Cloth Diaper Styles

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cloth diaper styles

	Prefold Diapers A prefold diaper is likely what you wore as a child. The name is slightly confusing to some. "Prefolded" refers to the fact that a large flat square is folded and sewn to make a thicker panel down the layer. You still fold them before using; twisting and spreading fabric according to your diapering tastes. Karen has put together a nice group of links and pictures to show the different ways you can fold a prefold diaper. Some people immediately discount prefold diapers because they think they need to use pins. This is no longer the case. You can fasten prefolds with a Snappi fastener, or simply fold and lay into a snug fitting diaper cover that holds the prefold against the baby with velcro or snap closures. Shown is a Chinese Prefold from Baby Cotton Bottoms.
	Flatfold Diapers Often confused with prefolds, until you see one. These diapers are a single layer of fabric which you can fold a number of ways to fit your baby. Flatfold diapers or "flats" are seeing a new surge in popularity because they are so economical. They dry quickly and are very versatile because you can fold them so many ways. See how we fold our flatfolds. You can pin flat fold diapers, or if they are made of suitable fabric, a Snappi Fastener will grip to them as well. Shown are flat birdseye diapers made with the birdseye fabric we carry in our shop.
	Fitted Diapers Fitted diapers are hour glass shaped with elastic or gussets creating a snug fit against the legs. Fitted cloth diapers have a sewn in "soaker pad" panel of absorbent fabric between the layers inside the diaper. Some fitted diapers or "fitteds" have a quick drying soaker pad - it either lays or folds in, or can be snapped in or even partially sewn to allow the soaker pad to "flap" out. This not only allows a diaper to dry faster, but also allows the diaper to get cleaner in the wash. Fitted diapers may have wings that have snaps, velcro, or pin shut. Fitted diapers can close in the front or on the sides. You need to use some kind of waterproof cover with these diapers. Shown is a Very Baby Side Snap Diaper from Tallulah Baby.
	Contour Diapers Contours are diapers that have been cut and sewn into a hourglass shape and normally do not have elasticized legs. Contours are a economical and simple diapering option - they sometimes have wings long enough to be pinned if desired but most just lay them into a snug fitting waterproof diaper cover. Some contours like the Kissaluvs contour (pictured) have extra padding sewn in the middle for additional absorbency without adding a lot of bulk.
	Mini Diapers Mini Diapers are sort of a cross between a contour diaper and a fitted diaper. Also cut into a modified hour glass shape, a mini diaper has no wings to wrap around baby. Mini diapers often have elasticized legs and some have quick drying soaker pads for extra absorbency in the center. Mini Diapers generally snap into a diaper cover shell, creating a quick dry all in one type set. Mini Diapers can also be layed into a snug fitting wrap that will fasten around baby and keep the mini diaper close to his or her skin. The Very Baby Mini Diaper shown was made by Shannyn's Harvest.
	Waterproof Diaper Covers A cover is any waterproof or water resistant fabric sewn with elastic to fit snuggly over a diaper to keep wetness and waste in. Covers can be made of Polyurethane fabrics, ultrex, nylon, fleece, wool, and more. They can snap closed on the sides or front, pull up like underpants, or have self fastening hook and loop tabs. Shown is a Very Baby Side Snap Cover from Tallulah Baby.
	Waterproof Diaper Wrap A cover with front snap or velcro/aplix closures that "wrap around" the diaper. You do not need to fasten your diaper onto your baby if you use a wrap as it fits snugly and holds the absorbent diaper close to the baby. Shown is a Very Baby Snug Wrap from Tallulah Baby.
	Pull-on Pants Updated versions of the rubber pants your parents wore & they're much better than the plastic pants you probably wore. New high tech fabrics won't discolor or crack like the old plastic pants did. There are many different varieties out there today. Pull on pants tend to be an economical no-fuss choice. You need to use pins or another form of securing your diaper if you use a pull on style pant as the fit is blousey. Shown is a pull on style diaper cover from Bummis.
	All in One Diaper (AIO) A fitted diaper with a waterproof or water resistant built in outer layer. Works just like a disposable, in that you just put it on and fasten the snaps or tabs and go. No additional cover is needed. Popular for their convenience, they do take a long time to dry unless they come with a snap in/lay in soaker pad. Shown is a Very Basic All in One from Tallulah Baby.
	Wool in One (WIO) Since wool needs to be cared for differently, you can't really have an All in One diaper with a wool outer. Absorbent layers snap into a wool shell for removal for separate wash care. Shown is an open Wool in One diaper from Fuzbaby.
	Pocket Diapers Pocket diapers were invented by Tereson of Fuzzi Bunz. They feature a waterproof outer and a stay dry layer next to baby. The two layers are sewn together but leave a pocket opening in the back or front. Absorbent layers of fabric are stuffed into the pocket to customize absorbency for the baby. Shown is an open pocket diaper I made from the Very Baby Diaper Pattern. It shows an absorbent hemp prefold being stuffed into the elasticized pocket.

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