Basic Types of Cloth Diapers

We have absolutely loved cloth diapering!

I started looking into cloth diapering when I realized that, like menstrual pads, conventional disposable diapers are full of harmful chemicals and additives (they have to do something To make them change color and stay dry so long!). Add on the cost, the fact that no disposable diaper made has ever degraded yet, and schlepping boxes to end from the store, reusable diapers seemed like a no brained.

However, the image of pins and folded flour sack towels came to mind and I found myself quickly overwhelmed by what I may be facing—a baby with pin pricks and bleeding fingers from safety pins. Turns out that’s not how cloth diapers work anymore.

There are many systems of diapers that can work for your family but then main ones are these five: all in ones, flour sack, fitted cloth, all in twos, and pockets. All in ones are what you will need the biggest stash of. Each diaper has a cover and absorbency layer built into one system. You simply snap or Velcro onto baby and you’re good to go. This is great for an easy starter system, but it can be expensive and bulky, as well as lead to more wash.   Flour sack, on the other hand, are the most old fashioned. It is literally a thick (often cotton) towel you fold and place on baby. You can secure it with a plastic holder and then place a cover over it so babies clothes don’t get wet (wool or polyester). Fitted cloth also uses these covers, but inside is a diaper like cloth setup that also snaps closed—no folding or fixing together necessary. Pockets are a cover that also has an attached liner. In between the outer cover and attached liner you can slide in different absorbable materials. Though popular, you’ll also need a significant stash and will have to stuff diapers every time you need one. All in twos are similar, except the absorbent layer is placed on the cover not stuffed in.

For us, Essembly worked great because it was a fitted cloth system. I need about one cover to every 4 diapers I have, and about 3 cloth wipes to every diaper. Their wash system is quick and easy to use, and their diapers last a very long time—with only two sizes needed. I do use a liner for ease with wetness (since I have a boy) and since he now eats solids. I’m able to exclusively cloth with a fairly small stash (6 covers and 24 inners) and run laundry every 2-3 days.

Are you thinking of starting cloth? Join the conversation on my instagram or here!