by Ada Vaughan

Created on: October 26, 2009   Last Updated: October 29, 2009

There have always been economic and environmental advantages to using cloth diapers. Clearly, having diapers that can be washed and used again saves (a lot of) money and keeps disposable diapers from filling up landfills. Even the most expensive and fancy cloth diapering system will save the average family $1,000 or more over disposables. Unfortunately, many moms today still envision cloth diapering as squares of cotton, safety pins (eek!) and plastic pants. Here's a summary of the general categories of modern cloth diapers and the pros and cons of using each type:

The Wrap with Prefolds diaper:

The closest thing to traditional cloth diapering of all the modern diapers. The Wrap (also called a Cover) is waterproof, typically PUL (Polyester Urethane Laminate) fabric with elastic edges. Some Wraps put the PUL between layers of cotton for a very soft feel. The Wrap usually closes with Velcro or snaps so you can adjust fit. Absorbent layers which could be cotton, hemp, bamboo, or microfiber are placed inside the wrap to hold liquid. Some moms attach the absorbent layers with a Snappi closure. A prefold just refers to the old kind of diaper with thickness down the center.

Several manufacturers make squares (Prefolds or Flats) that you fold in thirds to use inside a Wrap. Prefolds and Flats can be a variety of materials. Cotton and hemp are popular. At changing time, some moms will just switch the absorbent layers and re-use the Wrap/Cover if the baby is only a little wet.

Pros: Cheap the least expensive of cloth diaper styles. Flexible Moms can adjust absorbency by adding more layers.

Cons: Putting them together requires extra time, effort.

Examples: Wraps: Bummis, Thirsties, Imse Vimse

Prefolds/Flats: Swaddlebees, Bummis, Green Acre Designs, Hemp Babies

The Wrap with Fitted diaper:

This diapering method is similar to the Wrap with Prefolds approach except it has a fitted absorbent layer. Several manufacturers make fitted diapers in cotton, bamboo, and other natural fiber blends. The absorbent fitted diaper may have Velcro or snaps to close, and the wrap goes over it to form a moisture barrier.

Pros: Better absorbency and comfort than Wrap with Prefolds.

Cons: Sort of like putting 2 diapers on, need to buy more sizes, longer drying times than flats.

Examples: Fitteds: Kissaluvs, Swaddlebees, Baby Beehinds, Thirsties

Wraps: see above

The Pocket Diaper:

Pocket diapers are made with an outer PUL waterproof layer, inside wicking layer, and stuffed with washable

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