Bummis Blog Modern cloth diapers demystifed...no pins required!

Yesterday we talked about how much the modern cloth diapering world has grown since the days of pins and plastic pants. We went through the top 5 things you need to know going into the world of cloth - it's easier than you think!Today we're delving into the different types of modern cloth diapers. There are a few, but don't be overwhelmed! We'll hit up the main ones and quickly describe the differences. Variety is a good thing, because everyone's a snowflake...but we all have bums! Which type of diaper you choose totally depends on personal preference, and there is a cloth diaper out there for everyone - yay!First of all, let's dispel the myth that cloth diapers are super complicated and require safety pins to fasten. Modern cloth diapers generally fasten with either snaps. or Velcro-style hook & loop closures. BAM! myth gone.1. All-in-one Diapers (AIOs)All-in-one cloth diapers probably look the most similar to disposable diapers. They are called All-in ones because they are all one piece. The absorbent inner part of an AIO diaper can be synthetic (ie, polyester) or natural (ie, organic cotton). It is up to you which type of fabric works best for your situation. For more info on cotton v. synthetics, check out our Laundry Tips blog.Above is the Bummis Hospital Diaper, an All-in-one diaper that is teeny-tiny and designed to be used on newborns in hospitals, saving communities hundreds of tonnes of waste!2. Pocket DiapersThe Bummis Simply Lite PocketPocket diapers look like an AIO, but instead of being all sewn together, they have a pocket inside that you stuff with absorbent inserts. This allows you to control the amount of absorbency you need (by adding more or less to the pocket). They are often made with a synthetic inner pocket that wicks away moisture from baby's skin to create a ''stay-dry'' feel. 3. All-in-two Diapers (AI2s)All-in-two cloth diapers are just that...all in two pieces. These two pieces normally attach somehow and are generally quite versatile. For example, the Duo-Brite All-in-Two diaper is made up of an absorbent, double sided insert that snaps into a waterproof wrap (what's a wrap? see below!). When they are snapped together they work like an All-in-one, but you can also mix and match the pieces with other wraps or absorbent inserts. This is different than a pocket diaper because there is no pocket, no need to stuff or un-stuff, yet the snap system keeps the two pieces together. A big difference between this and an All-in-one diaper is that you can often wipe down the inside of the wrap and change only the insert, saving you room in your diaper bag. The All-in-one is all one piece, so you need to change the whole diaper each time.4. Prefolds and WrapsPrefolds are a modern update on classic cloth diapers. In the past people would take big sheets of fabric and fold them over and over again, doubling up for absorbency. Prefolds, on the other hand, are made of many layers of cotton sewn together, eliminating the need to fold a million times (hence, 'prefold'). Instead, just fold twice, and lay inside a waterproof diaper cover, then fasten around baby - woohoo!Wraps, or diaper covers, are the second piece to this really basic puzzle. Since the prefold is the absorbent piece, we need a waterproof outer shell to provide extra protection and hold it in place. Wraps fasten with hook & loop (Velcro-type) closures or snaps - no pins! - and are typically made from polyester with a polyurethane laminate - in super cute colours and prints!. Like other two-piece diapering systems, it is often possible to just wipe down the inside of the wrap and replace the prefold with a fresh one. And of course, feel free to mix and match the pieces! Prefolds and wraps are also one of the least expensive options around.5. Fitted DiapersThe Bummis Flannel Fitted and Dimple Diaper overnight diaperSpeaking of two-piece diapers...what else can we put inside a wrap? One option is a fitted diaper. Fitted diapers are full-coverage, absorbent diapers that can be made out of lots of different types of fabric. They are often really cute! The catch? You need to put a waterproof wrap over top for complete leak-protection. However, lots of parents like to put on just the fitted, without the wrap, if they are around the house and can change their baby right away. This lets baby's bottom breath and shows off the cute fitted diaper. When they go outside they just throw on a diaper cover and voilà!That's all for now...As you can see, there are lots of different types of cloth diapers (and there are even more variations out there if you want to look). The general concept to keep in mind is you need an absorbent piece and a waterproof shell. Sometimes these two pieces are sewn together, sometimes they snap together or one gets stuffed inside the other. Sometimes one is simply wrapped around the other...and all of these options are really easy to use! Don't be overwhelmed by the variety. Try a couple of types and run with what works for you :).Still don't know where to start? Want more help? No problem! Check back tomorrow for our next blog post, where we assemble a variety of different kits that take the guesswork out of cloth diapering.