find that diaper pins or snappis are not required when you are using a cover.




                                 
  Wet Pants - Usually knitted or crocheted with wool. Takes the place of a cover and helps keep moisture IN. Is usually slipped on the same way you would pull on a pair of pants.
Additional items needed: A diaper (flat, prefold or fitted) and diaper pins or a "snappi"

 Pocket Diapers - This is where the new cloth diapers starts getting cool! The easiest way to explain it is that it is a diaper cover with an inner, non-waterproof layer on the inside. There is an opening between the two layers and you just stuff an absorbent insert in the pocket between the two layers. Then, you use it just about the same way you would a disposable. They come with aplix or snap closures usually. For washing, you simply need to remove the insert and wash both parts. Separating the two helps speed washing and drying times. These come in various sizes and also as "one-size" diapers.
Additional items needed: None! These are sold with the absorbent part included. However, sometimes for overnight use or heavy wetters it is helpful to have a "doubler" which is basically just a second absorbent pad, OR you can use a folded prefold as a doubler.

 All-In-Ones - You will often see these referred to as AIOs. This is like a pocket diaper except that the absorbent material is sewn in and there is no need to (and no way to) "stuff" them or to remove anything before washing. This leads to longer drying times, but can be convenient. These usually come in different sizes, but we are starting to see some one-size all-in-ones on the market.
Additional items needed: None!







 One size diapers - A pocket, AIO, or sometimes a fitted diaper with snaps or aplix applied in such a way as to allow you to change the size of the diaper yourself as baby grows (or as newer, smaller babies come along!). There are a few styles out now that employ a method of folding the diaper rather than using snaps or aplix to change the size.
Additional items needed: None, unless you need extra doublers or, if it is a fitted, a cover, diaper pins, or a "snappi"






 "Snappi" - a really cool alternative to diaper pins! It doesn't require anything sharp! No more worrying about sticking a pin in a squirmy baby! I recommend having at least a few on hand. Look for these further down this page!










 Elimination Communication - Sometimes referred to as "EC." This is a method by which many parents cut back on diaper usage or eliminate diaper usage altogether with their infants. With EC you strive to catch baby's signals that it needs to eliminate and promptly take him or her to the potty before giving him or her a signal that it is okay to "go" now. Why bring this up in a cloth diapering discussion? Some parents use EC during the day and still need diapering options at night. Also, there are very tiny training underwear for use with infants. This is something you will probably run across at some point in your research about cloth diapers and now you'll at least know what it is!





Anything else?  If you have any questions or think of anything that should be included in this list please leave a comment or email me at kayla@clothdiaperadventurer.com!