There are so many different varieties of cloth diapers today, it’s easy for someone new to it to get confused. Basically, all cloth diaper systems consist of 2 parts: an absorbent layer and a waterproof layer. The difference lies in whether the absorbent and waterproof layers are separate or sewn together.

Separate Absorbent and Waterproof Layers

The absorbent layer or the diaper itself:

1. Flats and Prefolds – Flats and Prefolds are the most similar to old-fashioned cloth diapers. They are square or rectangular pieces of cloth, and require folding to be used as diapers. When used with a diaper cover, pinning or clipping is optional. Flats, as the name suggests, are flat pieces of cloth, usually made of gauze or bird’s eye cotton. Prefolds are several layers sewn together, forming 3 sections: a thicker center and 2 thinner sides. Prefolds are usually described as 4x6x4 or 4x8x4. This means that the outer sides are 4 layers thick while the center is 6 or 8 layers thick. This makes them more absorbent than flats. Prefolds are also sometimes advertised as DSQ or Diaper Service Quality. This means that they are a better quality than normal prefolds found in department stores, which are usually combined with polyester and are not very absorbent. DSQ prefolds are usually made of cotton twill, although hemp and bamboo are also used. They come either bleached (with hydrogen peroxide) or unbleached, and require prepping (washing in hot water 5 or 6 times) before they become fully absorbent. Flats and prefolds are the most difficult to use (if you call folding difficult), but they are the most economical. It is also possible to use just 1 set of prefolds the entire time your baby is in diapers. They are also the most versatile, and can also be used as burp cloths, small towels, changing mats, or extra doublers for pocket diapers. They are also the easiest to wash and dry.


2. Contour diapers – Contour diapers are layers of absorbent cloth sewn together and shaped just like disposable diapers. They are easier to use than flats and pre-folds since no folding is required. Contour diapers don’t come with built-in fasteners, so pinning, clipping or fastening with a Snappi may be required. The advantage of contour diapers is that the fit is highly customizable, since there are no fasteners to limit the sizing. This makes it possible for your baby to need only 2 sizes or even just 1 size until potty-training. Also, there are no snaps to break off, and no Velcro to snag other fabric in the laundry.


3. Fitted diapers – Fitted diapers are similar to contoured diapers, except that they already come with snaps or Velcro to fasten the diaper at the waist or at the sides, making them easier to use than prefolds or contoured diapers. They also have elastic waist and legs to help contain messes.

Flats and prefolds, contoured diapers and fitted diapers are not waterproof, and thus require a waterproof layer, the diaper cover. Diaper covers prevent leaks and help keep your baby’s clothes, the mattress, and your lap dry. They are also shaped like disposable diapers and have snaps or Velcro to fasten at the waist. There are different kinds of diaper covers, depending on the materials used:

1. PVC or vinyl – PVC covers are also known as plastic pants. These are the covers commonly found in department stores. These are NOT recommended, as PVC is toxic and releases harmful chemicals linked to cancer and birth defects. Aside from that, PVC is not breathable, and will harden, yellow and crack over time.


2. Polyurethane Laminate or PUL – PUL is the most common material used in modern cloth diaper covers. It is cotton or polyester fabric that has been laminated with polyurethane to make it waterproof. PUL is lightweight, soft and breathable. It can be machine washed and dried. The advantage of using PUL covers is that they do not need to be washed with every diaper change. Unless soiled, they can be wiped clean and reused again a few times. You can rotate between 2 covers for the entire day to allow each cover to air out between uses.


3. Nylon – Nylon is soft, very breathable and very lightweight. Nylon is thinner than PUL, making it a good choice for parents who want a trimmer diaper for daytime. It is also good for babies prone to diaper rash, since it is extremely breathable. However, it is not a good option for heavy-wetters.


4. Wool – Wool is all-natural, soft and breathable, and keeps skin warm when it’s cool and cool when it’s warm. It can hold as much as 30% of its own weight in liquid, making it ideal for overnight use. It is also naturally anti-bacterial, and has self-cleaning properties that neutralize urine. Unless soiled, there is no need to wash wool often. Just let it air-dry between uses. Once every 2 weeks or so, wool needs to be lanolized to restore its self-cleaning properties. Commercial wool can be itchy, but natural, untreated wool is comfortable, and this is what is used in most wool covers. The downside to wool is that they’re expensive and cannot be machine washed/dried.


5. Fleece – Fleece is the synthetic counterpart of wool, made of 100% polyester. It is soft, lightweight and breathable. It can be machine-washed and dried, making it easy to care for. Fleece is not waterproof, but it is water-repellent, and that is why it works as a cover. When using fleece, however, do make sure to use a good, absorbent diaper underneath, or change diapers often. Some fleece covers use the same fabric as those used in high-quality outerwear. These can be bulky, and difficult to wear under clothing. They are, however, suitable for night-time use.

Absorbent Layer and Waterproof Layer Sewn Together

1. All-in-One or AIO – An AIO diaper, as the name suggests, has everything you need in one piece. The absorbent layer, or soaker, is sewn into the waterproof shell. Snaps or Velcro are used to fasten at the waist or at the sides. It is the cloth diapering system that is the most similar to disposable diapers. You don’t need to do anything to it other than to put it on your baby. For those who want something quick, convenient and simple to use, or for grandparents and other care-givers, an AIO would be a great option. The disadvantage of AIOs is that they generally take longer to dry. They are also more expensive.


2. All-in-Two or AI2 – AI2s are similar to AIOs, except that the soakers are not completely sewn-in. Rather, they are sewn on 1 side only, leaving the rest free, which allows for quicker drying time. Some AI2s feature lay-in or snap-in soakers. This allows you to replace a wet soaker and reuse the waterproof shell if the shell is not wet or soiled.


3. Pocket Diapers – Pocket diapers actually do not have the absorbent and waterproof layers sewn together. But when put together, it becomes similar to an AIO. Pocket diapers consist of 2 parts: the cover, and the absorbent insert or stuffing. The cover is made up of 2 layers sewn together on both sides and on the front, leaving the back open like a pocket, allowing you to stuff the inserts inside. The outer layer of the cover is usually made of PUL. Fleece can also be used. The inner layer is usually made of microfleece or suedecloth. Microfleece and suedecloth do not absorb liquid. Rather, they pull moisture away from the surface. The moisture is then absorbed by the insert. This allows the baby to stay dry even when the diaper is wet. For the inserts, microfiber, which is highly absorbent, is typically used. Microfiber should only be used as an insert. It should not touch your baby’s skin. If put next to the skin, they will absorb even the skin’s natural moisture, resulting in dryness and rashes. Hemp inserts are also available, and they are even more absorbent than microfiber. You can also use any absorbent fabric that you have around the house, like prefolds or even old towels. The advantages of pocket diapers are: you can control the absorbency by adding more inserts, they dry faster than AIOs, and they are easy to use. However, they are prone to detergent build-up, and need to be stripped periodically.

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