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Diapering
When I explain CDing to people, I tell them it appears complicated at first, but it's just like clothing. Think about all the different kinds of clothes out there--pants, capris, shorts, skirts, dresses, t-shirts, blouses, vests, socks, hosiery, blazers, neckties, etc. Then think about all the different fabrics and sizes and brands. (Makes CDing look simple, doesn't it?) But after some trial and error, we all figure out what kinds of clothes, fabrics, and brands work best for us, and we don't look at is as "complicated." When's the last time you heard someone say, "That's it. I just can't figure this clothing out. I'm done wearing clothes."    ~Jennisee from MDC


This page is to explain the basics of cloth diapering.  If you want to know my cloth diapering experience, go to this page.

If you want more information on clothing for cloth diapered kids, go to this page.

The diaper fabrics
Diapering materials fall into two categories:  absorbent & water resistant/water proof.

The materials that are only used as absorbent materials are cottons & hemps
  • Prefold Diaper twill, diaper guaze, and birdseye are the traditional diapering fabrics and still used, especially when cost is a concern.  Heavily used because it works very well and is sturdy.
  • Woven prints - used where it can be seen.  Picked for the cute prints.  Not stretchy, so it holds it's shape very well, but also won't work for as wide of size range if used as a shaped diaper.  
  • Knits & Jerseys - Used in all parts of the diaper.   Stretchy, absorbent, and comfortable.  Hemps are more absorbent than Cotton, but can be stiffer and holds onto smells a little more.  
  • Velour - this is cotton velour (which feels really different from the polyester stuff I wore as a kid).  It is usually used as the inner lining or as one side of a cloth wipe.  The properties of the material help it 'hang on' to breastfed poopies better (why it is popular as wipe material also), and also allows liquid to pass through to the more absorbent material in the inner layers.
  • Terry & Sherpa - stretchy and the loops make it ideal for newborn breastfeed poopies when used as the first layer next to the skin.  Also great for wipes.  Terry can be stretchy or more solid (like your bath towels).  Good absorbency.
The  materials that are used as water resistant / waterproof components.
  • PUL (Polyurethane Laminate) is a popular waterproof fabric.  It was originally designed for use in the medical community and is soft, pliable, and waterproof.  It takes a beating and maintains it's integrity.  As far as I can tell, this has pretty much replaced the crunchy plastic & rubber pants I was diapered with as a baby.  Can be used alone, but often fused to a peice of woven fabric for a more fashionable look.
  • Nylon & Polyester are also used in some covers.  Some of these are a bit more breathable, depending on the specific weave of the fabric.
  • Fleece, especially microfleece, is used in diapering a lot.  It can be used as a breathable water resistant cover.  It also finds a lot of use as the layer next to the skin to keep baby's skin dry.  (compression of the diaper against the skin means the urine passes through it to more absorbent layers underneath, leaving the non-absorbent fleece drier against the skin)  Polar fleece can also be used very successfully, it is just a lot bulkier.  Acrylic yarns can be knitted into soakers for a similar performance.  
  • The disadvantage of all of the man made fabrics is that they are more prone to retaining smells than wool is, although they are also machine washable, so it is very easy to just toss in the laundry.
Wool, and why so many cloth diapering mamas are crazy about it.
  • Wool is both absorbent and water resistant, cools in the summer, warms in the winter, and is very breathable.  It also contains natural antibacterial properties that keeps the smells to a minimum and allows them to be used over and over (drying between uses) until they get pooped on. (humbling reminder that no man-made product can adequately reproduce these qualities)
  • Raw, minimally processed, farm wool, shows these properties off the best.  First, the lanolin in the wool is what causes it to be waterproof.  The scales on the wool fiber help hold on to the lanolin.  This combination is why the less processed it is, the better it works.  
  • The hair fiber itself can hold several times it's weight in water, which is why it is also classified as water absorbent.
