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Choosing a System
The world of cloth diapering is vast. When I first began to research cloth diapers, I was amazed by how easy and cute modern cloth diapering looked. This initial reaction was quickly replaced with confusion. All the diaper systems seemed easy to use but I wasn’t sure what each option required. What the advantages and disadvantages were for each type of diaper. Which diaper system would help me be successful with cloth diapering.
The more I learned the more it became clear that each diapering system is important because each has perks that are unique from the other diaper options. The good news is, you can’t go too wrong with any of the listed options, but hopefully you will find the one that fits your situation the best.
Pocket Diapers
Pocket Diapers- A pocket diaper is a diaper with a waterproof outer layer and a stay dry inner layer. The diaper easily fastens with snaps or Velcro. There is a pocket inside that can be stuffed with one or more absorbent inserts to fit a variety of situations. This makes them very versatile. They are also less bulky than some other cloth options for wearing under clothes.
Pros
- Not too bulky
- Can control absorbency with inserts or prefolds in the pocket.
- Keeps baby’s bottom dry with the top wicking layer.
Cons
- They must be stuffed with an insert after washing
- The stay dry liner may make potty training more difficult
All-In-One’s
All In One Diapers (AIO’s) – This diaper contains the waterproof outer layer the absorbent middle layer and the stay dry inner layer in one piece. It is closest to a disposable diaper, just one piece to put on and take off with each change. This diaper is convenient for parents with children in daycare, who otherwise are away from home a lot, or just want a very simple cloth diapering option.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Makes diaper changing on mobile toddler fast and easy
- Daycares and Dads prefer these
- Most like a disposable, making the transition easy
Cons
- Take a longer time to dry
- They may wear out faster because of the longer drying time
One Size
One Size Diaper - These diapers are designed to fit a child for the entire time they are in diapers. They have snaps or velcro to adjust the diaper to the size of the child. One size diapers may be more bulky than small and medium pocket and AIO diapers because of their ability to adjust for larger children.
Pros
- Great if you have more than one child in diapers, because you only have to carry one size of diapers for all of them.
- Economical, you don’t have to buy more diapers as your baby grows
Cons
- They have more bulk when used in the smaller settings
- They have a pocket that needs to be stuffed after washings
Prefolds
Prefolds – A rectangle of cloth that is thicker in the middle third than on the sides. It can be folded and will usually be used with a waterproof cover since the prefold is not waterproof. It is usually folded, with the two sides trifolded over the middle third, and layed inside a wrap that fastens with velco or snaps. This is usually the cheapest option for cloth diapering.
Pros
- Cheap
- Easy to wash
- Durable, they can last a lifetime
- Versitile, can be used as rags later or can be stuffed into pocket diapers to add absorbency
- Easy before baby gets bigger and squirmier
- Can use the same cover through several changes
Cons
- More bulky than other options, especially underclothes
- No soft and dry fleece to wick moisture away from baby’s bottom
- Takes a longer to put on
- More difficult to teach others to do
- Not usually the favorite choice for caretakers and dads
- Not as cute
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Title - Choosing a Cloth Diapering System
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