Cloth Diapering 101
 

Cloth diapering is no longer a thing of the past.  Recent innovations have turned the old folded cloth with pins into the newest fashion frenzy for your baby.  Styles and cloth diapering options have expanded into a huge selection to allow each individual to find what works best for them.  Diaper Pin, the leading diaper review website, has broken down the many options into a easy to read table of Pros and Cons.  Please check through it and find what will work best for you.  Diaper Pin Pros & Cons List

Also please check out the following links for more information to help you decide what will work best for you.
Cloth Diaper Dictionary
Cloth Choices
Cloth Diapering
Washing Methods & How To's

Newborn: pocket diapers and/or wraps

.......my biggest concern is baby's comfort.  A big plus for disposables is that they slimly fit newborns comfortably.  Pocket diapers serve this same purpose.  Wraps that are soft do as well.  I need to be able to put baby in a sitting position to burp and not feel that the wrap or diaper is pushing in baby's stomach.  Although this choice is slightly more expensive than buying prefolds and covers, the results far out way the cost for us.

Newborn/ Infant: pocket diapers

The micro fleece liner with the micro terry insert absorbs breastmilk poop and prevent blow outs.  It surprised me actually.  With disposables there would be times where we would have to change a whole outfit because poop was everywhere.  I haven't had to do that while using cloth.  And the only time it leaks when he pees is when I haven't changed it in too long of an interval.

Older Infant: pocket diapers with velcro

Once they start wiggling or being distracted maneuvering them into a suitable position is a pain with snaps!  They are too young to understand "no" or "sit still please" so velcro is just easier.  I prefer the pocket diapers so that I can stuff them as needed.

Toddler: pocket diapers, and/or all-in-ones
........great for a wiggly kiddo who isn't thrilled with diaper changes. And 8-10 diapers can get you through about two days depending on your kid. You can also stuff the pockets for a heavy wetter at night time.

Flats:

Flat diapers refer to the single-ply square shaped diapers that resemble the diapers our mothers and grandmothers used. The types that you find in a store are not effective for use as cloth diapers but they make great liners, burp rags or cleaning rags.

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Prefold Diapers:

Pre-fold diapers are rectangular shaped diapers that are divided lengthwise in 3 sections. The outer sections usually have a thickness of 4 layers. The middle section can have 6 or 8 layers. This gives pre-folds absorbancy where it is needed most, in the middle. You will often see prefolds defined as 4-6-4, 4-8-4 or more rarely 2-4-2. These numbers refer to the layers of cloth in each section from left to right. Pre-folds are the cheapest alternative in diapers. They can be enclosed in a velcro or snap fastened diaper or they can be pinned with safety pins or snappi fasteners.

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Fitted Diapers:

Fitted diapers resemble disposable diapers. They have a contoured shape and have gathered edges around the legs. Instead of tape, they are fastened with either velcro or snaps. A waterproof diaper cover is necessary when using fitted.

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Covers:

Like diapers, covers come in many forms. Like fitted diapers they may be contoured shaped and can fasten with snaps or velcro. Some covers resemble underwear. Either are made of polyester or vinyl to prevent wetness from getting on baby's clothing. These are ideal for covering your child's diaper during the daytime.

For the baby with sensitive skin there are also wool and polar fleece diaper covers. These too may be contoured shaped with snap or velcro fasteners. Others come in "boxer-like" shape. Some prefer these covers for night-time use because they breathe.

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Pocket Diapers:

Pocket diapers are the newest type of diapers to hit the cloth diapering world. The first pocket diaper, Fuzzi Bunz created by Tereson of Mother of Eden in 1998. Pocket diapers are two piece diapering system typically with a piece of fleece that makes up the inner portion of fabric and a waterproof layer that makes up the outermost portion. An absorbent material is placed inside of the two pieces making the whole system act as an all in one system that keeps babies dry.

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All in one diapers:

Also known as AIO's, all-in-ones are fitted diapers that have an outer waterproof layer. Often they have fewer absorbant layers than their counterparts. These diapers are ideal for out of home use.

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All in two diapers:

Also known as AI2's, all-in-twos are a waterproof/water-resistant cloth diaper cover made of PUL and fleece with a snap-in soaker. AI2's have the convenience of an AIO, and the flexibility of being able to pick your own absorbency (like a Pocket Diaper) BUT the economy of being able to re-use the cover.