Sunday, November 25, 2012

Unorthodox Diapering Step 2

The Truth about Cloth Diapers


Step 2: Pick your diaper

Oh, no, it can't be as easy as choosing either cloth or disposables. After you've made the decision to go cloth you still have some more deciding to do!

I'm going to give you the break down on different cloth diaper features and the pros and cons I've experienced.



All in One (AIO) Fitted diapers:

This is a set of AIO that are fitted from Kushies
This 5 pack will run you $48.99-59.99 depending on the size you need if you buy the Kushies brand. You can visit the Diaper Junction and compare different brands to get the best price!

Fitted AIO pros:
Of all the cloths, they are the most like disposables
No assembly or folding after washing or during changes
Fitted means a better fit for fewer leaks
Best for squirmy babies that don't want to wait for an insert to be put into a diaper
No touching soiled inserts for removal

Fitted AIO cons:
AIO is more expensive per diaper
Fitted means even more expensive, a whole supply in every size as your child grows
They do not disassemble for washing so they take more time and energy

AIO One Size diapers:
This GrowVia AIO one size fits all is $23.95

AIO One Size  pros:
Similar to disposables because they are only 1 piece
They grow with your child- saving you money
No assembly or folding during changes or after washing
Best for squirmy babies that don't want to wait for an insert to be put into a diaper (So long as they are already snapped to fit your child's current size)
No touching soiled inserts for removal

AIO One Size cons:
AIO is more expensive per the diaper
One size has more reported leaks and blow outs (but marginally)
They do not disassemble for washing so they take more time and energy

All in Two: (You can also find these in fitted or one size)


 This TrendLab All in Two One Size Diaper is $12.95 on Amazon

All in Two One Size Pros
Almost half the price of AIOs
The diaper grows with your baby saving you even more money
Separate the covers from the inserts for more effective and efficient washing
Only changing the insert if the cover is not soiled saves on laundry
Pre-folded inserts mean no folding

All in Twos One Size Cons
Removing soiled inserts can be... disgusting
Assembling the diapers after washing or before every change
One size has reported more leaks (but marginally)
Bulkier on your babies bottom than AIOs

This is my diaper of choice:
 Logan's bulky baby bottom in his All in Two One Size TrendLab cloth diaper :)


For All in Two Fitted you have to weigh what means more to your family- potentially fewer leaks and blow outs or your hard earned cash. Personally, I've experienced leaks and blow outs in EVERY variety and brand of diaper I've tried (including disposables).

Pocket Diapers (Also found in fitted or one size):


I found this Pocket Diaper on Amazon for sale at $8.98!!

Pocket One Size Pros:
Almost than half the price of AIOs (This deal is even less!)
The diaper grows with your baby saving you even more money
Separate the covers from the inserts for more effective and efficient washing
Pre-folded inserts mean no folding
If the type of fabric of an insert is bothering your baby's bottom- place it inside the pocket to prevent direct contact.

Pocket One Size Cons:
Digging soiled inserts out of the pocket
Assembling the diapers after washing or before every change
One size has reported more leaks (but marginally)
Bulkier on your babies bottom than AIO
If the insert is inside the pocket the cover will be soiled every time.

Kickin' it Old School:

Gerber Flat Cloth Diapers-  usually about 10 for $25

Flat Diapers Pros:
The least expensive possible option
Quickest drying time

Flat Diaper Cons:
Folding, folding, folding
Removing soiled cloths
Gerber's plastic covers don't snap or Velcro at the hips

**I have a pack of these that I use in my 'new school' covers when we go through an unexpectedly large supply of diapers. This mix and match combo works out fine


Disposable Liners:

This roll of 100 Bummis Bio-Liners is $8 on Amazon

A disposable liner can be placed in a cloth diaper to catch the solid waste and make it easier to flush or throw out.

Disposable Liner Pros:
Less baby poo makes it to the washing machine
Less shaking dirty diapers over the toilet to get the baby poo to come off

Disposable Liner Cons:
Add  8 cents to every diaper change
They tend to bunch up when babies get more active and they don't catch much baby poo when they're bunched up

Did you find this post helpful? Let me know by leaving a comment below. I'm happy to answer any questions!

Also see : 


Step 1: convincing my husband that cloth diapers aren't lunacy


Step 3: Have a system in place for storing and washing dirty duds


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