diapering products and how they are used
 
This is the range of products to my current knowledge.  Please email me if I left anything out, or if my information is incorrect or needs updated.  Some choices are less expensive than others, and all have their own advantages.

diapers

There are several sizes and shapes from which to choose, depending preference and what kind of waterproof cover is used:

prefolds: rectangular in shape, fold into thirds to use, usually used with diaper covers.  They are usually made of cotton  flannel or  flannel and terrycloth combination for extra
absorbancy.  (the cotton/terry combo. is good for heavy wetters or as a nighttime diaper).

contoured diapers:  shaped like an "hourglass" to account for
 baby's legs and crotch.  They are used with diaper covers
 or plastic pants.  (some are made with extra long tabs so
 they can be used with pins)  All the ones I have seen are
 made of cotton flannel with a terrycloth center pad
 between the flannel layers.

adjustable diapers:  a contoured diaper that fastens with velcro snaps in front, that is adjustable as baby grows.  They are
used with plastic pants or special diaper covers.  The ones I know about are made of terrycloth.
 
 

all-in-one diapers:  a cotton flannel diaper sewn to a waterproof
cover.  Some people feel it is more convenient, because
diaper doesn't have to be slipped into a cover, and
diaper/cover is washed at the same time.  They are more expensive per diaper (being a diaper and cover in one).
 

waterproof covers

A word about the term "waterproof":
"water resistant" is really a better term.  Every cover has it's limits..and it's a good thing, too, as we may forget to change the baby now and then!  I use the term "waterproof" because many companies market their products using this term.

Diaper covers are made of many different materials- both natural fiber and synthetic.  It is a question of personal and cost preference.  For example, there are parents whom prefer the breathability of natural fiber materials...and others whose first priorities may be lower cost and less chance of leakage.  Some parents find using a variety of cover types to to fit their budget or different times of day (example:nighttime) works best for them.  Here are some different cover styles:

pull-on pants:  Pull on over the secured diaper, and have elastic gussets in the waist and leg area.  Made with vinyl plastic or nylon.

snap pants:  Simular to the pull-ons, but open in the waist and secure with snaps in front.

"diaper covers":  "Hourglass" in shape, open at the waist, and secure in front with velcro and/or snaps. (having both velcro and snaps helps when little one is older and figures out how to take the diaper off!)  These come in all kinds of materials..cotton, wool, polyester, vinyl, and nylon.  Most are a combination of materials, such as having a nylon or poly inner layer or mesh, surrounded by poly or plastic.  Some even have a decorative cotton or terrycloth cover on the outside.  There are covers in many price ranges, and can be found at regular department stores (usually the less expensive kinds), and in speciality catalogs.  (usually the more expensive kind)  I have found from personal experience that usually you get what you pay for in terms of durability and possibly comfort for the baby.  (Although I think many babies don't seem to show having a preference)

wool soakers:  a pull-on cover made of  100% wool.  Looks like a little pair of shorts.  Use over a fastened diaper.

"What do you use?" you may ask

I don't endorse any particular product, but here are my preferences.  I use prefolds with diaper covers.  I make my own prefolds with flannel and terrycloth, and buy my covers.  Since my kids were/are very chubby babies, (especially in the thigh area), I have this pet peeve about tight marks around  their legs.  So I prefer the covers that have little to no elastic (but do have firm edging) like Nikky, Bummi and Biobottoms.  I tried many styles in all price ranges, and I think both kids were equally happy with all of them.  (at least they didn't seem uncomfortable in any of them).

Go to diapering links to see information on vendors of these products.

[main diaper page]  [the ecological debate:cloth vs. disposable]   [cloth diapering products]
[make your own diapers]  [laundering tips]   [diaper rashes]  [cloth diapering links]
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