About Cloth Diapers

We at Little Fox Cloth Diapers are glad that you have chosen to learn about cloth diapers and have chosen to investigate the option of cloth diapers for your children!  With so many choices today, cloth diapering your child can be overwhelming at first.  Here you will find lots of helpful information and some definitions to get you started.  Scroll down to find information on cleaning cloth diapers, a not-so-daunting task!  And, if you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us! 

Types of Cloth Diapers

Prefold Diapers or Flat Diapers

These are the ones you are probably picturing from the cloth diapering of the past.  They are made of a flat piece of fabric (usually cotton) that is folded and fastened around your baby.  They are then covered with a waterproof cover.  These Prefold Diapers are easy to wash, are the most economical, and are still very popular today.  They require folding, fastening with a pin or Snappi, and waterproofing with a diaper cover. 

Fitted Diapers

Fitted Diapers are the modern cousins of prefold diapers.  They are made of a variety of different fabrics and are shaped to fit snugly around your baby without the use of pins.  They are form fitting, available in different sizes, and fasten using aplix (like Velcro, only softer) or snaps.  They require waterproofing with a diaper cover.

Diaper Covers

Formerly known as “plastic pants” today’s Diaper Covers have improved a lot.  Most are made of a waterproof and breathable polyester fabric,  fasten using aplix (like Velcro, only softer) or snaps, and come in a variety of colors and sizes.  They are needed as a waterproof layer around flat, prefold, fitted, and contour diapers.  Covers do NOT need to be changed with every diaper change unless they are soiled.  Most people find that they need one Diaper Cover for every 4 diapers. 

Pocket Diapers

Pocket Diapers are made of two layers of fabric sewn together.  The outside layer is usually a waterproof polyester and the inside layer is cotton, polyester, suedecloth, microfiber, or hemp.  Between the two layers is a pocket that can be stuffed with an absorbent insert, a prefold or flat cloth diaper, or even a folded up kitchen towel!  The absorbency can be adjusted to meet your baby’s needs.  These diapers fasten with snaps or aplix and do NOT require a cover.  They do require removal of the insert for washing and insertion of the insert prior to use.  Traditionally Pocket Diapers come in different sizes but many brands have graduated to One-Size Diapers.  Just remember, they do need inserts to make them absorbant.

One-Size Diapers

A brilliant new design in cloth diapers, the One-Size Diapers are pocket diapers that are designed to fit from birth to potty training.  Most adjust size using a system of snaps and fasten around baby using snaps or aplix.  They are an economical choice for families with more than one child in diapers as they cut down on the number of diapers required - no sorting sizes!  They do NOT require a cover but do require an insert.  They come in one size only!

All-In-One Diapers

The easiest diapers to use, All-In-One Diapers, most closely resemble disposable diapers.  They are made of a waterproof layer, a soft layer for next to baby’s skin, AND an absorbent insert all in one piece.  They do NOT require a cover or an insert.  All-In-One Diapers are great for daycare, for weekends with grandparents, and for all those who are unconvinced about the ease of using cloth!  Some also have a pocket or a flap for the optional addition of a doubler for overnight or naptime use.  Most All-In-One Diapers  adjust with snaps to make it a one size, one purchase diaper. They are one of the more expensive cloth diapering options and will take longer to dry because all the "pieces" are connected!

Inserts

Inserts are the absorbent stuff-in for pocket diapers.  Most are rectangular or hourglass shaped and can be made of cotton, hemp, microterry, or a combination of materials.  There are now one-size inserts available for use in One-Size Diapers or for sized Pocket Diapers to eliminate the need for multiple sizes of inserts.  Generally speaking, you will need one insert for every diaper. 

Doublers

Doublers are the thinner and smaller insert.  They are great for naps, overnight, and for kids who can quickly soak a regular insert.  They are used in addition to an insert in Pocket Diapers,  One-Size Diapers, and All-In-One Diapers.   They can also be used with fitted, flat, or prefold diapers - just wrap the diaper around baby and line the diaper cover with a doubler for extra protection from leaks.

---

Washing Diapers

While some diaper brands recommend specific washing instructions, here are some general guidelines for washing cloth diapers.

First, dump solids into toilet -  liquid poos do NOT need to be dumped.  Then remove diaper insert if it has one and place diaper and insert into a DRY diaper pail.  A lidded trash can with a reusable diaper pail liner works great!  On wash day, dump diapers and diaper pail liner into washing machine.  Run them through an optional cold pre-rinse cycle with no detergent.  Then wash on hot (with a cold rinse) using a small amount (usually about 1/4th the recommended amount) of a residue-free laundry detergent.  Dry on warm or hot.  For quick and easy stain removal, take advantage of the natural bleaching properties of the sun and allow diapers to hang and dry outside!

It is very important to use a residue-free detergent when washing non-cotton diapers as the residues, dyes, perfumes, etc. can build up on the fabric causing a decrease in absorbency.  If you need recommendations on brands of detergent to use, please ask.  That being said, some people are very successful washing diapers with their regular detergent.

How many diapers will I need?