Diapers

• Flats: Flat diapers are large square diapers that need to be folded. They can be pinned or snappied and placed in a diaper wrap. These diapers are extremely versatile and once you are finished using them as diapers, they can be used as household rags. If you are unfamiliar with folding flats and need some help, I recommend you check out Gumbush which has tons of information about flat diapers and various different folds!
• Prefolds: Rectangular diapers that are slightly thicker in the middle. These need to be folded and can be pinned, snappied (a special plastic device that replaces the use of pins), or layed into a diaper wrap.
• Contours: A diaper that has a shape, does not need to be folded. Can be pinned, snappied or just layed in a wrap.
• Fitteds: A shaped diaper with either a velcro or snapped closure. This diaper needs a cover to be waterproof. Some fitted diapers come in a variety of sizes while others are "one size" designed to fit your baby throughout his or her diapering years.
• Pockets: A shaped diaper that is a waterproof cover with an inner layer of microfleece or suedecloth. The fleece or suedecloth keeps baby feeling dry by wicking moisture away from the skin. Between the microfleece and the outer layer is a pocket. You'll need to stuff the pocket with an insert or a prefold. Inserts come in microterry, hemp, or organic cotton. These diapers are extremely versatile because you can place one insert in the diaper for daytime or more inserts for nighttime use or for long outings. ***No cover needed
• AIOs: All In One's - A diaper and cover all-in-one! No need to use a separate diaper...or insert. ***No cover needed

Covers

• PUL: PUL (polyurethane Laminate) covers come in velcro, side-snap, front-snap, and pull-on. These are laminated waterproof covers to use with prefolds, contours, or fitteds. With wrap style covers you can simply lay a prefold into your wrap and close and go (no pins or snappi needed).

• Wool: Wool is a wonderful material. It is completely breathable, natural and leak proof. Depending on the style of the cover, these work very well for both day and night. They should be hand washed every couple of weeks or when soiled. They will need to be lanolized once a month. These come in pull-on types commonly called "soakers" or front snap, front velcro, & side snap. You can also purchase wool "longies" which are great nighttime covers and pajama bottoms as well!

• Fleece: These covers work like wool, in that they are breathable, but they are made from a synthetic material. These are usually thicker than PUL and some wools. These make good night-time covers. These can be washed in the washing machine.

How many?

This really depends on the age of your child. For a newborn 24+ is a good number to start off with. Depending on how often you wash, you may find that you need up to 36 diapers in the newborn period. You will need to choose what type of diaper you will using or you may choose to use a variety. For prefolds, contours, or fitteds you will need 24+ diapers plus 4-6 covers. 

Some people find that it is good to have a few AIOs on hand for the diaper bag. AIO's and pockets are the easiest to use for quick changes. They are also easier for baby-sitters to figure out since there are no extra steps required. 

I also recommend having at least 2 wool covers. Wool let's air circulate and because of this it keeps baby's skin from getting too warm. Wool is breathable and is an all natural fiber. It makes the perfect diaper cover. Wool is especially good for night, but I also enjoy using it during the day. 

Care information

• Click here for information on caring for your diapers.

• Click here for information on caring for your Wool diapers.

And guess what..you CAN travel with cloth!

• Click here for information about traveling with cloth diapers.