Unsure if cloth diapering is for you?

Did you know you need about 8,000 disposable diapers from birth to fully potty trained? That equals approximately $2,500! Say goodbye to disposable diapers and hello to a beautiful, eco-friendly, reusable product instead! Do it for the next generation

Diapers can be expensive and cloth diapers are meant to be the cheap option but a lot of cloth diaper companies charge so much that the upfront cost scares people away from cloth diapers altogether. Cheap cloth diapers don't mean leaks or low quality. There are a few great options to get an affordable collection of quality cloth diapers

An AIO, or All-In-One, is exactly what it sounds like. The cover and absorbent inner is attached as one unit. It is a type of diaper that functions completely on its own without the need for extra accessories. It does not require separate soaker material to absorb nor a separate diaper cover to contain leaks. All of the features are neatly packaged into one diaper. Many parents find this type of diaper to be the height of convenience since all they need is in one place. It also saves on space when traveling. 

ADVANTAGES OF AIO CLOTH DIAPERS –

• Functions like a disposable except you don't throw it away!
• No separate cover required.
• No separate soaker or doubler required.
• Easy to use.
• Available in lots of cute colors and prints.

DISADVANTAGES OF AIO CLOTH DIAPERS –

• Longer drying times.
• Harder to clean effectively.
• Will “break down” faster than a diaper with a separate cover/insert.

If you like the sound of an AIO but worry about the longer drying and cleaning times, you may want to try an AI2. These diapers are All in Ones that allow for the removal of the inner soaker material, the part that absorbs. This makes cleaning more efficient. Some AI2’s have a “hybrid” option. This makes for a very versatile reusable diaper. Hybrid diapers offer a disposable and reusable option. You can interchange these as necessary. Great for travel. 

ADVANTAGES OF AIO CLOTH DIAPERS –

• Shorter drying times.
• No separate cover required.
• Versatile, can use a cover with other inserts, if necessary.
• You can always get a new soaker or doubler if the original needs to be replaced.
• Available in lots of cute colors and prints.

Our All-In-Two (AI2) cloth diaper range will keep your baby comfortable and stylish. These cute diapers come with a free bamboo charcoal insert. This model features double gussets to help prevent side leakage and blowouts. The interior is made from a stay dry bamboo charcoal fleece and the outer layer is reinforced with a non-toxic polyurethane laminated polyester to make them waterproof. Our absorbent five-layer inserts 2 layers bamboo fleece and 3 layers of microfiber. This One Size fits all babies (6.6 pounds (3kg) - 30 pounds (15kg)) offers the convenience of an all-in-one diaper with the option to adjust absorbency like a pocket diaper, natural fibers against baby's skin and comes in totally cute prints.

CLOTH vs. DISPOSABLE DIAPERS –

• Disposable diapers take 250-500 years to decompose in landfills
• The average child will use more than 2,700 diapers in the first year alone, which can add up to more than $540 (based on an average price of $0.20 per disposable diaper).
• Cloth diapers have less harmful chemicals and can reduce diaper rash.

HOW MANY DIAPERS DO YOU NEED? –

• NEWBORN TO 4 MONTHS - 20 to 30 diapers
• INFANT (4 TO 10 MONTHS) - 20 to 25 diapers
• TODDLER (OVER 10 MONTHS) - 15 to 20 diapers

*It depends on how often you do laundry. 

TIPS AND WASHING CARE –

• Wash before first use, usually requires a few washes to achieve full absorption.
• Change liner every 3-5 hours, depending on the baby's urine flow

Remove solid waste, then diaper can either be soaked in water immediately or placed in a wet bag. Use the pre-soak function on your washing machine, or soak in a covered rust-proof container. Machine wash using up to 30° C degrees (Less than 86 °F) and a natural detergent. Tumble dry low or line dry. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Remove pads from dryer promptly. Do not iron. Do not rub with bar soap. To remove stains, expose to the sun.

