Prefold Diaper - Flat, usually rectangular-shaped, cloth diaper with an absorbent pad already sewn in, that gets folded. While we personally do not secure ours, they may be secured with a pins. Prefold cloth diapers come in a variety of sizes, fabrics, and thickness options. Must be covered with a waterproof liner or cover. These are the least expensive baby cloth diapering option.
PROS
Least expensive cloth diapering option
Fast drying
Versatile - can be used for other functions such as inserts / doublers, burp clothes, rags, etc.
CONS
Requires a diaper cover, wrap, or liner
Requires folding (multiple folding options)
Fitted Cloth Diaper - These tailor fitted cloth diapers fit close to baby for maximum leak-proof action. They require no folding, secure with either Velcro or snaps, and require a cloth diaper cover. Easy to use and clean; durable and last through several washes. Excellent for newborns as they hold in the liquid baby poo. Made of any different materials from terry, sherpa, hemp, to cloth and fleece lining. They secure with snaps or Aplix (Velcro) and require a cloth diapering cover.
PROS
Convenient, yet affordable
Easy to use
Very absorbent - great when used as a nighttime cloth diaper
CONS
Requires a cloth diaper cover, wrap, or liner
Relatively fast drying time
Pocket Cloth Diaper - A waterproof PUL outer layer locks in wetness, and micro fleece on the inside to keeps baby dry; this is a 2-part cloth diapering system. There is an opening to stuff this pocket cloth diaper with an insert; doublers also be stuffed into the pocket with insert(s) for increased absorbency. The major benefit of is that you can change the amount of absorbent inner material as needed, depending on how heavy your baby wets. They secure with snaps and/or Velcro.
PROS
Fast drying
Trim fit
Most like an all-in-one cloth diaper, making it very convenient
CONS
Cloth diaper cover with pocket needs to be washed after every use
More expensive than prefold cloth diapers
Need to "stuff" each cloth diaper with inserts
Remove inserts prior to washing all parts
All In One Cloth Diaper - Similar to disposable diapers in their design; require no stuffing or assembly. The inner absorbent material is sewin into an outer, waterproof layer. Closure is with either snaps or Velcro.
PROS
Most convenient
Easiest to use
Most like disposable diapers
CONS
Most expensive
Longer drying
One-Size Cloth Diaper - Fit babies from birth to potty training; setting no limits from thin, short, tall, chubby, and everything in-between. They usually have snaps that make the diaper adjustable in length to fit your baby as they grow. They are available as pocket diapers, fitted diapers, or covers; with all options allowing absorbency to be adjusted as needed for your baby.
PROS
Need less amount of diapers
Most cost-effective
Most diapers have this option
CONS
Most expensive
Cloth Diaper Cover/Cloth Diaper Wrap- Used over prefolds or fitted cloth diapers for ease of use (no pins necessary!). Available in the one-size option, or specific sizes. Each cover/wrap may be used several times before needing to be washed, if allowed to air dry between uses. They may be easily wiped after each use, if you wish. Cloth diaper covers can be washed along with the diapers, and are safe to use in the dryer (though we recommend air drying as they will last longer).
PROS
Need less amount of diapers
Most cost-effective
Many different prefolds/flat inserts will fit
Fastest drying option
CONS
Must have prefolds or flat inserts
Covers may wear out sooner if used exclusively in dryer
Cloth Diaper Insert/Cloth Diaper Doubler - Adds extra absorbency to any type of cloth diaper. Cloth diaper insert come in a variety of sizes to offer flexibility to be used for newborns or older babies. Additional inserts or doublers may be added to any cloth diaper to make them more absorbent.
Cloth Diaper Liner- Typically made from fleece, and pulls wetness away from baby so baby feels dry. These also are used to help catch baby poop for easier clean-up; remove liner and shake into toilet to protect your diapers and a more messy cleanup. Cloth diaper liners do not add extra absorbency, and sit against baby's skin in any cloth diaper.
How Many Cloth Diapers Do I Need?
The number of cloth diapers will be determined by how often you intend to do laundry and how big or small your budget is. If you change your baby eight times a day, and wash every other day, you will need at least 16 diapers. Smaller babies require more frequent diaper changes.
We generally recommend the following for all cloth diaper system options:
2-3 dozen cloth wipes
1-2 large nylon pail liners (may hang, sit on floor, or be put in a kitchen trash can)
2 small/medium wet bags for outings/traveling
6-12 doublers or extra inserts, even if you're using pre-folds/fitted diapers. These are wonderful for using at nap and bed time.
24-36 cloth diapers (if using prefolds or flat inserts, we recommend one cover for every 2-3 prefolds)
What Cloth Diaper Accessories Do I Need?
Wet Bag-Used as a dry method of storing soiled diapers inside of a dry pail. Wet bags typically have an elastic opening which holds it in place on your pail. On wash day, turn bag inside out and wash it along with your diapers. I prefer to use this method for the pee diapers. Smaller wetbags are also great to have in your diaper bag!
Wet Pail -You can use a wet pail to soak soiled diapers. Use any garbage can or bucket type pail. Fill it with water and/or some essential oils to keep it smelling fresh. I use this method for the poo diapers after shaking off solids into the toilet. The wet pail is more difficult to deal with, but is the best way to ward off stains. When ready to clean the bucket, dump the dirty water into the toilet.
Laundry Detergent -You will need a diaper laundry detergent. Choose one that is fragrance free, additive free, and chemical free to ensure it will not harm your diapers. Do not use detergents with chorine bleach, fabric softeners or pure soaps as these can all affect the diapers. Allen's Naturally and Charlies Soap are two brands that have worked well for me and my baby. The type of water in your area plays a major role in what detergent will work best. What works wonderfully for one person with soft water could be a nightmare for someone with hard water. Another washing tip is to always do an extra rinse.
Fasteners-If you use prefold diapers you will need something to hold them in place. The two main closure's are pins or a Snappi. A Snappi is a fastener made specifically to hold a diaper together, it grips the diaper on each side and in the middle and holds it all together and works great!
Doublers & Inserts-Used when you need extra absorbancy. Many people add doublers & inserts to the diapers for night time and heavy wetters. They come in various sizes.
Are you interested in seeing & touching the actual diapers before you purchase them?
We want you to make mybabyfirst.com your source for all of your cloth diapering needs and that is why
we will meet with potential customers by appointment to show you the different diapers available. Please
email info@mybabyfirst.com to schedule your appointment today. Towns that we can meet you include:
Lansing, Owosso, Flint, Stockbridge, Jackson, Fowlerville, Howell, Brighton, Williamston, Webberville, Okemos, Mason, Holt, Haslett, Perry, Durand, and other central Michigan locations that are nearby. Please let us know what style and brands
of diapers you are most interested in so we can ensure we have them in stock for you.
To less toxins in your baby, family, & world,
Kala Snyder, RN, BSN
Owner
My Baby First, LLC
My Baby First
PO Box 1261
Fowlerville, MI 48836
USA
Phone: 517-468-3879
Fax: 517-468-3879
