There’s a renaissance in cloth diapering going on right now.  Cloth diapering has always been the most frugal and environmentally-conscious choice for parents, but cloth diapers have also been 1) less convenient to use than their disposable counterparts and 2) yucky to clean, which is why they had been rapidly declining in popularity for the last 40 years.   No so anymore- advances in technology have transformed the cloth diapering landscape.

Soft, woven waterproof fabric has replaced vinyl diaper covers, Snappis have replaced diaper pins, and thank goodness diaper sprayers have replaced toilet dunking.  Numerous companies have taken advantage of these new technologies to create cloth diapers that are convenient to use, easy to wash, and completely adorable.  If you’re interested in using cloth diapers on your child, here’s an overview of the different types of cloth diapers that are available.  I’ve used links to Amazon product pages so that you can see pictures of the diapers I’m describing, as well as read reviews about them and find out pricing.

Types of All-In-One Diapers (AIO)

Let’s start off with the ultra-convenient “All-In-One” style of diaper (also called, “AIO”).  An All-In-One is a one-piece leak-proof cloth diaper that Velcros or snaps around the baby.   They have the look and function of uber-stylish disposable diapers, but instead of throwing the diaper out when you change your baby, you throw the whole diaper into your diaper pail and wash your diapers every 2-3 days.  All-In-Ones are so convenient that they tend to win over spouses, grandparents, babysitters, daycare centers, and anyone else who might not be initially enthusiastic about cloth diapering.  They come in countless irresistible colors and patterns, and use super-easy snap or Velcro-like closures.  Depending on the brand, they are either “one-size,” meaning they fit from birth to potty training, or sized.

Popular brands include:

• Swaddlebees Simplex One-Size (cotton interior w/microfiber flap for optional stay-dry)
• Blueberry Basix (sized, fold-out flap for easier washing, stay-dry microfiber interior)
• Bummis/Tots Bots Easy Fit (one-size, fold-out flap for easier washing, stay-dry minky microfiber)
• BumGenius Freetime One-Size (microfiber)
• Swaddlebees Simplex 2.0 (sized, fold-out flap for easier washing, cotton interior, stretchy sides)
• GroVia AIO One-Size (cotton interior)
• Thirsties Duo AIO (sized, microfiber interior, tunnel design for easier washing)

Types of All-In-Two Diapers

All-In-Two diapers are two-piece cloth diapers that require one extra step compared to all-in-ones: you place a cloth insert into a cover that is specially designed to hold the insert in place.  Being able to separate the insert from the cover after the diaper is soiled makes all-in-twos arguably easier to wash and faster to dry than all-in-ones.  On the other hand, after you’ve laundered your all-in-twos you do have to take the extra step of matching your inserts to your diapers, whereas all-in-ones will be ready to go straight after drying.  There are two main types of All-In-Two diapers: pocket diapers and hybrid diapers, and within those two types some brands are one-size (fitting from birth to potty training) and others are sized.

Pocket Diapers (All-In-Two)

With a pocket diaper, the insert stuffs into a pocket in the cover.  When the diaper is soiled, both the cover and insert are washed together.

  Popular brands include:

• Rumparooz (one-size)
• bumGenius 4.0 (one-size)
• FuzziBunz (sized or one-size)

Hybrid Diapers (All-In-Two)

The “hybrid” version of an All-In-Two is comprised of a leak-proof cover that an absorbent liner snaps, or is placed, into.   The advantages over pocket-style All-In-Twos are: 1) there is no stuffing of uncooperative inserts into snug pockets, and 2) there are many instances when the baby has only soiled the liner, so you can change the liner without having to change the cover, making these especially convenient on-the-go.

Popular brands include:

• GroVia Shell (one-size, choice of cotton, microfiber, or disposable snap-in insert)
• BumGenius Flip (one-size, choice of cotton, microfiber, or disposable insert)
• gDiaper (sized, choice of cotton/microfiber insert or flushable insert)

Types of Prefold Diapers + Snappis + Diaper Covers

Of all the different types of cloth diapers, Prefolds are the cheapest option.  A prefold is a rectangular cloth that you place on your baby, secure with a Snappi, and then cover with a leak-proof diaper cover.  You don’t change the cover every time- just the soaked prefold- so you only need approximately 1 cover per 4 prefolds.  Prefolds and covers can be washed together in a washing machine, and dried in a dryer, though line drying the covers will help them last longer.  Prefolds are the type of diaper used by diaper services, so if you aren’t interested in washing cloth diapers yourself, you can subscribe to a diaper service that will pick up your dirty diapers every week and drop off cleaned and sanitized ones.

Popular brands include:

• Econobum (Prefolds and Covers)
• OsoCozy (Prefolds)
• Thirsties (Covers)
• Bummis (Covers)

Types of Fitted Diapers + Diaper Covers

Fitted diapers are the same essential concept as prefolds, in that you secure them around your baby and then cover with a leak-proof diaper cover.  But instead of being a rectangular cloth that you secure with a Snappi, fitted diapers are form-fitted and have snaps or Velcro to secure them.  Because they are form-fitted they have a reputation of being the most bombproof of all diapers, in terms of being able to contain the biggest of poop blow-outs and heavy wetting without any leaking onto clothes.  The downside is that they are bulky- you can tell this just by looking at the two images above.  The entire fitted diaper, pictured on the left, has to fit inside the diaper cover pictured on the right.  Despite this bulkiness, many parents swear they are the best cloth diaper option because of their prowess in containing leaks.  Popular brands include:

• Blueberry (fitteds and covers)
• Mother-Ease (fitteds and covers)
• Kissaluvs (fitteds and covers)
• Disana (wool covers)

So there you have it! I’ve tried to give you an overview of all the different types of cloth diapers that are available.  Hopefully this list has helped you make sense of all of the options out there.  Keep in mind there are many other brands out there besides the ones I highlighted, and it could be helpful to visit your local cloth diaper shop and see the diapers in person.  You can also make your own cloth diapers, or buy homemade ones on Etsy.

 Do you use cloth diapers already?  Are you thinking about using cloth diapers?