  • Because it is a natural fiber, it is very breathable.  Like most natural fibers, it is warm in the winter, and cool (because it allows air flow) in the summer. 
  • The wool most commonly used for diaper covers is merino.  It has enough softness to not be too rough, but isn't so soft it stretches out of shape really fast.    
  • Wool jersey is also used because it still maintains a lot of the properties as the yarns.  Washable wool still works for a lot of people, but not as well as the hand washable stuff.  (to make it washable, the scales are stripped off the outside of the yarn so it doesn't felt when you throw it into the washing machine.  This means that it needs to be lanolized more often because there is not much left to hold the lanolin on to the yarn/fabric)
  • Washing wool isn't nearly the PITA that I assumed it was.  This is because it doesn't have to be washed as often as normal covers (the antibacterial properties I talked about).  The process is also pretty easy.  You can buy special soaps from many WAHMs that make it really easy (follow their directions), use Eucalen wool wash, or just a bit of a gentle shampoo (remember, wool is just sheep hair).  To lanolize, you can either get liquid lanolin, or melt a little bit of the breast ointment (like Lanisoh) in some warm water, let it cool off, then dunk them.  (you might have to put a drop of shampoo in if you are melting it yourself to get the lanolin to separate out into the water).  When you are done, put it on a towel, roll up the towel and squeeze out the excess water to cut down on drying time.  Drying flat on a sweater rack (or baking rack) is preferred, but I have also hung them with no ill effects.
Diaper Fastener styles
Let's start with how we hold the diaper on the babe.  Fasteners.
  • Snaps - Advantages:  they look nicer and hold more firmly than most of the other fastener types. These are generally the diapers that have the most consistent fit (as long as you use the same snap settings) and is more challenging for a toddler to get off (especially side snap diapers) than aplix.  Disadvantage:  they don't allow quite the ability to adjust for fit of the other types of fasteners. 
  • Aplix - a high grade velcro that is softer and holds great.  Advantages: This makes the diapers function the most like a disposable and is considered the most friendly for people not used to cloth.  (daycare providers, babysitters).  Allows for a lot of adjustability (I have seen super XL covers go on a newborn because the aplix made it workable)  Disadvantages:  some people don't like the look of the velcro across the front of the diaper for aesthetic reasons. Can gather lint. One caveat:  Make sure your aplix diapers have working 'fold-back tabs'.  This allows you to wash and dry your diapers without them forming a giant diaper snake/chain in your machines.  (most do, but I had a hand-made one that didn't have them and my dryer loads turned into one huge ball of things connected to each other)  If they have fold back tabs, make sure they are in good repair before tossing into the washer for the same reason.
  • Snappi - probably the most revolutionary little gadget to ever hit diapering.  It has little hooks on it that remind me of the old Ace Bandage fasteners.  Instead of using pins, you place one of the hooks on the spot you would put a pin, stretch it across the diaper and hook the second leg into the other spot on the hip where you would put a pin, then stretch the third leg down on the crotch to anchor it into place and keep it from riding up.  Done.  Advantage:  Simple, cheap, and they last a long time.  I have had one break, but I am much more likely to lose it than break it, and I have heard of 10 year old snappis.  Probably the best toddler proof fastener in existence (when they do figure it out, you can start putting the diapers on backwards and putting the snappi on over the butt)
  • pins - for nostalgia, they are cute.  I am freaked out by them though.  I only bought one set of pins to keep in my diaper bag that I leave at the church nursery.  (for grandma types that are more comfortable with a prefold and pins than the "fancy schmancy diapers")  Some people love them, I don't.
  • ties - a few diapers I have seen simply have really long 'wings' at the front where you just tie the dipe.  They aren't very popular and I haven't seen one, but they look cute and the idea of it could be used in a pinch with any piece of fabric.
Diaper covers