ADVANTAGES OF AIO CLOTH DIAPERS –

AIO - All-In-One - AIOs are fitted diapers that have a waterproof outer layer. This layer usually consists of fabric that has a PUL (PolyUrethane Laminate) backing, polar fleece such as Windpro, or wool. These are the closest in similarity to disposable diapers since they are a one-piece diapering system. The absorbent soaker material is often sewn into the diaper; it may also be detachable.

AI2 - All-In-Two - AI2s are very similar to AIOs with the exception that the absorbent soaker material is not attached to the diaper in any way. The soaker is usually a second, separate piece that must be used in conjunction with the diaper. The drying time for these diapers is shorter than the traditional AIO. 
 
Contour Diapers - Contours are hourglass shaped diapers with no elastic in the legs or back. They must be held together with a SNAPPI Diaper Fastener, pins, or a diaper cover. These diapers are not waterproof, so a cover will be needed.

Diaper Covers - Covers come in many styles and shapes, but their function is to provide a waterproof outer layer for non-waterproof diapers (all except AIOs). They are often fitted with elastic and fasten with snaps or Velcro. Some covers pull-up, like underpants. Diaper covers are usually made from polyester, Polyurethane laminates (PUL), waterproof nylon, fleece or wool.

DSQ ~ This stands for Diaper Service Quality. Diaper services use only the highest quality materials because their diapers must stand up to a lot of use and a lot of laundering. DSQ is usually used in reference to high-quality pre-fold diapers.

Doublers - Doublers are pad-like absorbent soakers that can be added to a diaper to increase absorbency. They are especially useful during times when you know extra protection is needed, perhaps at night time.

Flats - These one-layer diapers, generally made out of 100% cotton gauze, are the most "old-fashioned" choice. They dry quickly and fit a large range of sizes. Folding and pinning are required. 

Fitted Diapers - Fitted diapers closely resemble disposable diapers. They are contoured and fitted with elastic around the legs and back. They fasten with Velcro or snaps, and a waterproof cover must be worn over them. They are the next step up from flat pre-fold diapers and much easier to use. 

Hook & Loop - These are Velcro-like closures. Since the Velcro brand is not very soft, many diaper makers use Aplix or Touchtape brand hook and loop.

Liners - Liners are thin layers of cloth or paper that are placed inside the diaper to aid in the cleaning of solid waste. In the case of paper liners, the solid waste collected on the liner can be removed from the soiled diaper and either thrown away or flushed. Cloth liners must be washed, but aid in laundering. They also help protect the actual diaper from staining.

Longies - These are also called soaker pants or sweater pants. Longies are wool soakers that have longer legs to form pants. They are great for winter time.

Pre-folds - Pre-fold diapers are rectangular shaped diapers that must be folded into the shape of a diaper. They are similar to flats but have multiple layers with more layering in the middle. They often have 2-4 layers of absorbent material on either side and 6-8 layers in the middle. The amount of layers varies according to the size you choose, generally ranging from preemie to toddler. You may see a pre-fold described as being 4x8x4. This describes how many layers there are in the outer and inner sections: 4 layers in both outer sections and 8 layers in the inner or middle section. Pre-folds are usually the cheapest type of cloth diapers available. They must be used in conjunction with a cover. 
 
Pocket Diapers - Pocket diapers are like AIOs or AI2s. They have an outer layer of waterproof material and an inner layer of a stay dry material, like microfleece or suede cloth. They close with Velcro or snaps. They have a pocket opening that allows for the absorbent material to be stuffed in the pocket during use and then removed for laundering. The absorbent material for stuffing can be an insert that comes with the diaper or a pre-fold or doubler. Some moms use terry washcloths. Pocket diapers are a popular choice among cloth diapering moms because you can customize the amount of absorbent material. 
 
Snappi - A plastic mechanism that fastens a cloth diaper. These are often used instead of diaper pins.

Soaker Pants - See Longies

Soakers - The term soaker can be applied in two ways. It often refers to the absorbent middle part of the diaper that absorbs the moisture when a baby wets. Soakers may be sewn inside the diaper, partially sewn to form a flap, snapped in inside the diaper, or simply laid inside the diaper. The term soaker is also used in reference to wool diaper covers.

Wool In One (WIO) - This is an All-In-One (AIO) but made with wool outer fabric.