But that’s not why I did it.  Yes, those are all good reasons, but it just seemed strange that poop and pee were going into the garbage rather than the toilet.  The logical part of my brain could never wrap my head around that.  Now, I’m not knocking disposables.  I think its fine whatever path you chose.  This is just what I chose for my family and this has inspired me to help others with their diapering decisions.

I started this blog in hopes to educate and help others along the way of the cloth diapering world.  Its something I never thought I would do, but now that I’m on this cloth diapering merry-go-round, I never want to get off!  Well, until they are potty-trained

Fitteds

A tailored fitted diaper that gathers around the legs making it very trim.  They come in snaps or Velcro.  These resemble disposables, but these do require a cover over them.  They are very absorbent and are great on newborns because of their trim fit.  They come in different fabrics, colors, prints, but most come in white.  You’re going to cover them anyways.  I never cloth diapered newborns, but if I had I would have gone with these.  They seem easy to use and good at catching all the runny breastfed poop.

Prefolds

These diapers have been around forever!  These are very economical too.  They are a simple one piece of very absorbent cloth usually made out of cotton, but can be found in flannel, twill, Birdseye, really any fabric will work.  These can be folded several different ways around a baby (Newspaper fold, Bikini Twist, Angel Wing fold, Sidewall/Jellyroll fold).  Obviously, different folds work for different babies and if you have a boy more padding should go in the front whereas for a girl the extra padding should go in the back.  You can also tri-fold them into a cover and it works great for when they are older and moving around more.  Once you got the fold you want over the baby you can use snappies or pins.  I would go with the snappis.  Much easier and you wouldn’t have to worry about stabbing your baby or yourself.  I currently use Bummies prefolds, but I imagine you can make your own.  Got any old flannel pajamas lying around?

Flats

Are large squares of single layer fabric usually made out of Birdseye cotton.  Again, they have been around a long time.  These you will also use a cover and snappis or pins with it to put into place.  They are very versatile and economical.  I’ve read on other blogs that some use flour sac bags from Wal-Mart or Target.  A lot of moms swear by these.  You can fold them just as you would a prefold, but I’ve heard most like the Origami fold.  I never tried them, but if I ever have another baby (yikes) I would like to try these.  I could imagine that when you are home you wouldn’t need a cover, but don’t quote me on that.

Pockets

My absolute favorite dipes!  They are so easy to use and with twins I needed EASY!  My husband also was a little resistant at first so I knew that the only way to convince him would be a diaper that he could easily put on and off.  They come in lots of fabrics, colors, super cute prints, and available in snaps and Velcro.  I use mostly snaps because they last longer (at least that’s what I’m hoping) and since I can’t sew to save my life replacing Velcro was not an option for me.  I must say that Velcro is much easier to put on a squirmy baby.  I use cotton, bamboo, and microfleece pockets (I’ll go into fabrics in another post).  Basically, a pocket diaper is a diaper that you insert an insert or booster into.  You can add or take out as many inserts as you want to adjust the absorbency.  I like to use a bamboo booster with my microfiber insert for naps.  They have a hidden PUL (Polyurethane Laminate) layer inside so it is waterproof and wick away the moisture.  In my rotation I use Kawaii and BumGenius (I’ll go into products in another post)

AI2′s/Covers (All In Two’s) 

These go with prefolds, inserts, or flats.  Most have the PUL.  You just snap or Velcro these on over your chosen wrap and viola you’re ready to go.  I like to use these for on the go.  That way instead of lugging behind lots of pockets all you need is a couple of stay-dry inserts or prefolds and maybe just one cover in case there is poop.  The great thing about these is that you don’t have to change the cover every time you do a diaper change.  Just replace the inner and put the cover back on.   You can reuse the cover 2-3 times in a day.  I use Flips with the stay-dry inserts, but I’ve also used Blueberry coveralls with prefolds.  Both work great for my boys.

AIO (All In Ones)

I don’t own many of these (mainly for the cost factor).  They are the easiest to use and you don’t have to stuff inserts like the pockets.  Again, come in various colors, fabrics, and prints.  They have the inserts sewn inside the diaper.  Simply, put on baby, change baby when needed, throw in wash, dry, and put back on baby.  I have only tried two brands so far GroVia and Thirsties (both bought used).  They are very cute and simple to use.  My only complaint is that they take a long time to dry.  Since everything is attached the many absorbent layers need some extra sun or dryer time.  Since I line-dry everything it takes a long time compared to my pockets.

What am I missing here?  Those are just some of the basic diapers out there.  These are just my options and thoughts on them so please try some out for yourself and see what you like.