Cloth diapers

There has been a resurgence in the use of cloth diapers in recent years. While concern over the environment is one factor, others are finding that not only are cloth diapers cheaper than disposables over the long haul, but they are also rather easy to use. The reason for this is simple: these aren’t the cloth diapers grandma used to use.

A Variety of Fabrics:

There is little consensus among cloth diaper users as to the best material. It seems to be a personal choice that hinges on the amount of time and care one is willing to devote to caring for diapers.

- TWILL: A tightly woven cotton that is very durable and often used by diaper services.

- FLANNEL: A softly brushed, woven cotton. This is the same material as what is used for receiving blankets.

- TERRY CLOTH: Regular terry is generally used as the filler in the center of diapers. Stretch terry is also used on the whole diaper because of the stretch fit and softness.

- FLEECE: A synthetic product sometimes used in the center of the diaper because of its ability to wick moisture away from the skin. It’s breathable, but doesn’t absorb.

- HEMP: Hemp fibers blended with cotton are said to have incredible absorbent properties and to get better with age – becoming softer and more absorbent. A very durable material.

Many Style Options:

As with the fabric choices, the style of diaper is also a personal choice and again subject to the amount of time one is willing to devote to care.

- FLAT DIAPERS: Generally consist of one layer of material that is folded and pinned. These are typically made of Birdseye, and are easy to get clean and dry.

- PREFOLD DIAPERS: Usually rectangular in shape with several layers particularly in the center section. Often made of twill (diaper service quality) or Birdseye (regular prefold), these will stand up to abusive washing practices.

- FITTED DIAPERS: These are cut like disposable diapers and usually have elastic gathering around the leg openings and sometimes the waist. They can come without fasteners and be pinned, but are also sewn with hook and loop or snap closures. Because of the elastic, air-drying is often recommended to preserve the life of the diaper.

- “ALL IN ONE” DIAPERS: Fitted diapers combined with covers and built in “doublers” all sewn into one diaper. Due to the many layers, these diapers are often difficult to clean thoroughly, and require a great deal of drying time.

The Waterproofing:

With the exception of all-in-one diapers, cloth diapers require a cover to prevent leaks. As with the diaper, there are many options available here too.

- PULL ON: These have elastic around the leg openings and waist and are pulled up just like regular underwear. These come in vinyl, nylon, fleece, and wool.

- DIAPER WRAPS: Generally the same shape as fitted diapers, these are popular for use with prefold and fitted diapers that lack a sewn-in closure, as they hold the diaper in place without pins. Hook-and-loop closures and snaps are used to keep these affixed to baby. They can be found in nylon, cotton with a waterproof layer, fleece, and wool.

A Few More Accessories:

Just in case diapers and covers aren’t enough for the cloth diaper aficionado, there are a few other products designed to make cloth diapering easier, or more effective.

- LINERS: Avoid the dreaded “toilet dunk”! These are used to line the inside of the diaper for solid waste removal. They can be found in disposable paper rolls, or made from fabrics such as fleece, which also serves to wick the moisture away from baby’s skin.

- DOUBLERS: A separate “mini-diaper” that is inserted to add layers for more absorption. Generally used for heavy wetters and overnight use, they are washed along with the diapers.

The one downfall, however, is that very few of these products can be found at your neighborhood department store. The products are out there in abundance, but the manufacturers are often small companies or work at home parents hand-sewing a product they believe in. A good source to locate these manufacturers, as well as learn more about the cloth diapering product and process, is the book Diaper Changes: The Complete Diapering Book and Resource Guide by Theresa Rodriguez Farrisi.

Cloth diapering is addictive to some. Not only are they preserving the environment and saving money, they are also covering their little ones in soft, breathable materials that are often covered with cute, bright, and fun patterns. What parent could resist that?