What is Cloth Diapering?

Cloth diapering is an alternative to using disposable diapers like pampers or huggies. An absorbable insert usually made of cotton is placed around the baby, then a waterproof diaper cover is placed over the cotton diaper. The cloth insert and cover are reusable and can usually last through multiple children. The diaper cover is waterproof, and sometimes made of wool, to increase the breathability of the diaper to preventing diaper rashes. Pins are rarely used, and usually the diaper cover is enough, though sometimes an elastic band called a snappi is used. The cover is held in place with snaps or velcro. There are three different types of cloth diapering systems. All-in-one diapers combine the insert and cover into one piece, increasing the convenience of using a cloth diapering system. Pocket diapers are becoming more popular, where the cloth insert is stuffed into the diaper cover. The third type is a pre-fold diaper against the skin of a the baby, then a cover is placed over it.

If you are a cloth newbie, and are having trouble deciding which system is best for you, try our Cloth Diaper Chooser.

What Do I Need to Get Started?

Most parents are overwhelmed by the amount of choices there are when it comes to cloth diapering. If you are just in for a trail run with cloth to see how you like it, we recommend: Required:

• A 6-12 pre-fold cloth diapers
• Two diaper covers

Optional:

• Cloth wipes
• Snappi or diaper pins

After a trial run, if you you say to yourself that you love cloth, you'll need:

• 6 diaper covers and 3 dozen pre-folds to last 2-3 days between washes.
• A diaper pail and liner
• 4 dozen cloth wipes

If you are saying to yourself that you could do cloth if it where just a little easier and have a larger budget you can try using all-in-one diapers, or pocket diapers. They are easier to use, but more expensive, and difficult to wash.