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If you are a parent, you know the pain of having to deal with dirty diapers right off the bat. Babies poop all the time and staying ahead of the diaper game can be challenging. Even disposables that are meant to make the job easy are far more complex than you might have expected. Figuring out the right size, material, fit and type that works for your baby is a long, unending process. We’re sure you have wondered what it would be like to simply switch to cloth diapers. Most parents write them off because they seem like too much work and too expensive. Not to mention that the prospect of having to scrape out poop every other hour does not seem like an ideal scenario. But what if we told you that using cloth diapers is far more doable than you give them credit for? Admittedly, they are more work, and they are not for everyone. All thanks to the new advances in technology, this old-fashioned choice is making a big comeback and you might want to consider switching over.
Here are 5 types of cloth diapers you can choose from:
1. One-Size Cloth Diaper
If you are confused about the size of your baby’s diapers, a simple solution is to opt for the one-size cloth diaper. You can put this diaper on your baby from the moment they arrive up until you decide to potty train them. Honestly, we can’t think of a more convenient and eco-friendly option. The snaps and velcro closures help you adjust the size and larger inserts can easily accommodate absorbency needs. This means that you needn’t invest in separate daytime and nighttime diapers as these can be adjusted to double as both. And they come in a range of different colors and adorable designs. They are on the pricier side so it would be best to buy one and try it out. However, if they work for you and your baby they are a one-time investment.
2. The All-In-One Diaper (AIO)
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The All-In-One Diaper gets its name because it serves two major purposes. It’s basically a cloth version of a disposable diaper. The added advantage of these diapers is that you don’t need to stuff inserts which means you can throw the entire thing into the washing machine when soiled. And just like the One-Size Diaper, they tie at the hip with snaps or velcro to make the diaper-changing process as easy as possible. No more pins for you!
3. Pocket Cloth Diapers
Now imagine that your diaper has everything an AIO does, and in addition, it also has pockets! However these pockets are not used to hold snacks or your phone, they are built in interior pockets made of wicking material which contain removable absorbent inserts. This makes it easy for parents to customize their baby’s desired absorbency level by trying out different kinds of inserts or using two inserts at a time. As Pocket Diapers have separate pieces, they take less drying time as opposed to thicker AIOs. They are also easy to assemble and use so that baby-sitters and grandparents can learn how to use them quickly. Simply stuff the inserts into the pocket diapers right out of the dryer and they are ready to go.
4. Prefold Cloth Diapers
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These diapers are the old-school rectangular-fold diapers made of cotton. They come in various sizes and fabrics such as bamboo and hemp. They are the least expensive cloth diapers available. Unfortunately, you’ll have to get a waterproof cloth diaper cover to tackle the mess. However, you can reuse this outer layer after changing the prefold diaper when soiled which cuts down on laundry. At bedtime, many parents double up on prefold diapers in order to ensure that no leakage takes place.
5. Hybrid Diapers
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These diapers are designed to give you the benefits of using cloth diapers with the ease and efficiency of disposables. And who could pass up on that? They have a waterproof outer layer cover and two inner layer absorbent options. You can use cloth inserts which are rectangular runners made in numerous fabrics like cotton, microfiber and hemp. These also come filled with ultra-absorbent micro-fibers to make your life easier. You could also opt for disposable inserts which are the single-use versions. These are great for on the go parents who travel a lot with their baby. Simply swap out the inserts and you are done. These inserts generate less waste than a whole disposable diaper and low on chemicals. Some of them are even biodegradable!
Picking the right diaper for your baby that fits into your schedule and lifestyle is challenging. You can always use disposables for the first few weeks before you switch onto cloth diapers. Do it gradually so as to not overwhelm yourself. Maybe using cloth at home and disposables outside is what works best for you. You could also use flushable and biodegradable inserts. Whatever it may be, take your time to pick what’s best for your family and don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
