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    Home » What are the Different Types of Cloth Diapers?

    January 2, 2013 By Ruth V. 11 Comments

    What are the Different Types of Cloth Diapers?

    This post may contain affiliate links. Click here for more information.

    If you're intrigued by cloth diapering, today we're going to discuss what types of cloth diapers that are available and what all of those abbreviations mean.

    Types of Cloth Diapers

    Here are the most common types of cloth diapers
    available in the "modern" world of cloth diapering:

    Prefolds:  These are the old school diapers your grandparents (and maybe even your parents) used. They are rectangular pieces of fabric with multiple layers, especially in the middle, that you pin (or snappi/boingo) onto your baby. They are cheap, comparatively speaking, and will likely last through more than a few children. They are usually cotton or some other type of absorbent natural fiber and are not waterproof so you'll have to put a cover over them.

    Flats: Also old school. These are just large squares of fabric that you fold up and pin/snappi/boingo on your baby. You could also padfold them and simply lay them in a cover. You can use almost anything as a flat... old receiving blankets, t-shirts, etc. You can also use flour sack towels (FST) that you find at your local Target or Walmart in the kitchen area that are about $1 apiece. Flats also require a cover. They are probably the cheapest option and the easiest to clean with the fastest drying time.

    Fitteds: This is a diaper that can consist of any number of materials and usually has elastic around the legs and adjustable waist sizing (with snaps, Velcro/aplix, or even good old fashioned pins). Fitteds are not waterproof so a cover is needed.

    Cover: A cover is the waterproof layer you'll need for prefolds, flats, or fitteds to make sure you're child's clothing (and your home) stay dry. They can be made of PUL, TPU, or wool.

    Cover: A pocket is usually made up of a waterproof shell sewn together with a liner that forms an inner pocket that is stuffed with an insert for absorbency. Many pocket diapers will come with microfiber (MF) inserts, but you can use almost anything including prefolds or flats to customize the absorbency based on your baby's needs.

    All-in-One (AIO): Basically, this is just what it sounds like – all one piece. There is a waterproof (or maybe even wool) outer layer with a soaker sewn in. This style is the most similar to a disposable and probably the most daddy/daycare friendly. However, what you gain in convenience you lose in drying time - these can take a long, long time to dry.

    All-in-Twos (AI2) or Hybrids: This is a diaper with a waterproof outer layer but with an insert that snaps in place or is just laid into the shell. Unlike a pocket diaper, here the insert will go directly up against the baby’s skin. The benefit to AI2s or Hybrids is that you can just change out the insert and reuse the shell as long as it's not visibly soiled, then just toss it in your wetbag at the end of the day.

    Other types of cloth diapers abbreviations:

    OS = one-size.  This is a diaper that is meant to last from birth (or soon after) until potty learning. The diapers usually fit from anywhere between 8-35 pounds give or take a few.

    MF = microfiber

    PUL = polyurethane laminate, what some waterproof layers/covers are made of.

    TPU = Thermoplastic Polyurethane, what some waterproof layers/covers are made of.

    WAHM = work at home mom. There are many fabulous moms out there who make cloth diapers and sell them on Etsy, Facebook, or Hyena Cart.

    Here is a link to an aggressively large list of abbreviations. I just wanted to cover the basics here.

    If you decide to use flats or prefolds there are a ton of different resources and YouTube videos on different folds and how to use them. A quick Google search will bring you to many.

    Hope this helps you learn more about the types of cloth diapers!

    Updated to add:  Many people have asked what my favorite cloth diapers are. I'll let my stash speak for itself - it's mainly comprised of bumGenius (with SNAPS - 4.0's, Freetimes, & Elementals), Smart Bottoms, and WAHM (work at home mom) fitteds/hybrid fitteds. If you do need an Aplix pocket, I'd highly recommend the Rumparooz brand - their aplix is fantastic.

    Shop on our affiliate Amazon:

    BumGenius Freetime All in One Cloth Diaper - Snap - Mirror - One SizeBumGenius Freetime All in One Cloth Diaper - Snap - Mirror - One SizeBumGenius 5.0 Pocket Cloth Diaper - Albert - One Size - SnapBumGenius 5.0 Pocket Cloth Diaper - Albert - One Size - SnapSmart Bottoms Smart 3.1 OS Organic All-in-one Cloth Diaper (Tie Dye)Smart Bottoms Smart 3.1 OS Organic All-in-one Cloth Diaper (Tie Dye)BumGenius Elemental All in One Cloth Diaper - Snap - Albert - One SizeBumGenius Elemental All in One Cloth Diaper - Snap - Albert - One Size

    &

    Disclosure: Amazon links are affiliate links.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Natalya Shtokman says

      January 03, 2013 at 9:59 pm

      Thank you so much for breaking it all down for me. I'm having a girl in April and trying to decide if i want to do cloth or disposable!

      Reply
    2. Melissa Gilbertsen says

      January 03, 2013 at 10:44 pm

      I really want to try the wool covers. I would like to get some wool longies for overnights, but I haven't decided to take the plunge, yet. We typically use a flip cover with a prefold for overnights, but then I have to put sleepers on him because of the bulk.

      Reply
    3. nataliehamp says

      January 07, 2013 at 5:37 pm

      Thank you for this awesome write-up! There are so many options it's easy to get confused! And yes, leg warmers are the BEST for cloth diapering, no more messing with a million layers of pants and onesies and all of that!

      Reply
    4. ChristelLovesBeauty says

      January 07, 2013 at 5:49 pm

      Thank you for this!! Little man is due in March and I. Trying to learn as much as I can.

      Reply
    5. Lfulks516 says

      January 14, 2013 at 3:26 pm

      I have only used pockets so far and I like them. Very straight forward and easy for even my husband to put on my daughter, but stuffing them can be a little annoying sometimes.

      Reply
    6. Keara B. says

      January 20, 2013 at 9:31 pm

      Even though I've been using cloth diapers for 18 mos, I only have pockets and AIOs- I've been really intimidated by other types of diapers! I'm not sure I'd buy any more types for my little one since she's getting close to potty-training age, but if we have another kid, I'll definitely look into more types. I'm particularly intrigued by prefolds and AI2s. Thanks for

      Reply
    7. Beach Bum :) says

      January 27, 2013 at 2:20 pm

      I am new to CDs as I am a first time expectant mother. This helps to narrow down all of those abbreviations! Thank you 🙂

      ~Christine Savela

      Reply
    8. Michelle Lee says

      January 28, 2013 at 1:37 pm

      I'm sharing this with my new mama friends who are thinking of cloth. I have so many different kinds in my stash I'm sure they think it's overwhelming to look at. This is a nice reference guide!

      Reply
    9. Zuel O'malley says

      January 29, 2013 at 3:37 am

      Sharing as well! nice easy explanation, love yours pics in each.

      Reply
    10. Gina Hodges says

      February 02, 2013 at 2:20 pm

      I wish I found this three weeks ago when I was spending so much time learning about cloth diapering...this is a great reference!

      Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Why should you cloth diaper? - Viva Veltoro says:
      May 8, 2014 at 21:24

      […] sure to check out my post about the different Types of cloth diapers… and all those abbreviations! And, don’t miss how to prep your cloth […]

      Reply

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