- Swati_Sarath
All About Cloth Diaper -Types,Benefits | How To Wash Cloth Diapers
Cloth diapers | Complete Guide On Cloth Diapers | Uses of Cloth Diapers | How To wash Cloth Diapers | Benefits | Types of Cloth diapers | Cons of Cloth diapers
Gone are those days when cloth diapers were considered to be a hassle for newborns due to the fact of requiring more work to clean the poop. Disposable diapers were in trend as it was considered to be more convenient than cloth diapers. But thanks to the modern emerging technologies, They have come up with cloth diapers that have been engineered to be easy to use as the disposables and also to be re-used for a longer run, making it safe for the environment too.
These factors and benefits have changed the mindset of many parents thus making them choose cloth diapers over disposable ones. But, due to the huge variety of cloth diapers available, it becomes quite confusing and difficult to choose the best ones for your baby. Moreover many would not be even aware of the different types of diapers available out there that could make their life with diapers much easier.
So without wasting time let's get to know the 5 most common and best diapers available for babies.
Benefits of Cloth Diapers
Whether cloth or disposable diapers, both have their cons and pros. But due to the emerging types, features, and benefits of cloth diapers, people have started switching back to them.
So here are the few advantages that have made them stand out once again over the years.
Eco friendly and reduces waste production.
They are reusable.
Once familiar using cloth diapers would be the easiest and most of us would never look back to the disposable ones.
Saves a lot of money.
Hybrid cloth diapers have diminished traveling concerns.
How to Wash Cloth Diapers
Washing cloth diapers can be an unsettling task especially if your baby has pooped in it. Other than that proper washing of these diapers are necessary to prevent any skin irritations or rashes on your baby’s genital areas.
Laundering and maintaining cloth diapers is simple. Modern detergents and machines are very effective and also modern cloth diapers are designed to wash thoroughly and dry quickly. However, following the below few steps can keep you on a safer side.
Always check for manufacturer’s instructions or recommendation labels on how to care for the cloth diapers. This helps them to last longer.
Always wash all the cloth diapers together. Never wash them with other clothes.
Wash them in hot water or within the temperature range as mentioned in the label.
Use detergents that are gentle on your baby’s skin. For a better option, you can go for baby detergents.
When washing in a machine make sure you give an extra rinse to them so that all the detergents are washed off.
Do not soak them for hours in water. It’s best to store dirty diapers in a dry pail and do not soak them. Incase of pooped diapers I would always recommend washing them as soon as possible.
Never use diaper rash creams on your baby before making them wear a cloth diaper. Most brands mention this point in their labels.
Enzyme cleaners, vinegar, baking soda, and fabric softeners are not necessary and can harm your diapers with regular use.
Different Types of Cloth diapers
If you are considering cloth diapers for your newborn, or if you want to switch to cloth diapers after starting out with disposables, it's important to choose the right ones that are durable and are made with baby-safe materials.
1) Flat and prefold cloth diapers -
Flats are the oldest and traditional style of cloth diapers that our ancestors used to prefer and would likely be familiar with.
These are made up of 100% cotton and hence are really safe for newborns. They need to be folded and pinned to be correctly secured.
Pros -
Inexpensive
Dries quickly
Safe for babies.
But since the folding of these flat diapers was not so convenient we now get an updated version of it called the Prefold cloth diapers.
This makes one step easier and is also versatile. You can even use it as a liner in pocket diapers. They are also mostly made up of 100% cotton.
Pros -
Easy to use
Inexpensive
dries pretty fast.
Both flat and prefold diapers are not waterproof and hence need to be used along with a waterproof diaper cover to prevent any leakage. So using these types of cloth diapers while traveling might not be a good decision.
However, they remain effective and economical to use at home. Maybe this can be the reason why many parents still love using them for their babies.
Buy Online -> Cotton Flat Nappy Cloth Diaper Set
Buy Online -> Nappy Style Prefold Cloth Diapers OR Cotton Prefold Cloth Diapers
2) Fitted Cloth Diapers -
These are very much similar to the disposable diapers and are made up of cotton, bamboo, or hemp making it fully super absorbent in nature. They are fastened with snaps or Velcro or even come with loop closure.
The best thing about these diapers is that they have elastic edges at the legs and back making it fit closely and comfortably against your baby to keep his or her messes contained.
They are usually sized but now they are also available in a one-size option.
Pros -
Super absorbent
Great for active babies and toddlers
Can be used as an overnight diaper for your baby.
Cons-
Expensive
Not waterproof (hence need to be used with waterproof diaper covers)
One - size options are not so easily available.
Buy Online -> Reusable Fitted Cloth Diapers
3) Pocket cloth diapers -
Next comes the pocket diapers. They are also known as the very first modern cloth diapers which were invented.
Most parents usually buy pocket diapers at first for their infant. They have a two-part system i.e. it has a waterproof outer cover and also a ‘stay-dry’ inner pocket lining where you can insert any type of absorbent cloth or pad.
Pros -
Affordable
Easy to fasten on your baby
All types of adsorbents can be used easily
Dries quickly.
Cons -
They are bulky and baggy and hence don't fit well
Un-stuffing the pocket diapers can be a tedious task and sometimes might not be very pleasant if you are traveling.
Buy Online -> Soft Pocket Diapers with Inserts
4) Hybrid cloth diapers -
They are also called the All-in-Two diapers and are the easiest when compared to others as it completely simplifies the process of diapering for new parents.
These diapers have a detachable diaper cover (or shell) where you can insert different types of adsorbents - cloth or disposable. This feature allows you to reuse the shell by just replacing the insert and not the cover. Moreover, the diaper cover is waterproof too. Isn’t that a great combo?
Pros -
Easy to use
Flexible
Affordable
Waterproof
Convenient and best diapers for new parents.
Cons -
Might cause leakage if the size is not correct.
Buy Online -> Hybrid Diapers with Cloth Inserts OR Hybrid Diapers with disposable Inserts
5) All in one cloth diapers -
Last but not least is the All in one diaper. As the name suggests they come will all in one feature. Every parent loves to invest in a few of them especially while traveling.
They are a one-piece diaper that has a set of absorbency layers with an outer waterproof cover. They also come in very good fittings and sizes making it compatible for newborns as well as toddlers.
Pros -
Easy to use
Best diapers for traveling
Great absorbency
Not so expensive but still worth every penny
Provides a great fitting
Comes in a one-size option.
Cons -
Difficult to dry due to multiple layers
Might feel a bit difficult to use initially.
Buy Online -> Reuseable All-In-One Cloth Diapers
So, these are the main 5 types of cloth diapers available. Starting out with cloth diapers might feel intimidating but trust me once you get used to it you will start feeling more comfortable with it.
Even when I got started, I couldn’t make heads or tails of what I was supposed to do. But once I tried out a few different types and brands, I quickly learned to use them and now I always prefer cloth diapers over disposable ones.
Hope this article gives you all the required information about cloth diapers and makes you confident enough to choose the right one and use it for your baby. Don’t hesitate to post your queries in the comment section below.