Choosing a cloth diapering system

So, you're expecting a baby and are considering cloth diapers. Wonderful! As you may have realized there is a lot of information available on line.

Cloth diapering is very simple. Your most confusing part will be selecting the diapers you want to buy. This can be broken down into 5 basic categories.

The 5 basic categories:
All diaper systems will fall into one of the following 5 categories. The pros and cons section will help you decide which system is right for you. Your budget will determine which category you want to focus on.

1) Flat, Prefolded and Contoured Cloth Diapers

Part of a "two step" diapering system meaning the cover is put on separately from the diaper.
These diaper types have been around for generations and are the most economical. They are rectangular or squares of absorbent fabric folded to suit the size of the baby. Prefolds and Contoured (hour glass shaped) (available in a number of sizes) have a few layers sewn to the middle of the rectangular fabric to make the centre more absorbent. They are available in a variety of fabric types including unbleached and organic cottons, hemp and bamboo. They have no closure systems. 
Pros

• Flats are one size fits all, and so, very economical. 
• If you are on a tight budget and don't mind folding some diapers before using them on your baby these diapers are for you.

Cons

• Requires the use of a separate waterproof cover
• Must be folded prior to use
• Don't contain messes well (no leg elastics)
• Since messes aren't often contained in the diaper itself more waterproof covers are required
• Must be secured with some fastening method –pins, clipped, or a snug fitting waterproof diaper cover.
• Prefolded and Contoured - Diapers come in different sizes- increasing the cost accordingly

2) Fitted Cloth Diapers

Part of a "two step" diapering system- meaning the cover is put on separately from the diaper. 
A very popular choice and more economical than the next two categories. These are absorbent contoured diapers shaped to fit a baby with elastics at the waist and leg openings. Waist closures of some sort are usually included. They are available in a number of sizes for a customized fit as baby grows or they are available in a one size fits all. Fitted cloth diapers are available in a variety of popular fabric choices.
Pros

• Great containment due to elastics at waist and leg openings.
• More affordable as this system requires the least amount of waterproof covers
• Great longevity- as the cover is not attached- suitable as a one size fits all option
• Depending on the brand you select, these are very absorbent diapers, often touted best for night or nap times or longer car trips.

Cons

• Requires the use of a separate waterproof cover
• Longer drying times – varies depending on how many layers are sewn together 
• Elastics may not endure the length of time a child will wear the one size fits all option 

3) Pocket Diapers

A relative newcomer to the cloth diaper scene. With this diapering style the waterproof diaper cover is sewn to an inner (usually synthetic) layer in a manner that leaves an opening, usually along the back of the diaper for turning it inside out during production but also to accommodate the addition and removal of the absorbent component/insert. It is considered a two piece system in that the absorbent component, often referred to as an insert, is added separately to make it ready to use as a complete diapering system. Inserts are available in a variety of fabric choices. Pocket diapers have elastic at the waist back and leg openings. Waist closures of some sort are always included. Pocket diapers are very slim fitting, available in one size fits all and sized for a more perfect fit in each size range. Wide range of colours and prints for fashion conscious parents. 
Pros

• "One step" diapering system – meaning the diaper is put on in one simple step - once the inset has been added
• Dry quickly- because absorbent component is removed 
• Good for child care providers and grandparents

Cons

• Absorbent component/insert must be added to each diaper before use and removed after use, prior to washing. Removal can be unpleasant.
• Expensive as the waterproof cover is attached/included with each diaper
• Cover and inner layer are cut to the same size so a pocket diaper can become quite convex when additional inserts need to be added for sufficient absorbency. This can cause leakage as liquid can run off the rounded surface quicker than it can absorb. Waterproof cover component is the first part of the system to expire- applicable particularly with one size fits all style
• Elastics may not endure the length of time a child will wear the one size fits all option
• Not very leakproof 

4) All In Ones

These cloth diapers combine the fitted diaper with the waterproof cover into one product. It is a one piece system as the absorbent component is sewn in and not removable. It is an ideal alternative to a disposable diaper and considered easiest to use. They always include elastic at the waist and leg openings and the waist closes with either a hook and loop or snap closure system. These diaper systems are available in one size fits all, or sized for a more perfect fit in each size range. They often sport a slim fit and are available in a variety of colours and prints for fashion conscious parents.
Pros

• A one step diapering system- meaning the diaper is put on in one simple step
• Great for child care providers and grandparents as they are an easy and quick change
• This style of diaper is ideal to supplement other cloth diapers when convenience is a factor such as a quick diaper change at the mall.

Cons

• Expensive as the waterproof cover is attached/included with each diaper
• Can be slow to dry depending on construction techniques. The attached waterproof cover can impede the water extraction during machine's spin cycles
• Waterproof cover component is the first part of the system to expire- applicable particularly with one size fits all style
• Elastics may not endure the length of time a child will wear the one size fits all option
• Depending on construction technique, not very leakproof 

5) Hybrid or All In Two diaper systems

The newest member on the cloth diaper scene. Fewer covers are required for this style of diapering system than pocket diapers or All in One diapers where the cover is "built in". The absorbent component is attached to an accompanying cover by a means that makes it removable (usually snaps) and holds the diaper/insert in place. Some manufacturers provide a simple absorbent flat absorbent liner/insert that snaps to and out of the cover. Yet other manufacturers supply fitted diaper/inserts (which also snap to and out of the cover) with elastics at the edges to better prevent leakage. Also available from some manufacturers are disposable inserts. Less covers are required as soiled diaper/inserts are replaced, and provided the cover isn't soiled, and the same cover is reused. Once the diaper/insert is attached to the cover it becomes an All In One style diaper and very convenient to use. Both the waterproof covers and the absorbent inserts are available in one size fits all, or multi-sized for a more perfect fit in each size range. Diaper/inserts are available in a variety of fabric choices. Hybrids or All In Twos often sport a slim fit and the covers are available in a variety of colours and prints for fashion conscious parents. 
Pros

• A one step diapering system - meaning the diaper is put on in one simple step - once the diaper/insert is attached to the cover
• Faster drying times as the absorbent diaper/insert is detachable
• More cost effective as less waterproof covers are required
• Great longevity as the cover is not attached- Diaper/Inserts suitable as a one size fits all option
• Cost effective to replace the covers as required, once expired
• Great for child care providers and grandparents as diapers can be preassembled for as many covers as you have and used as all in ones 

Cons

• Absorbent component/insert must be added to each diaper before use and removed after use, prior to washing. Removal can be unpleasant.
• Waterproof cover component is the first part of the system to expire- applicable particularly with one size fits all style

Article taken from mother-ease.ca

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