One thing’s for sure: cloth diapers aren’t what they used to be. If you’re still imagining sharp pins and sweltering plastic pants, be prepared to be amazed -- even inspired -- by the vast selection of new-and-improved cloth diapers on the market. Luckily for the rest of us, ingenious parents have made the cloth diapering experience easier by inventing new products that work for your baby and for you.
Style Basics
Today’s cloth diapers fall into three categories: Diapers and Covers, All-in-One Diapers, and Pocket Diapers. Each system works great, though parents do have their favorites. Many parents use a combination of different diapers to meet their demands throughout the day.
Diapers and Covers
Many cloth diapers need a separate water-proof cover. Old-fashioned prefold diapers may be what you think of first, but you can also buy contoured diapers and fitted diapers. Contoured diapers are hourglass-shaped and fit into a cover without any folding involved. Fitted diapers are enhanced with elastic around the legs and Velcro or snap closures. These diapers range in price from $2 each (prefolds) to over $20 (one-size fitteds).
“I wanted to try cloth diapers for Sophia,” says mom Heather Morrone of Mazama, WA, “so I chose the least expensive option first in case they didn’t work out.” Heather started using cotton prefold diapers and hasn’t seen a reason to stop. “There’s nothing difficult about it,” she says. “Sophia has never had diaper rash because I can change her as often as I want. I’m never concerned about running out of diapers or creating too much waste.”
Amy Fournier, a mom in Klamath Falls, OR, loves the adjustable-size fitted diapers she found for her daughter. “They give a better fit than regular prefolds,” she explains. “I like that she can wear them without covers at times to let her bottom breathe, which helps prevent rashes. Another benefit of buying the one-size fitteds is that I don’t have to keep buying different sizes.”
Mom Jesi Josten of Denver, CO says she didn’t understand the benefits of fitted diapers until she tried them on her daughter, Violet. “I bought a few and discovered that I never had any leaks when I used a cover. I also find that they can be trimmer than some other types, and of course I love the fact that they come in such cute patterns!”
Modern diaper covers are a far cry from the vinyl pants our mothers once used. Today’s covers are so well-designed that no diaper pinning is necessary, even when you use prefold diapers. Simply tuck a diaper in the cover and use the Velcro or snaps on front to get a snug fit. If you use fitted diapers, first secure the diaper to your baby using its snaps or Velcro, then follow with the water-proof cover.
Diaper covers made from polyurethane laminate (PUL) are a popular choice. This waterproof synthetic fabric keeps moisture in while allowing airflow to keep baby’s skin healthy. They come in different sizes and colors and cost anywhere from $8 - $20 each.
Some parents swear by wool diaper covers. Wool is inherently anti-bacterial and the naturally-occurring lanolin in its fibers makes them highly water-resistant. Wool covers are a good option for heavy-wetters or for overnight. These covers are pricey -- they start at around $30 each.
continued on page 2