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There are seven different types of cloth diaper: Flat, Prefold, Contour, Fontour, Fitted, All In One and Pocket; all of these styles with the exception of prefolds are available in a one size fits all design. This chart is here to give you a quick overview of your choices in cloth diapering and the pros and cons of each.
Flat Diapers
This is the old fashioned diaper your grandmother would have used. Made of 1 layer of 100% cotton measuring 27" x 27". Requires folding to make it into the shape of a diaper, fastening typically pins and a waterproof cover.
Pros
- One size can be folded to fit all
- Dries Quickly
- Easy to clean
- Most affordable cloth diapering system
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Cons
- Not very convenient
- Pins can be dangerous
- Don't contain messes well
- Very bulky
- Not as absorbent
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Cotton Prefold Diapers
This is the most widely used cloth diapering system in the world (not necessarily Canada). This design has three panels of varying absorbency with the thickest in the middle, if listed 4x6x4 they have 4 layers of cotton gauze on the sides and 6 in the middle. Come in 3-4 sizes as well as different absorbencies. Do require some folding but less than flats. Fastening is typically pins and a waterproof cover.
Pros
- Affordable
- Very durable
- Very absorbent
- Easy to clean
- Reasonable drying time
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Cons
- Not very convenient requiring folding and pinning/fastening
- Bulky in comparison to other styles
- Don't contain messes very well
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Contour Diapers
Requires no folding due to its contour hour glass shape. Typically contours have no elastic in the waist and legs. Most contours have a loose pad sewn to the middle or end of the diaper for added absorbency. Contours will require fasteners (pins). Come in 2-3 sizes and require a waterproof diaper cover. |
Pros
- More convenient than prefolds
- Less bulky
- No elastic to cut into a chubby babies legs
- Dry quickly with absorbency pads outside actual diaper
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Cons
- Still require fastening
- Loose pad sewn to end or middle of diaper can make a messy situation messier
- A little less absorbent than prefolds
- Leaks can be an issue
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Fontour Diapers
Are the same as the contour in that they have a slim hour glass shape with no elastic in the legs or waist. Absorbency pads are completely detached. Have Velcro closures eliminating the need for pins. Require a waterproof cover, usually one with elastic in the legs and waist to prevent leaks which is why there is no elastic in the diaper itself. |
Pros
- As affordable as contours
- As convenient as fitted
- Trim fit
- Higher rise, more comfortable
- No elastic, less irritation
- Short drying times
- Adjustable absorbency with detached pads
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Cons
- If used with improper cover leaks can be an issue
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Fitted Diapers
A very popular choice. Shaped and attached with convenient Velcro or snaps for fastening. Elastic around baby's legs and torso for a very snug fit. Come in an array of sizes and absorbencies. Requires no folding or fastening. Does require a waterproof diaper cover. |
Pros
- More convenient
- Elastic prevents leaks better
- Trim fit
- More affordable than all in ones
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Cons
- A bit less absorbent than prefolds
- Longer drying times unless pad is on outside but most are sewn in
- Elastic can irritate a chubby baby's thighs
- A bit less durable
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All-in-Ones
The most convenient cloth diaper often referred to as AIO. Are fitted and have Velcro or snaps. Include a built in waterproof outer shell (different materials are used for this). Come in many sizes, colours and patterns. Requires no folding, fastening or a waterproof diaper cover. |
Pros
- The most convenient cloth diaper
- Easy to use
- Trim fit depending on brand
- Come in all sorts of cute colours and patterns
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Cons
- Quite expensive
- Can be a bit leaky
- Depending on what is used for the outer shell can be much less durable or if a fleece is used bulky
- Longest drying time, the majority have to be dried on low heat or outer shell will break down very quickly, will take at least 90 minutes to dry
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Pocket Diapers
Pocket diapers are made from two layers. The shell is waterproof and the inside lining is made from polyester (depending on brand). Between the two layers (in back) lies a pocket opening made for stuffing an absorbent insert. The inside layer creates a great wetness barrier between baby and the wetness stored in the pocket. Come in 3 sizes or a one size design. Requires no folding, fasteners or waterproof diaper cover.
Pros
- Customizable and superior absorbency
- Fairly easy to use
- Trim fit
- Come in a variety of cute colours and patterns
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Cons
- Most expensive cloth diaper
- Pocket can be a pain to stuff and you don't want to forget
- Can be messy to un-stuff
- Might be too absorbent defeating the purpose of using cloth to keep baby cleaner with more frequent changes and teaching baby what wet is to prepare for potty training
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One Size Fits All
There are different styles of One Size diapers either relying on a series of snap adjustments to adjust rise, waist and leg size or using the position of Velcro and folding down of the back to achieve many different sizes. One Size diapers will not require folding or fasteners, some require waterproof diaper covers and all require some adjustment before use. |
Pros
- Less expensive over the long run because you are not buying 36 diapers in 3 different sizes just 36 of one size
- Depending on the style easy to use and adjust
- Variety of cute colours and patterns
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Cons
- Expensive initial cost
- Snap styles can be very confusing and time consuming to adjust. After many washes, which a one size will see, snaps may fall off causing a safety hazard
- Many non snap styles say one size fits all but in reality are not, waist is usually big enough but rise is too low
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