There are (what feels like) a million different types and brands of cloth diapers available today. It’s definitely not like in our parents' days of cloth diapering. It can be hard to distinguish between an AIO (all in one), fitted, AI2 (all in 2), prefold, cover, hybrid, etc… especially if you are just getting started. Here I will describe the different types of diapers, as well as name a few of the brands of each type. Yes, there’s a lot. And yes, it can sound overwhelming. I promise, once you get to know the basics, it’s pretty easy to grasp.
Types
Prefold – The most simple way to cloth diaper your baby is to use a prefold. You can either fold it onto your baby using one of the folding methods (newspaper, basic, twist, etc.), or fold it in thirds and place it inside a cover.
Fitted diapers - Usually made of cotton, hemp or bamboo, they also need a cover over them, since fitteds are not waterproof. They have snaps or aplix (Velcro) to close the diaper, and they often have a sewed in or lay-in soaker. There are many different brands of fitted diapers (Thirsties Fab, Bamboozles, Kissaluvs, etc.) and many work-at-home-Mom (WAHM) fitteds as well (Goodmama, etc.).
Pocket diapers - These have a built in waterproof cover and require a separate insert for absorbency. This is probably one of the most popular way to cloth diaper these days. There are tons of brands/styles of pocket diapers - most common are Bum Genius, Fuzzibunz, and "cheap" eBay diapers.
All-in-one (AIO) - These are the most like disposables. They are simply on/off, no insert to stuff, no cover to put on. These are great for babysitters, grandparents and daycare. Popular brands of AIOs are Bum Genius, Grovia, TotBots Easy Fit. The main "con" about AIOs is that they take a long time to dry.
All in Two (AI2) - These are almost as simple to use as AIOs. They have an additional liner seperate from the "body" of the diaper, which makes for easier washing and faster drying. An example is SoftBums.
Hybrid diapers - These are sort of a mix between an AIO and a pocket. They have a waterproof cover and a snap in/lay in liner, and the liner can be changed out for a new one, while reusing the same cover (as long as it's not soiled). Examples are Grovia, Flip and Monkey Doodlez "Tuck And Go".
Terms
Inserts - usually made of microfiber, they are used to "stuff" pocket diapers. They can also be made of hemp or bamboo, or a combination of these. Inserts are the absorbent part of pocket diapers.
Doublers - used to add extra absorbency to any type of diaper, for overnight or heavy-wetters. Doublers are usually made of fleece or hemp.
Wet bag - a small bag with a waterproof liner, to be used in a diaper bag to hold soiled cloth diapers.
One Size - a term used to describe a diaper that can be used from nearly newborn til toddler age. Many pocket diapers are One Size, and claim to work from 8-32 lbs. They usually have 3 rows of snaps that, as you unsnap them, make the diaper "grow".
