April 2007
Cloth diapers: Features to consider
Cloth diapers are easy to use, but less convenient than disposables because of the laundry involved. If you don't use a diaper
service, you have to soak the soiled diapers in a "wet" diaper pail or rinse them and store them in a "dry," plastic-bag-lined
diaper pail between laundry loads. And the demands of a new baby can make keeping up with diaper washing a daunting proposition.
Cloth diapers are easier to deal with if you use a diaper service, although you can wind up paying as much as you would for
disposables. For that reason you may want to drop hints with friends and relatives that you'd welcome a diaper service as
a shower gift.
DIAPER TYPES
There are five types of cloth diaper: unfolded or flat, prefolded, fitted or shaped, all-in-one, and diapering systems, sometimes called "pocket" diapers.
Unfolded diapers are rectangles of flat fabric that you fold to fit your baby's shape, holding them in place with diaper pins.
Prefolded diapers are also rectangular, but because of the way that they're folded, they have extra layers in the center. Like unfolded diapers, they also require pinning.
Fitted or shaped diapers are contoured more like disposables, with a narrow crotch and wide wings that wrap around a baby's waist. Some require diaper pins, but others have Velcro fasteners or snaps. They may also have elastic at the waist and legs, and a more absorbent layer in the center. With shaped diapers, you have to buy different sizes as your baby grows.
With all of these first three diaper types, you'll also need to use waterproof pants.
All-in-ones combine the diaper and the outer waterproof cover into one piece so cloth diapering is a one-step procedure. They're convenient for quick changes on the go and, with an extra diaper inside, can work well overnight. However, they're bulky and thick, so they may not dry quickly after laundering. And you have to buy larger sizes as your baby grows.
Diapering systems, sometimes called "pocket" diapers, are the most expensive cloth option. They include a moisture-resistant covering of nylon or polyester into which you insert a folded diaper or a disposable or washable liner. The outer covering comes in a range of sizes to accommodate a baby's growth. Velcro fasteners or several rows of snaps (for different fits) keep the covering closed.
DIAPER TYPES
There are five types of cloth diaper: unfolded or flat, prefolded, fitted or shaped, all-in-one, and diapering systems, sometimes called "pocket" diapers.
Unfolded diapers are rectangles of flat fabric that you fold to fit your baby's shape, holding them in place with diaper pins.
Prefolded diapers are also rectangular, but because of the way that they're folded, they have extra layers in the center. Like unfolded diapers, they also require pinning.
Fitted or shaped diapers are contoured more like disposables, with a narrow crotch and wide wings that wrap around a baby's waist. Some require diaper pins, but others have Velcro fasteners or snaps. They may also have elastic at the waist and legs, and a more absorbent layer in the center. With shaped diapers, you have to buy different sizes as your baby grows.
With all of these first three diaper types, you'll also need to use waterproof pants.
All-in-ones combine the diaper and the outer waterproof cover into one piece so cloth diapering is a one-step procedure. They're convenient for quick changes on the go and, with an extra diaper inside, can work well overnight. However, they're bulky and thick, so they may not dry quickly after laundering. And you have to buy larger sizes as your baby grows.
Diapering systems, sometimes called "pocket" diapers, are the most expensive cloth option. They include a moisture-resistant covering of nylon or polyester into which you insert a folded diaper or a disposable or washable liner. The outer covering comes in a range of sizes to accommodate a baby's growth. Velcro fasteners or several rows of snaps (for different fits) keep the covering closed.
