Cloth Diaper Types & Materials
With all the different types and materials of today’s cloth diapers, some parents find the thought of choosing and using cloth diapers more complicated than it really is. In fact, we say bring on all the options—that means there’s the right type and material for every parent and every baby.
Types of Modern Cloth Diapers
Pros: Economical, versatile, flexible, easy to wash
Cons: Bulky, inconvenient, have to buy bigger sizes as baby grows
Fitted Cloth Diapers
Pros: Highly absorbent, hourglass shape and leg elastics keep messes contained, easy to fasten
Cons: Cover isn’t waterproof (have to get one), more expensive than prefolds
Pocket Diapers
Pros: Waterproof outer covering, use any absorbency layers, grow with your baby
Cons: Bulky, can leak, have to remove absorbency layer before washing
Pros: Simple design, trim fit prevents leaks, made with several absorbency layers, waterproof outer shell, fits babies up through potty training
Cons: Take longer to dry, can be pricey
Pros: Flexible design, waterproof shell, use any absorbency layer, works with cloth and disposable absorbency layers, cost-effective, travel-friendly choice
Cons: Some designs can leak, seem tricky to use (at first)
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Fitted Cloth Diapers
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Pocket Diapers
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Pros |
Economical, versatile, flexible, easy to wash |
Highly absorbent, hourglass shape and leg elastics keep messes contained, easy to fasten |
Waterproof outer covering, use any absorbency layers, grow with your baby |
Simple design, trim fit prevents leaks, made with several absorbency layers, waterproof outer shell, fits babies up through potty training |
Flexible design, waterproof shell, use any absorbency layer, works with cloth and disposable absorbency layers, cost-effective, travel-friendly choice |
Con |
Bulky, inconvenient, have to buy bigger sizes as baby grows |
Cover isn’t waterproof (have to get one), more expensive than prefolds |
Bulky, can leak, have to remove absorbency layer before washing |
Take longer to dry, can be pricey |
Some designs can leak, seem tricky to use (at first) |
Check out our Major Styles page to learn even more about the 5 different types of cloth diapers.
Common Materials
The materials used to make the cloth diapers you put on your baby are just as important as the style(s) you choose.
Waterproof Layers
Most cloth diapers come with a waterproof outer layer made of either TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) or PUL (polyurethane laminate). We use TPU because it uses a special heating process rather than chemicals to waterproof the layers.
Absorbency Layers
The most diligent diaper layer, you have several options for absorbent cloths: bamboo, cotton, organic cotton, hemp, modal, polyester, fleece, wool, and “stay dry” fabrics. Some fabrics are even used together. Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of the common material types used in cloth diapers.
Conventional vs. Organic Cotton
Many parents choose organic cotton over conventional cotton because they believe organic cotton cloth diapers are made from safer materials since they’re made without chemicals. Some parents believe organic cotton is also softer and more absorbent than conventional cotton.
Before you buy organic cotton cloth diapers, though, be sure to check the label for organic certification. Get proof that what you’re buying is actually certified organic cotton (like our diapers). Look for an Organic 100 Standard (Organic Exchange) or GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) label.