Styles of Covers
  • Pull up:  Resembles underwear. (just uses elastic or ribbing at waist and leg holes, no snaps or aplix)  Advantage:  the least expensive option many times (depending on materials).  If you knit or crochet, you can find a lot more patterns for a pull-up style soaker and can be accomplished by even a fairly novice knitter.  (it was my second project)  Consistent fit since there is only one way to put them on.  Disadvantages:  Have to remove like underwear, which can be messy if you have a poop explosion.  Not a big deal on little legs that can be cleaned up with one wipe, but longer legs that move around, not much fun.
  • Wrap:  Generally shaped like a disposable diaper, where it lays flat and has either aplix or snaps to close.  Advantages:  No poopies being dragged down the leg like a pull-up, can customize the fit a bit better, and for most people, they make diaper changes a lot faster.  Also doesn't get the 'bubble look' like pull up pants can, and can be used over non-pinned, non-secured diapers if the fit is close enough to hold it into place.
  • Side snap:  functions like a wrap cover, just has snaps on the side, over the hips, instead of aplix or snaps in the front, on wings.  It depends on the shape of your baby as to whether you prefer the wraps or side snaps.  No real advantage or disadvantage in any other way that I can think of.
  • Soakers:  can be either pull up style or wrap style.  To avoid confusion, I must tell you that there are actually two very different things called soakers.  (1. covers, 2. 'pad' type things laid into the diaper to add absorbency) Although the second definition makes a lot more sense to me, the first one is actually the oldest term.  The name "soaker", referring to a wool knitted cover, has been around since before our great-grandparents were diapered.  It has to do with the property of wool to hold many times it's weight in liquid.  The meaning changes according to the context.  If the description says it 'includes a soaker (or doubler)', it means an extra pad in there for absobancy.  If you are talking about yarn, it is a cover.
Finally, the actual Diapers.
Diapers that require a cover to be waterproof
  • Flats - the oldest diaper style around.  When my mom saw the flats I had (Gerber flats like they sell at Wal-mart) her first comment was that they were half the size they were when I was a baby.  They also aren't as high quality.  You can get high quality flats online though. Requires a pin or snappi to secure, or can be folded into a snug wrap cover without securing. Advantages:  very cheap.  very quick drying time, which makes them ideal for people who don't have dryers or go camping.  Disadvantages:  requires practice to learn how to fold and secure, especially if you are diapering a wiggly baby.
  • Prefolds - rectangular shape.  It is essentially several layers of flat diapers sewn together, with more layers along the center than on either side. Secured with pins or snappis, or laid into a snug wrap cover without securing. Advantages:  cheap, easy to obtain, sturdy, easy to clean (no crevices to hide goobers) and can easily be used as rags when done diapering.  Easier to use than flats (IMO) and, once you get the hang of them you can get a better fit than any other type of diaper.  Work for a wider range of sizes than fitted, pockets & AIOs.  They can also be used to stuff pocket diapers or folded up to lay into another diaper as a doubler.  Disadvantages:  there is a bit of a learning curve to use these.  Not as much as flat, but it can take some practice to get a good, secure fit.
  • Contours - Hourglass shaped flat diapers.  Requires pins, snappis, or being laid in a wrap cover to use.  Advantages:  Don't have the extra material around the legs that you can get with a prefold or flat.  The smaller ones can be re-used as cloth mentral pads/postpartum pads.  Disadvantages:  some people have a hard time getting a leak-proof fit with them.
  • Prefitted - new style of diaper.  A prefold that has been shaped like a contour (sort of), has elastic in the leg holes and wings to attach a snappi or pins to.  Advantages:  Less expensive than fitteds with good absorbency.  Better fit around the leg than contours.  Probably pretty durable since made from prefolds.  Disadvantages:  not self-fastening.  Not made of fashionable materials yet.
