by S.A. Lake

Created on: July 19, 2008

With environmental-friendliness on the rise, many new moms are having second thoughts about filling up landfills with disposable diapers. If you have decided to use cloth diapers or are thinking of giving them a try, there are many different styles and brands to choose from. While many options are available, there are six main types of cloth diapers:

1. FLAT

Flat diapers are just that, a flat panel of cotton fabric that you have to fold to fit and fasten. This may seem a bit intimidating at first for someone new to cloth diapers, but after the first week, having folded a diaper some 50 to 60 times, it will become like second nature! Flat diapers are extremely versatile and will fit a large range of sizes depending on how you fold them. There are many internet resources on different ways to fold a flat diaper to accommodate your baby's individual needs. You will need to use a diaper cover with this style of diaper in order to prevent leaks. This is the cheapest option available in cloth diapering. Flat diapers come in packages of 12 at a cost of about $10 per package. If you wash diapers daily you will need for or five packages.

2. PREFOLD

Prefold diapers are similar to the flat diapers, but rather than being one large piece of one ply cotton, they come "pre-folded" and sew together in a pattern of varying thicknesses. The typical thicknesses for prefolds are 2 layers on either side with 3 layers in the center (2-3-2), 4 layers on either side with 6 layers in the center (4-6-4), and 4 layers on either side with 8 layers in the center (4-8-4). The more layers a diaper has the more absorbency it will provide. Prefolds are popular among cloth diaper users as they are inexpensive, effective, and fairly easy to use. Prefold diapers will still need to be folded somewhat in order to fit properly, but are much less hassle and quicker than a flat. A prefold, like the flat, will also require the use of a waterproof cover. Next to the flat diaper, prefolds are the cheapest option in cloth diapering. Prefolds generally cost about $20-$25 for a package containing a dozen and if you plan to wash them every day you will only need to buy one to two packages.

3. CONTOUR

Contour diapers are similar to the prefold but are shaped like a disposable diaper. A contour diaper is not fitted at the legs or waist with elastic and will need to be fastened with pins or a Snappi. They are easier to use than flats and prefolds, but are also a little more expensive. Contour diapers require the use

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