Cloth Diaper Differences

Here is a breakdown of different types of cloth diapers:

CPF or Chinese Prefold: Typically made of cotton twill because it quilts up after several washes and is very soft and absorbent. CPF's are diapers that have been prefolded and sewn into three panels. The center panel is the thickest and once folded can offer anywhere from 6-8 layers of absorbency. Prefolds can be used alone with or without a snappi and a cover, or folded and used as inserts for pocket diapers. They can also me customized as they stand up to fabric dye and it does not interfere with the stability of the diaper.

Contour Diapers: Typically made of the same material as CPF's except these are sewn in the "traditional" shape of a diaper and some have hook and loop Velcro for easy fastening. Contours require a waterproof cover as they are not waterproof themselves.

Fitted Diapers: Fitted diapers are made of super soft absorbent materials and generally have snap closure. Sometimes made of Sherpa, fleece or even wool, these diapers are very popular for newborn babies as they are not bulky and very easy to use. Fitted diapers require a cover as they are not waterproof.

All in One's: All in one diapers are the most like traditional disposable diapers. These diapers are free-standing in that they are not only absorbent, but they have a waterproof outer layer so a cover is not needed. All in One diapers come in a variety of fabrics but the typical construction is a soft wicking material next to babies skin (like fleece or bamboo velour), an absorbent sewn in, or snap in, layer (common fabrics might be hemp, or microfiber and these are very absorbent materials), and a waterproof outer. They go on like a disposable diaper with either snaps or Velcro closure, come off just like a disposable diaper and get washed as one piece (unless there is a snap in soaker which you would remove for washing).

Pocket Diapers: Pocket diapers are two layers of material, typically a soft wicking material next to babies skin and a waterproof outer layer which are sewn to form a pocket. An external insert is placed inside the pocket and the diaper then goes on like an all in one with snap or Velcro closure. Pockets are useful for day or night time diapering as you control the absorbency. Because you can control what type of soaker goes into the pocket you control how trim or how bulky the diaper is. When changing the baby, you simple shake the insert out of the pocket and wash the insert and pocket covers together.

Covers: Covers are simply a waterproof layer that does not have its own absorbent properties but goes over another diaper like a CPF or a fitted. Covers come in different fabrics: wool, windpro fleece, and PUL (polyurethane laminate) to name a few. PUL is a very popular choice for a diaper cover because it is breathable, reliable and they come in fun colors and prints.

*What is polyurethane laminate (PUL)? PUL is a polyester blend fabric which has been laminated on one side to create a waterproof fabric. For more information on PUL you can visit http://www.diaperpin.com/clothdiapers/article_artificialmaterials.asp