Discover the Best Cloth Diaper Styles: Our Favorite Brands Revealed!
If you’re thinking about cloth diapering but don’t know where to begin. Welcome aboard! Before we started using cloth diapers, I felt very overwhelmed. There was so much information out there! The hardest part of it all though is deciding what diapers will work best for you and your little one. There are a few variations of cloth diapers out there and tons of different brands. No need to worry though. In this post, I will go over the types of cloth diapers and show you the four brands we chose to use. After deciding which cloth diapers are ideal for you and your family, the rest will come easy. So, let’s get started!
Types of cloth diapers
Pre-fold
Pre-fold diapers are the most cost-effective cloth diapers. To make them, fold or weave a piece of fabric several times. Then, add layers in the middle to increase absorbency. You‘ll need to wrap and fasten them around your baby’s waist using a snappi to keep them in place. Or use the pre-fold inside a waterproof diaper cover. You can use the waterproof diaper cover 2-3 times before switching to another for your baby. This will result in less dirty laundry.
A pocket diaper is a two-part system. It has a waterproof shell (pocket) and an absorbent insert. If you have a heavy wetter, you can add a second insert to maximize absorbency. This system requires swapping the outer layer and inserts after each diaper change.
Fitted
Fitted diapers are your absorbent part of the diaper that require a waterproof cover on top. These diapers are a great option for nap time as well as nighttime use. They have added absorbency and will wrap around your little one’s waist to fit their sleep position. This fit results in less leakage.
All-in twos
There are various all-in-two cloth diaper styles and types. They come in two parts: a water-resistant shell and an absorbent insert. The insert is usually snapped or attached to the shell and comes in one size. You may size them to fit small, medium, or large infants. All-in-two hybrid diapers include a disposable insert that can tossed after each use.
All-in ones
All-in-one cloth diapers are my favorite. They are like disposable diapers but cloth, with no extra pieces to worry about. We currently own 32 all-in-one diapers, and after 2 years of use they’re still one of the best purchases we’ve made! These cloth diapers combine absorbent and waterproof layers into one convenient, easy-to-use diaper. AIOs provide a one-piece diapering solution. No assembly or stuffing of inserts is necessary. AlOs come in a variety of styles. Velcro and snap closures allow these diapers to adjust to size. They will accommodate your little one from newborn to potty training.
I knew I wanted to use cloth diapers when I learned we were expecting. But I also knew I wanted to find the easiest way to do it. My husband and I both work full-time shift work with overtime assignments. We wanted to make diapering easy for us without the use of disposables. Let’s face it though, shift work or not, as parents we all want the same thing! Make our busy lives with kids as easy as we can. I found the one-size all-in-one diaper to be the best fit for us. They are like disposables, no extra parts needed!
Before our first was born, we started building our cloth diaper stash and ended up with 32 diapers. (I know other mammas who have less, and it still works fine for them). With 32 diapers we usually go an extra day without washing. We also leave some diapers at my mom’s house since she takes care of our daughters when we’re at work. Initially, my husband and I were intimidated to start cloth diapering. But I knew I had to get the ball rolling. So, we finally started when our daughter turned two months old. When we finally started cloth diapering, we were surprised to find it wasn’t as bad as we had anticipated. Yes, it requires a bit more work than using disposables, but I assure you it is nothing you won’t be able to handle.
At the start of our cloth diapering journey, I set out to research different diaper brands. In the end I settled for four brands Grovia, Bambino Mio, Bum Genius and my all-time favorite Thirsties! I will outline the features of each diaper below.
Grovia
We own a few Grovia diapers. These all-in-one diapers require no stuffing or folding, and no diaper cover is not needed. They are very simple to use and pretty absorbent. I also found these diapers to be less bulky than the other brands with great mobility for baby. Grovia diapers have snap closures positioned in the sides, rather than the middle. When it’s time for a diaper change, place the soiled diaper in your diaper pail until it’s ready for laundry day! That’s it, no other steps required!
Bambino Mio
Next up are the diapers we own the most of, the all-in ones Bambino Mio’s! These are great overall. They mimic disposables, have leakproof elastic legs and waist and have fewer buttons than your average cloth diaper. No extra parts required, as the Bambino Mio is made from one piece for your convenience. It has an inside pocket to maximize and add absorbency if you have heavy wetters like I do. When it’s time for a nappy change, these diapers differ a bit. When removing the soiled diaper, pull out the absorbent layer. Then, close the side velcro straps before throwing it in the dry diaper pail. This step will make laundry day much easier for you. The diapers will be ready to be dumped into the laundry machine. With that said, this might be a deal breaker for some as this is an extra step when washing and folding these diapers. I personally do not find this to be an issue, my husband however is not a fan of doing this.
Bum Genius
Up next, we have Bum Genius diapers. These diapers are very similar to our all-in-one Grovia diapers. They come with soft organic cotton layers that are pretty absorbent. They provide a comfortable and custom fit with a gentle elastic. Like Grovia, when it’s time for a change, put the soiled diaper in the dry pail. Or rinse off your little one’s solid waste and put the diaper in the dry pail for laundry day. There is nothing else to it!
Thirsties
Finally, we have my favorite so far, Thirsties! These diapers are easy to use, easy to wash, and very comfortable for our baby girl. They are USA made, one size, all in one, with 4 absorbent layers and a waterproof exterior. When it’s time for a diaper change throw them in the dry diaper pail for laundry day. We have heavy wetters. So, we also bought their Stay Dry Natural One Size All in One diaper for more absorbency. These diapers are a little thicker than their One Size All in One diaper, but also more absorbent. When it’s time to wash, there are no pockets, flaps, or absorbency layers to remove.
