Navigating the Cloth Diapering World

Cloth diapering is definitely a personal journey. Many reasons to cloth diaper exist; from environmental reasons to the desire to save money. And many diapering choices exist; from all-in-one diapers to fitteds with wool covers. Finding your preferred cloth diapering style may take some time and some trial and error but will yield a great deal of fun and satisfaction!

Cloth Diapering Lingo:
Here are some terms you may see on a cloth diapering forum:
Prefolds-traditional DSQ (Diaper Service Quality) diapers that have been prefolded. To be used with a closure mechanism and a cover.
Flatfolds-traditional DSQ diapers that need to be folded in someway before placed on baby. To be used with a closure and cover.
AIO or All in One-This is a diaper with PUL (polyerurethane laminate) on the ourside, several layers of absorbent material in the middle and a fleece material next to baby's skin. This diaper does not require a cover.
Fitted Diaper-This is a cloth diaper made of absorbent material that is gathered at the legs and waist to prevent leakage. This diaper requires a cover.
Pocket Diaper-This is like an AIO on outside and next to baby, but the absorbent material in the middle comes in the form of an insert and is placed inside the diaper through a pocket or slit in the front or back of the diaper.
PUL Cover- a waterproof cover made from one or two layers of Poly-Urethane-Laminate.
Wool Cover-cover made from wool. Needs to be lanolized to promote and maintain waterproofness.
Dritz Pins-metal diaperpins with locking heads (now come with plastic locking heads) made to use with prefolds and flats.
Snappi-a Y shaped closure with grips to secure prefolds and flats.


Some things to think about when choosing cloth diapers for your baby: Help Getting Started

Decide why you want to cloth diaper/what styles you'd like to try:

• Is it to save money? Then you might like prefolds, pins and covers.
• Are you worried about keeping baby's bum dry? Then you might like pocket diapers with a layer of microfleece next to baby's skin.
• Environmentally conscious? Choose from an array of sustainable, natural and organic fabrics for diapers and covers. (If you are cloth diapering a newborn stick with natural fibers that will not irritate tender skin.)

Many people who are new to cloth diapering can become overwhelmed with all of the choices. Many people also feel that they need one diapering system in order to be organized. I happen to take an eclectic approach to my diaper because it gives me the flexibility for any cloth diapering situation.
For example: I started with prefolds, pins and PUL covers. These are a good staple to have in case you run out of another kind of diaper you like to use. Prefolds are great in the summer time as they let air circulate well. I use pocket diapers with windpro fleece for night-time with an extra insert and pocket diapers for babysitters and longer than usual outings because they keep baby drier. But, my favorite diapers are organic cotton fleece or bamboo velour fitteds with wool covers because they are made of natural, sustainable materials. On the other hand, some people prefer a one-of-a-kind of diapering system. It's really up to you!
Happy to help you on your journey. 
maryartgirl@gmail.com