I did a lot of research after hearing that a disposable diaper can last in a landfill for 500 years. Yes, you read that right 500 YEARS. One baby also uses around 5,000 diapers before being potty trained so think about that. 5,000 diapers for each child who uses disposables for 500 years a piece for each diaper. Just sitting there. Pretty disgusting right?
Also, the price of cloth diapering is much less than that of disposable diapering. You might need to make a big investment in the very beginning, but in the long run you will save a lot more money and you will be glad you did.
There are lots of different types of cloth diapers such as: prefolds, all in ones (AIOs), all in twos (AI2s) , hybrids, fitted, one size, and pockets.
Prefolds:
Prefold diapers are made of a very absorbent material (cotton, bamboo, hemp) and are just a big piece of it. You have to hand fold these, pin or use a snappi to put onto your baby and then put a cover over them since by themselves they are not waterproof. These are great for newborns because you can pretty much fold them in a ton of ways to fit the shape of your new baby.
AIOs and AI2s:
These do not require a cover and are the easiest(in my opinion) to use. AIOs have everything you need all together in one diaper. Just snap or Velcro onto your baby and you're ready to go! They do take longer to dry and this is a huge turn off to some parents.
AI2s have two separate pieces that you usually snap together to form the whole diaper. It's a cover and an insert (usually cotton) that snaps in and then snaps out when you are ready to wash them. In some, the outer shell can be used for multiple diaper changes because it is made of PUL(waterproof material). They don't take as long to dry
Pockets:
These also do not require a cover. They usually fasten with velcro (hook and loop) or snaps. There is a pocket on the inside of the diaper where you stuff the insert (absorbent material) and then remove when washing. The outside is usually made of PUL (waterproof material) and the inside is a soft absorbent material.
Hybrids:
Hybrid diapers have either an insert of cloth or an insert of a disposable material. The main hybrid out on the market right now is the g diaper. The g diaper has a flush-able insert. You can also put in a cloth insert. The flush-able insert is biodegradable. These hybrid diapers usually close with velcro (hook and loop) or snaps.
Fitted and One Size:
Fitted diapers are exactly what they sound like. They are fitted in different sizes to fit your baby. Most in simple small, medium, and large. If you get fitted diapers, over time you will have to buy all new diapers since your baby will grow.
One sized diapers are just like it says, one size. These can be used from as small as 5-6 lbs all the way up to around 36lbs.
Have I lost you yet? ;)
There is so much to look at and figure out when it comes to cloth diapers, but in the end it is all worth it! I recommend getting a few of each to start and then decide what you like and stick with it! These are also lots of shops on etsy.com and hyenacart.com where work at home mom's sell homemade cloth diapers. Sometimes you can find them for cheap and they always have the cutest fabrics and patterns!
Now you are probably wondering what kind of cloth diaper we are using.
We decided on the Best Bottoms cloth diaper. It is an AI2 diaper with a snap in insert. So far we love them! They are also one size so I will not have to buy all new diapers as Harper grows. The inserts are different sizes however, but that's okay!
A great website for buying cloth diapers is nickisdiapers.com
The owner of nickis diapers, Nicki, created the Best Bottoms system ;)
Maybe I haven't quite convinced you to choose cloth diapering for your little one, but at least now you are slightly informed! To close, here is a picture of Harper in her Best Bottoms diaper and pictures of a few of the Best Bottom diapers we have. :)
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