Don’t fear the diaper! Reusable diapers are not that different from other diapers. We have put together a quick primer on the different types of diapers. At Do Good we carry each option and only chose what we believe are the best brands to help make your life a little easier!
Pre-folds
Cloth diapers have been used for centuries, and before the modern reusable options existed with snaps or Velcro, these diapers were held in place with diaper pins. Pre-folds are the original cloth diaper but with pre-folded layers of cloth for absorbency. Pre-folds are held in place with a Snappie so that each diaper will have two pieces. Some benefits and traits of the Pre-fold option include:
- Easy to use
- You can change the cover independently of the diaper
- Absorbent and soft
- Great fit and protection to keep things in!
- Affordable
Hybrid/AI2
If you want a reusable diaper that offers the benefits of cloth with the convenience of disposable diapers when away from home, the Hybrid may be right for you. Also called the All In Two (A12), Hybrid diapers come with an outside shell that can hold either reusable or disposable absorbency layers – many parents will use reusable cloth at home and use disposable inserts when out in public or when the child is at daycare. Some of the benefits of Hybrid/AI2 include:
- 2 Pieces – Diaper held in place with a snap or Velcro
- Easier to put on than Prefold
- You can change the cover independently of the diaper
- Absorbent and soft
Pockets
Pocket diapers use two pieces – the outside diaper and the absorbent insert. These pieces are not attached but held together with the pocket design. The absorbent material is inserted through an opening or “pocket” between the outside waterproof cover and the moisture-wicking lining that keeps the skin dry. When the diaper needs to be changed, the insert is removed, and a clean cloth is put inside. Benefits of Pocket diapers include:
- 2 Pieces – Diaper stuffed into pocket to make it one diaper
- Easier to put on than Prefold
- The lining keeps baby’s skin dry
- Absorbent and soft
All In Ones
The reusable diaper that is easiest to use and the most like the disposable diapers used for decades are the All In Ones or AIO diapers. With the AIO, you get the simplicity of a one-piece diaper that fits well and is easy to put on and take off. The absorbent cloth is sewn into the diaper, so when it is dirty, the entire diaper needs to be taken off and washed. Traits of the All In Ones include:
- 1 Piece – The absorbent layer is sewn into the cover
- Easier to put on than Prefold
- Most like a disposable
- Diaper must be washed after each use