  • Fitted - when people just say 'diaper', this is usually the style they are referring to.  Requires a cover to be waterproof, but otherwise they function the way a disposable diaper would.  Aplix or snap closures.  This style has the largest range of prices, fits, features, fabrics & fashion. Can spend anywhere from $7/diaper - $30/diaper (once in a while you will see them go for more at auction if it is highly coveted)  Advantages:  looks enough like a disposable that they don't confuse people not familiar with CDing as much. Very easy to use.  Can be really cute & with a little trial and error, you can find a great fit.  Disadvantages:  this is the level you start needing to take into consideration the drying time.  Some fabrics take longer to dry, especially if you layer them up.  These diapers also need to be in better shape to be usable. (with a prefold or flat you can work around holes if you need to)  The elastic at the legs can trap solids a bit more, so you have to be more attentive when cleaning them.
  • Pocket - sometimes classified as an AIO at stores.  Most are made with a fleece or velour layer (next to the skin) attached to a cover and an opening on one end to put in the absorbent material.  The actual pocket part has no absorbent material, so you have to stuff them, but after you have stuffed them, they function like an AIO.  Aplix & snap closures.  Advantages:  Does not need a cover.   Quick drying time because you can separate out the absorbent material.  Functions as an AIO so it is very good to leave with a babysitter or daycare since there is nothing to 'figure out'.  Since you decide how to stuff it, you determine the level of absorbency.  (can work well as a nighttime diaper of for super heavy wetters because of that).  Can also be used as a cover.  Disadvantages:  Some people get really tired of stuffing them, and if you leave one in the diaper bag unstuffed and somebody tries to use it that way, you will have a mess.  
  • AIO - (All-In-One) is pretty much the washable version of modern disposable diapers.  The absolute top of the pack for ease of use.  As simple to use as a disposable, but much cuter.  Large selection of fits, fabrics, and styles.  Price range is around $20-$40, with some boutique diapers going over $100 at auctions.  Aplix & snap closures.  Advantages:  Even if this is your entire stash, it is still cheaper than disposables (unless you get a bunch of boutique end diapers).  Best diaper for daycare/babysitters.  Easy diaper changes since there are no extra parts. Fashion forward mamas are able to find dipes they are proud to show off.  Disadvantages:  price & drying time.  Generally, these have more layers of fabric with nothing removable, so they take longer to dry.
Some other terms
  • trim fit - a close to the body fit, without much bulk.  Hemp is usually the trimmest since it can absorb more material in the space.  
  • shell - another name for cover, usually in wool fabric.
  • inserts/doublers/soakers - all names for pad-like pieces of material to lay into a diaper (or stuff a diaper with) to add absorbency.  A prefold diaper folded over twice (to form 3 layers) can also be used this way.
  • "diaper hyena" - an affectionate term for the serious diaper aficionados.  Some diapers are very highly sought after and in limited supply.  A hyena is somebody who 'stalks' the diaper stockings to try and grab the diapers as they come up for sale.  Often the entire stock of the most sought after diapers are not loaded on the page yet one minute, and all sold out by the time your page refreshes itself.  Timing is everything to get these diapers.
Some other suggestions for cloth diapering
  • The big paint bucket pails from Builder's Square, Lowe's or Wal-mart work great as diaper pails.  I had two pails going, one of diapers ready for the wash, and the other for diapers that needed to have the solids washed off.  (I would recommend just rinsing them immediately, the only problem was that I had a child who kept trying to "help" so I had to do that when he was asleep.)  You can order nicer pails, but if you are trying to keep it cheap, these work fine.
  • The other purchase that made all the difference in the world for me was a mini-shower.  With that gadget, you can blast the poopies off in the toilet without having to deal with dunking.  It is also really handy to rinse off muddy or puked-on clothes before tossing it in the wash.

xanga Blog Rings worth checking out

~Cloth Diapering~


Want to know more?  Check out The Diaper Hyena.  The mama who started this site helped me a great deal when I was trying to navigate the diaper landscape.  Eventually, so many people came to her for advice, she started this website.

Go to Diaper Hyena


If you are in the market for cloth diapers, check out my shopping page.