Different types of cloth diapers

One of the most confusing parts of using cloth diapers is ALL the different TYPES of diapers available!! Parents researching cloth are often completely overwhelmed by the various diapers. Here's a list of different diapers available. Here are the most common. Here are some really awful pictures, and apparently blogger hates me because it's chopping my pictures in half. I'll try shrinking them more...

Flats- these are 1 layer, usually square. What our Grandmas used on their babies. Fold up to fit the child. There are LOTS of different folds, and once you get it, it's not that hard to do. There is a learning curve, but these diapers are one-size and economical. A wonderful choice if you are willing to learn. They also wash and dry very easily and are great for travel. You can fold them up and lay them in a velcro cover and it's just as easy (but much faster drying) than an All-In-One.
















Prefolds- I think these are what most people think of when they think "cloth diapers". The are usually a rectangle, and you fold them to fit your child. The come in several sizes, and now several companies are offering "special" sizing. These are slightly less intimidating than a flat, and can also be folded to fit in a velcro cover.













Fitteds/prefitteds- These have elastic in the legs (and usually in the back) and can come in several closure types including velcro, snaps and pinnable/snappiable. They come sized, or one-sized and are made from everything from flannel to organic bamboo velour and cute prints. Easier than prefolds (no folding) BUT still require a cover.















All-In-One (AIO)-As the name indicates, this is an all-in-one type diaper. No cover needed. The outer is usually waterproof PUL (comes in lots of colors), the inner can be made from anything absorbent. The absorbent soaker is usually sewn in to the diaper. Some times they have a stay dry top, a hidden soaker and a waterproof outer. They are as easy as a disposable, but have the disadvantage of being harder to get completely clean and they take awhile to dry.




















All-In-Two- Sometimes these are listed as AIO's, BUT the difference is that the soaker typically snaps out, leaving a waterproof shell. These usually dry slightly faster than an AIO.

Pockets- These are similar to an AIO, but have a pocket in the front or back to "stuff" with something absorbent. Typically, the diaper consists of a waterproof outer, a stay-dry inner and some sort of "stuffing". The benefit to these is that they dry faster than an AIO and you can customize absorbency.





















Hybrid- These are similar to an All-in-two, lay or snap in a soaker to the shell (which can be reused if not soiled). They usually have some sort of disposable soaker option as well. More on these later.

There are a few other options, but these are the most commonly used and talked about on diapering forums.