Getting started with cloth diapers can be overwhelming. When searching online, you’ll find many different types of cloth diapers, each with its own specific name and description, which can make it hard to figure out what’s best for your baby. If this is the first time you’re hearing about reusable diapers, you may wonder which type to try and how each one works.
At UnuPana, we want to make the process of choosing cloth nappies easier for parents. That’s why this guide breaks down the different types of cloth diapers, their advantages, and drawbacks, along with some practical tips to help you choose the best diaper for your needs. Let’s get started! 😊
Types of Cloth Diapers and Accessories Explained.
Below are the main types of cloth diapers and accessories available, along with a description of how they work and their pros and cons:
1. Prefold Diapers
Description: Prefold diapers are rectangular cloth pieces that you fold to fit your baby. They need a waterproof cover to keep them in place and prevent leaks.
Pros: Affordable and highly absorbent. Cons: They can be a bit bulky for newborns and require some folding skills.
2. Fitted Diapers
Description: Similar to prefolds but shaped like a traditional diaper. You may still want to use a cover to prevent leaks.
Pros: Good absorption and a snug fit. Cons: These take longer to dry and may feel bulky on smaller babies.
3. Diaper Covers
Description: These are adjustable “diaper covers” that prevent leaks. They close around the waist with snaps or Velcro and have size adjustments for a custom fit.
Pros: Reusable if they stay clean, saving on laundry. Cons: Requires an insert or prefold inside to hold moisture.
To give you a better idea, here’s one of our UnuPana covers (you can take a look at our website if you’d like 😉).
Our UnuPana covers feature Velcro for a quick and easy fit, perfect for active babies, as you adjust them just like you would do with a disposable diaper. Plus, the adjustment buttons are not plastic, but made from stainless steel, which supports our commitment to reducing plastic waste.
By following our washing tips (in our video, we show you how to get the diaper ready for the wash in under 1 minute) and the care instructions on the label (for washing and drying programs), the Velcro stays in perfect condition, whether it’s for your first little one or any future babies you may have 🙃.
4. Liners (or Soakers)
Description: Liners are rectangular, absorbent pads placed inside the diaper cover to retain moisture. Made from various materials (cotton, hemp, bamboo, microfiber), natural fibers are ideal to avoid skin irritation.
Pros: Soft on baby’s skin, especially with natural fibers like our organic cotton UnuPana inserts. Cons: Natural fibers may have a beige tone (instead of white) since they’re not bleached, which is better for the environment.
Our UnuPana inserts are made from 100% certified organic cotton. On one hand, this provides the best care and feel for your baby’s skin, and on the other, it promotes a raw material cultivation process that is much more environmentally friendly. Additionally, the GOTS certification of our soaker pads ensures ethical standards throughout the entire production supply chain. In this other article, we explain more about the importance of organic cotton farming for us and the planet.
5. All-in-One Diapers (AIO)
Description: The absorbent layer is sewn directly into the waterproof cover, creating a single-piece diaper.
Pros: Very easy to use, similar to disposable diapers, with no folding or inserting required. Cons: Longer drying time due to being one piece and over time, the fabric tends to stretch due to the added weight.
6. All-in-Two Diapers (AI2)
Description: These are two-piece diapers with separate liners and covers. The liner can be easily placed on top of the cover.
Pros: Dry quickly and can be reused if the cover stays clean. Cons: Minor setup required, but fast drying makes it ideal for daily use.
Here, we show you how easy it is to set up an UnuPana All-in-Two.
Our UnuPana cloth diaper is designed as an All-in-Two, with organic cotton liners that provide great absorbency and are ideal for your baby’s skin.
7. Pocket Diapers
Description: Covers with a pocket where you insert the absorbent layer.
Pros: Easy to use and customizable with different inserts. Cons: Longer drying time and usually can’t be reused between changes.
What’s the Best Choice?
After testing many types of cloth diapers, we find the All-in-Two the most practical option. The fast drying time and easy insert make it ideal for everyday use. That’s why we designed our UnuPana diapers as All-in-Two, with certified organic cotton inserts that are both absorbent and gentle on the skin.
Our 100% certified organic cotton liners not only have great absorbency but also help prevent diaper rash (since they’re made from natural fibers) and, on top of that, contribute to environmental care. Our cover, in addition to having an elastic waistband for better comfort, is designed with a wider waist to allow the legs to move freely, especially during the final stage of diaper use when your little one is no longer a baby and needs a good fit without limiting movement.
On our website, we share more about our sustainable cloth diaper and us 😊.
Conclusion
We hope this guide helps you get started with cloth diapers and makes your choice easier. Are you ready to join the cloth diaper revolution?
Visit our website to learn more about our UnuPana products and how to make a sustainable choice for your baby and the planet!
Comments