Cloth diapers, or cloth nappies, are gaining popularity because of their lower cost and smaller environmental impact when compared with disposable diapers. Consumer Reports says the average parent can expect to spend $1,500 to $2,000 on disposable diapers between an infant's birth and transition to underpants. Cloth diapering can cut this cost by half or more. Using cloth diapers can save more than money. An estimated 92 percent of the 18 million diapers sold in the United States in 1988 wound up in landfills.
Prefolds with a Cover
This is the type of diapering system was used in the 1980s, but it has been updated over the years. The inside is either a flat diaper, like a burp cloth but more absorbent, or an absorbent fabric shaped like a diaper. A cover goes over this material to keep the baby's clothes dry. The cover is shaped like a disposable diaper, with hook and loop adhesive or snaps to keep it closed and secure. The cover can be reused as long as it's not soiled. There is a learning curve with this method, but it is also the least expensive option.
All-In-Ones
All-in-ones are exactly like a disposable but made of cloth. They are sized to the child, usually ranging in sizes from XS to L and sometimes XL. These diapers are easy to transition into, because they function just like a disposable diaper. The downfall is they are sized, so you have to buy more of them, making the cost higher.
Pockets
Pocket diapers have two layers sewn together with an opening in the back, like a pillowcase, where you can place all the absorption you need. The layer next to the skin is soft and wicks moisture away, and the outside layer is waterproof. This system is user-friendly, as you can add more layers for added absorption overnight and less during the day.
Hybrids
Hybrids, or all-in-twos, are the newest cloth diaper. It is a modified prefold with a cover system. It has two pieces, inner and outer, but instead of a prefold, you have a long rectangular piece of fabric in the outer cover, which then snaps around baby. The inner part gets washed after every use, and the outer is washed whenever it's soiled.
Common Fabrics
Prefolds and some inserts used with hybrid diapers are made of cotton. Cotton is very absorbent, but the baby can feel the wetness against his skin.
Bamboo fabric is usually a bamboo/cotton blend. This cloth is very absorbent and soft. Bamboo is quickly gaining popularity because of the rapid growth of bamboo stalks.
Hemp fabric is also commonly blended with cotton. Hemp is the most absorbent of the natural fabrics and is popular for use as an extra layer for overnight diapering.
Most inserts for hybrid and pocket-style diapers are made of microfiber. Suedecloth is often used for the inner lining of pockets and all-in-ones. It is effective in wicking moisture away from baby's skin, making it feel dry. Polyurethane laminate is commonly used for waterproof covers and the outside layers of all-in-ones and pocket diapers. This fabric keeps the baby's clothes dry.
References
- Consumer Reports: Cloth vs. Disposable Diapers: Getting started
- Lehrburger, Carl. 1988. Diapers in the Waste Stream: A review of waste management and public policy issues. 1988. Sheffield, MA: self-published.
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