Baby Eco Trends

All-in-ones (AIO)

The closest thing to a disposable diaper, with an outer waterproof layer (which will eventually wear off with washing) and an interior with several absorbent layers. These diapers are great when you’re on the road, but are not as absorbent as other cloth diapers. They also take longer than other diapers to dry and are the most expensive cloth diapering system. AIOs are great to use when leaving baby with a babysitter as they are very easy to use.

Contours

Hour glass shaped diapers, without elastic or closures; they require pinning or some form of fastening to ensure a snug fit. Contour diapers are generally made of the same material as prefolds and require the use of diaper covers. They generally do not contain messes as well as fitted diapers.

Covers / Wraps

Diaper covers and wraps are used with prefolds, contours and fitted diapers. They may use snaps or Velcro closures, or they may be pulled up like shorts. Cotton and cotton blend diaper covers are an excellent choice for daytime wear. A wool diaper cover is the unbeatable choice for night time wear and heavy wetters.

Doublers

Thick absorbent pads that add extra absorbency to diapers. Doublers are great for heavy wetters, night-time use, on flights or anytime baby needs extra absorbency.

Fitted

Fitted diapers are hour glass shaped and have elastic at the legs and often at the waist. At the waist, they have either snaps or Velcro. Fitted diapers are easier to use than prefolds and contain leaks better than prefolds or contours and dry very quickly. They require the use of a diaper cover.

Flats

The oldest old-fashioned diapers. A sheet of birdseye cotton is folded to fit baby and requires pins or Snappis fasteners. These can also be used as burp clothes or to clean up messes.

Inserts

Available in different sizes and fabrics, inserts are used inside pockets or for added absorbency along with prefolds.

Liners

Generally a thin reusable or flushable fabric layer that makes diaper changes and clean up less messy a lot easier. Diaper liners are not necessary for babies that are exclusively breastfed, but very useful for those eating solids.

One Size Diapers

These diapers grow with baby and are adjusted by using a row of snaps on the front of the diaper.

Pockets Diapers

These diapers come with a pocket into which an absorbent layer is inserted. Once this is fastened, it does not require the use of a diaper cover.

Prefolds

Already ‘pre-folded’, with 2 to 4 layers in the side panels and 4 to 8 layers in the center. These can be secured with pins or Snappi diaper fasteners for a snug fit. Prefolds require diaper covers to create a waterproof barrier. They are the most economical cloth diaper system. Prefolds are also known as Diaper Service Quality (DSQ), Chinese Prefolds or Indian Prefolds.

Snappi

An effective and safe closure for prefolds & contour diapers. Snappi diaper fasteners eliminate the need for pins!

Soaker (pad)

Often sewn inside of fitteds, contours or All in One diapers; the soaker itself is smaller than the diaper.

Wet bag

Waterproof bags designed to contain used diapers and diaper covers until laundry time. Wet bags are great when you are on the road or when carrying home wet swimsuits and clothes.

Wool Soakers

Diaper covers made exclusively of wool. Due to their high lanolin content, wool works extremely well as a cloth diaper cover. It can hold up to 30% of its weight in moisture before feeling wet.