Let's talk about fitteds.
I've had a few people ask me about them lately.
Why would you use them? How do you use them? What's a hybrid fitted?
I've talked a little about fitteds before. Unfortunately, a lot of you may have missed it since I was still pretty new to the blogosphere then. Hopefully this will answer some of the questions you may have.
What's a fitted?
A fitted is a cloth diaper that is contoured to fit your baby and usually has elastic around the legs and some kind of adjustable waist sizing (this could be snaps or aplix, or you may need pins, snappis, or boingos). A fitted is made from any number of absorbent materials but has no waterproof layer, so you'd need a cover to make it waterproof
Why would you use them?
One benefit of a fitted is that the entire diaper is absorbent (rather than just the soaker or insert). If you have a supersoaker on your hands, a fitted might be your best bet. Another benefit of fitteds is their lovely breathability. Since fitteds are have no waterproof layer air can flow through it's many layers to let you little one's bum breathe. If you're battling a diaper rash, some time in a coverless fitted could do your baby wonders. Also, depending on your preference, fitteds and covers can be a very affordable cloth diapering option. For every dozen or so fitteds you may only need 3 to 4 covers - this can be very cost effective.
Oh, and they're adorable. Seriously, adorable.
How do you use them?
With or without a cover. Going coverless is a great option for airing out the bum, especially during the warmer months. You'd probably only want to go coverless around the house though. You'll also need to be vigilant about checking for wetness.
To be completely waterproof, just add a cover. PUL or wool works great. Wool is great for allowing air flow but still containing moisture.
What's a hybrid fitted?
A hybrid fitted has a hidden layer of poly fleece between the outer and inner fabrics. This hidden layer limits the amount of wetness that makes it way to the outer layer, but doesn't make it completely waterproof - just more effective for a longer period of time. Some hybrid fitteds can go 4 hours or so without needing to be changed. If the hybrid is made with Windpro fleece it can go even longer, perhaps even overnight for some babies.
They sound great! So, what's the downside?
Since fitted require a cover to be completely waterproof that adds an additional step in your diapering process. If you have a squirmy baby and diaper changes are akin to wrestling a greased pig then having one more step might be a deal breaker for you.
There's going to be wetness right up against your baby's skin unless you add a stay dry liner to the mix. Some babies are very sensitive to wetness and this could cause a rash.
Cost might also be a downside, especially when you're talking about hybrid fitteds. High quality WAHM fitteds can easily cost upwards of $25-30. If it's made with windpro it might be closer to $40.You can probably tell from the photo that I love fitteds. I particularly love supporting WAHMs and interacting with them and other fans in the B/S/T trade groups on Facebook. There's an awesome little community inside each one.
Do you use fitteds?
Which brands have you tried? Any that you'd love to try?
Candice says
I love my Urban Bums Boutique hybrid fitteds! Up until I found them, I was almost exclusively a pocket diaper-er.
Ashley Nolan says
The fitted comes in handy, I'll be getting more in the future!
Shannon Brown says
I'm trying fitteds out for my night time "super soaker" as soon as gte them prepped. Hope it works!
caedmen says
I don't use fitteds on a regular basis but I do have a couple on hand for when I need to air out a diaper rash. Mine are just boring motherease fitteds though, not pretty WAHM ones. I really like the idea of hybrid fitteds, I may have to get one to try out.
Beth R says
WE have a few fitteds, but because of our lo's sensitive skin we have to put an insert in with them, which for me just is another step since he is old enough now not to want to ever sit still. I love the concept but for us our pockets are our go too.
MotherhoodLooms says
Now that my super soaker has stopped fighting diaper changes, one of our night time diaper options is a bamboo fitted with a Best Bottom stay dry insert in between. It's not bullet proof, but that's because he wets *that* much at night.
Jennifer Antonik says
This is a great intro to diapers post (on the fitted variety of course!). I was so confused when I got started on cloth and couldn't find many resources. Great job!
Parenting Patch says
I've never tried a fitted, but I love my one-size Best Bottoms that I don't even want to try anything else.
KG says
I loved fitteds when my little one was a newborn. I need to get some to try out for nighttime. I also need to get my hands on the GroVia Kiwi Pie!
Bekah Kuczenski says
At first I thought fitteds were silly, why use a diaper that requires a cover too?? But then I tried them... Now I only use fitteds for nighttime 🙂
electricmayhem says
I've been dying for a post like this!
Gina Hodges says
I have really been getting into Hybrid fitted diapers! They are so cute and I love that they can go coverless longer! Like you I love the WAHM and interacting on the BST groups it really is a community!
Tiffany Winner says
the only fitted i tried and liked so far is the newborn size kissaluvs, they were perfect for a tiny bum
Ashley Middleton says
I've been using cloth for almost a year now (mostly pockets & AIOs) and didn't know what a hybrid fitted was exactly... thank you for clarifying! I really want to try fitteds, but they're pricey. Which fitted or hybrid do you think gets the most bang for your buck?
Ruth V. says
Hi Ashley! If you're looking for pure value, then I'd say the Green Mountain Diapers (GMD) workhorse fitteds are popular, but definitely require a cover (they aren't `pretty' either - just white prefold-ish material). For WAHM hyrbids I love Boogie Bear Creations, Southern Comfort Fitteds, and The Diaper Addict. They're definitely pricey ($28+) but I'd sell off other
Kirsten MacDougall says
Fitteds get me giddy. Seriously, I dot know what it is about them, but they are positively exciting. Unfortunately, we only have one-- a nice squishy Lambbabies from a WAHM over at etsy, but I really would like more. For one, they're so squishy and hard to resist. But the. There is also that our little guy does better when he can be frequently "aired out." fitteds would make clean up a little easier on us--and our water resistant blanket laundry :p.. Doing research before buying some more; as you had mentioned: fitteds can be a ittle pricey.
noahjacob says
I really like the cloth diaper. It is so bright.We use cloth diapers and wipes, as well as reusable paper towels
Erin M says
I love fitteds, they are my favorite. Personally I don't find them to be an extra step because we just use wool as pants, shorts, etc. In a way wool can be a money saver. Just buy your wool pants, shorts, etc. and some coordinating tshirts. Then you're good to go. 🙂
Amy Dunn says
I have a few x-small fitted that I love; however, my daughter will soon be outgrowing them. I'm debating over whether or not to get more or just use the prefolds I have.
Lara Clinton says
This is good to know. When I start getting a bunch I will have to grab a couple in case of diaper rash.
Lucy Mills says
I tried an organic caboose when my baby was real small & loved it! I've actually made a few fitteds myself out of recieving blankets & prefolds. I hope to try some WAHM'S fitteds soon!