You’ve made the decision to cloth diaper but are now wondering which method is best for you? With so many eco-friendly options, navigating the choices can get a little confusing. When deciding on which cloth diaper style is right for your family you’ll want to consider the different types of diapers, sized vs one-size options, closure options, whether the diaper will require an extra cover, types of fabric you prefer, ease of use, and price. In this blog we cover the basics of 5 main styles of cloth diapers, and share what we love about each and what we don’t!
1. Flats & Prefolds
This diaper consists of two parts: an absorbent inner layer and a waterproof cover. The inner layer is usually either a “flat” or a “prefold”—flats are just one large, flat piece of cotton cloth, while prefolds are rectangular in shape and come already sewn with a thicker, more absorbent area down the middle. Both options require you to fold them into a desired shape, and then fasten on baby and secure a cover over top. To fasten the diaper there are a few options for closure: hook-and-loop, front snaps or side snap.
What we love:
These diapers are often the least expensive, simply because you can reuse the covers for multiple changes. You will only change the absorbent layer each time your baby is wet but you can reuse the waterproof cover for a day or even two depending on the stage of your little one. Your collection only requires 4-6 covers and 20-24 prefolds/flats. This method is very versatile and easy to clean & dry.
What we don’t:
Preparing these diapers can be a bit of a complicated method, some have even called it diaper origami. Each diaper requires you to fold them into shape for proper functionality as well as both a fastener and a cover, all these bits and bobs make it a bit overwhelming for new parents. Additionally, although the upfront costs seem smaller, prefolds don’t grow with the shape of your baby, requiring you to buy larger sizes at each stage. Not to mention they are often bulky, and although we love a fluff butt, packing these diapers for on the go can weigh a diaper bag down.
2. Fitted
Fitted diapers consist of multiple layers of absorbent material, have leg and back elastic, and fasten on baby with snaps or hook and loop closures. Fitted diapers are usually made of cotton, bamboo, hemp or fleece and are very absorbent–but not waterproof. Fitted diapers are hourglass shaped and you do not have to fold them yourself like with flats or prefolds, so they are ready-made to “fit” you baby’s body. As with prefolds, you’ll need about 24 fitted diapers and 4-6 covers.
What we love:
This system is just like prefolds and are highly absorbent but without the complicated folding method, saving you both time and frustration.
What we don’t:
As with prefolds, these diapers can be quite bulky making it a bit of a challenge when traveling or packing a diaper bag. Also each diaper is sized and requires that you buy at each stage of baby’s growth.
3. Pockets
Pocket diapers are known as the “modern” cloth diaper as they are the first innovation in cloth diapering in years. They are called pocket diapers because each diaper comes with a pocket that must be stuffed with an absorbent insert. A pocket diaper is made of a waterproof cover that has a "stay dry" polyester lining that acts as a pocket between the lining and the cover. This allows you to insert an absorbent pad or insert into the pocket. Most pocket diapers are lined in either fleece or suede cloth–which are stay-dry materials, meaning that your baby will still feel dry even when they are wet because the urine passes through the liner and absorbs into the insert that is inside the pocket.
What we love:
The pocket allows you to easily adjust the absorbency of the diaper to fit your needs, you can use a regular Bamboo Insert during the day for a sleeker look, and add additional inserts like Charcoal Microfiber or Hemp to use for longer stretches or for overnight use!
Pockets are also super convenient for babysitters: after you’ve stuffed the insert, using a pocket diaper is exactly like putting on a disposable, with no folding or special instruction needed. With adjustable snap closures, you need to stock up on less diapers than other cloth methods as our Baby Size Pocket Diapers grow with your little one from 10-35lbs.
We also recently launched Toddler Pocket Diapers, which are our next size up, and are designed to grow with your little one from 35-55lbs.
What we don’t:
As they mimic a disposable, they are a "one wear, one wash" style diaper. Unless using a disposable liner, pockets require a bit more washing than other cloth diapers.
4. Cover (Hybrid) Diapers
Cover Diapers are a popular choice in modern cloth diapering for their flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Unlike pocket diapers, they do not have a sewn-in pocket but consist of a waterproof outer shell designed to hold various absorbent inserts. You simply lay an insert, such as a flat, prefold, or fitted insert, inside the cover diaper and fasten it onto your baby. Cover diapers often feature snaps to keep the insert in place, and a waterproof exterior made from durable materials like TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), ensuring that they keep leaks at bay.
What we love:
Cover diapers can be paired with a variety of Inserts, and Pre-folds, giving you the freedom to customize based on your baby's needs. You can switch out the insert and reuse the cover multiple times as long as it's not soiled, reducing laundry and extending the cover's usage.
Since the same cover can be used for multiple changes, you need fewer covers compared to pocket diapers, making them an economical option.
With snap closures, our Covers Diapers can adjust to fit your baby from 10-35lbs meaning one size can grow with your little one all the way until potty training.
What we don't:
Compared to pocket diapers, using cover diapers can be a bit less intuitive for babysitters or family members, as they need to place the insert inside the cover before each use.
5. All-In-Ones
Just as the name implies, all-in-ones include the entire diaper in a single piece. They require no covers or stuffing and are most similar to disposable diapers. The waterproof layer, the absorbent layer, and the wicking layer are all sewn together. Our Newborn All-In-One Diapers feature an Umbilical Cord Snap to the center to fold diaper down to leave space for newborn umbilical cord, and 4 Layers Of Protection. With 2 sewn in inserts + 2 attached inserts, these inserts help with faster drying, and will keep your baby more dry for longer periods of time!
What we love:
There’s no stuffing, no folding and no confusion—just put it on and take it off. This means that using an all-in-one is every bit as simple as using a disposable, the only difference is you throw it in the laundry pile instead of the trash.
What we don’t:
AIO (All In One) diapers can be a more expensive options for cloth diapering. Another key disadvantage includes longer drying time as you cannot remove the absorbency layer. This also requires a larger stock of diapers as the laundry time is increased. Also because the absorbency layers and shell are already built together, it can be difficult to adjust levels of absorbency for day and night time use.
Choosing the right cloth diapering method for your family comes down to your personal preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Each style—from flats and prefolds to all-in-ones—offers unique advantages, whether it’s cost savings, ease of use, or flexibility in absorbency. While some parents prefer the simplicity of an all-in-one, others may appreciate the customization options of pocket or cover diapers. It's all about finding what works best for you and your baby. No matter which route you take, cloth diapering is an eco-friendly and economical choice that can be tailored to fit your family’s needs!
Want To Try Our Diapers AND Inserts Together?
Try our new Diaper Trial Kit and Insert Kits Together! We now have 3 bundles you can pick from to try our diapers with inserts of your choice, together!
2. Try Our Diapers Kit & Try Our Prefolds Kit
3. Try Our Diapers Kit + Try Our Inserts Kit + Try Our Prefolds Kit
