Types of cloth diapers:
Flats: This is a plain rectangle of fabric that can be folded into various forms and requires a cover. It is the cheapest of the cloth diapers. Flat diapers are thin which makes them dry quickly. Their absorbency can be increased by doubling although that adds bulk. These can be found in department stores although they are not as nice as those ordered from diaper companies. <Additional requirements: covers, pins/Snappi>
Prefolds: These are very similar to flats except that they have been layered to increase absorbency. A prefold is basically two flats sewn together to create one diaper that has more layers of material in the middle of the diaper. This is known as the ply and is often written as the outer edge ply-inner edge ply- outer edge ply. For example, a prefold with 4 layers on the edges and 8 in the middle would be written as 4-8-4 ply. Prefolds are also inexpensive and can be found in department stores. Prefolds in Wal*Mart are very different from prefolds found through diaper companies. The absorbency of a prefold purchased from a diaper company is far superior to those found in retail chains. That being said, the ones in retail chains are doable, but there may need to be a doubler to increase aborbency. <Additional requirements: covers, pins/Snappi>
Fitted: This is a diaper that does not require pinning or folding. Fitted diapers are more expensive than prefolds or flats. They are more time convenient for putting on as they secure with snaps or velcro. The downside to fitted diapers is that they take longer to dry and are more likely to become odorous. Fitted diapers are not available in department stores (that I am aware of) but can be found easily on the internet. <Additional requirements: covers>
Pockets: This is a type of cover that is stuffable. It is a step between the previous mentioned options and the all-in-one diaper. A prefold or pre-cut soaker can be put into a pocket between the inner layer of fabric and the outer layer of a cover. This gives the pocket diaper the convenience of an all-in-one (especially if they are stored preloaded) while also improving the drying time. Pocket diapers are also nice because the amount of absorbency isn’t predetermined. It can be stuffed completely different for different occassions. <Additional requirement: flats/prefolds/soakers for stuffing>
All-in-One (AIO): This is the most expensive type of diaper. It is a cover and absorbent layer all together. There is no folding or pinning as they are held on by velcro or snaps. AIOs are more likely to gain an odor as they are difficult to dry. AIOs are especially great for when a relative or babysitter has to change a diaper since they are so user friendly. <Additional requirments: none>
