Fluff Laundry – Different Brands of Cloth Diapers

Once we decided to use cloth diapers for A I started doing research on them and found out there is a lot of information on cloth diapers, I didn’t know where to start. Fortunately, I have two sisters who also used cloth, I was able to use their experiences to help make purchasing decisions.  The other resource I found useful were blogs, mom’s and dad’s who posted about their experiences with cloth, what they liked and didn’t like about the different types of diapers (there are a lot).

We weren’t sure which diapers would work best for us, so I decided to try a few different styles before committing to one type or brand.  I’d like to share our experiences with the different styles of diapers that worked for us, and some that didn’t.

Before A was born we bought a variety of styles including, fitted, pocket, all-in-one’s and all-in-two’s.  We had 8 diapers all together.

All-in-one’s

At the beginning of our cloth journey we started with all-in-one’s because I thought they would be the easiest, but they are also the most expensive.  All-in-one’s are the cloth diaper equivalent to a disposable, all you have to do is put it on.

When it is time for a diaper change all you have to do is take it off and throw it in the wash.

They are easy, but in my experience they take way to long to dry, because all the absorbent material is sewn together they are very thick.  We had decided we wouldn’t be using our dryer for the diapers so we hang them, the all-in-one’s took up to two days to completely dry.  The long drying time along with the cost meant that these diapers were not a good fit for us.

We don’t have any all-in-one’s in our stash anymore, I sold them, another great perk about using cloth diapers they hold their resale value very well.

Fitted

We also tried fitted diapers.  Fitted diapers are contoured to fit snugly on your baby and are made entirely of absorbent materials, they need to be used with a cover which can be made of PUL, wool or fleece.

We liked the fitted diapers with covers, we didn’t have any leak issues, but I wasn’t a fan of the two-step diapering on the change table.

They also take a long time to dry, up to two days hanging.  We have one fitted diaper in our stash right now and it is hybrid (it has a hidden fleece layer to repel liquid), we use it without a cover but only at home.

All-in-two’s

All-in-two’s are similar to all-in-one’s except that the absorbent material (insert) is not sewn into the diaper, it sits on top of the waterproof layer.  We liked these diapers because the drying time is shorter, one night (depending on the material and thickness of the insert) on average.

Some of the diapers that we have now can be used as both a pocket or an all-in-two system depending on your preference.

Pocket Diapers

Pocket diapers consist of a waterproof outer shell (usually PUL) that has an attached fleece layer inside, with openings to allow an insert to be added for maximum absorbency.

They are by far our favorite diaper to use, when pre-stuffed they are as convenient as a disposable and all-in-one’s.

They are easy to wash and quick to dry.  Our cloth diaper stash includes mostly pocket diapers.

Types of Pocket Diapers We Use:

The brands of diapers that we use now are, BumGenius pockets, AppleCheeks envelope covers, AMP one size duo’s, Sweet Pea pockets and one Butt On hybrid fitted diaper.  My favorite right now are the AMP’s, they fit A very well and I like that they are one size, so I can adjust the fit easily.  Leighton doesn’t have a favorite, he uses whatever is next in the diaper line.

AMP

• AMP diapers have the insert opening at the front of the diaper, when you take out a wet insert your fingers will come into contact with pee.  I don’t mind pulling out a wet insert, but some people don’t like them for this reason.
• We love that these diapers come in one size, A has been wearing them since he was 10 lbs and as he grows we can customize the fit.
• These diapers can be used as all-in-two’s or pockets.

AppleCheeks

• The AppleCheeks envelope cover has the opening in the middle of the diaper, they advertise that when used with their inserts you don’t have to take the insert out before washing, all you have to do is throw them in the washer.  In my experience it doesn’t always work, so I pull the inserts out before washing.
• AppleCheeks make three sizes of diapers.  Size one fits 7-20lbs , size two fits 18-40lbs and size three fits 30-65lbs (all approximately).  A is in size 2 right now.
• These diapers can be used as all-in-two’s as well as pockets.
• They are quick drying.

BumGenius 

• BumGenius pockets are a great trim fitting diaper, they usually come with microfiber inserts.
• We like that they are one size and quick drying, they take approximately one day when hanging inside, less when outside.
• They come in both snaps and hook and loop enclosures, we use the hook and loop.
• We like the large opening on the back for easy access to inserts, and Daddy’s hands can easily stuff them.
• We did have leak issues with these diapers at the beginning, now that A is bigger we no longer have any leaks.

Sweet Pea

• Sweet Pea pocket diapers have openings at both the front and back of the diaper, inserts can be stuffed and removed at either end.
• We like that they are one size allowing for a custom fit, and that a pre-fold can fit in them.

The Sweet Pea’s that I am using have been through 5 infants and are still going strong.

Hybrid Fitted (not a pocket diaper)

• The Butt On hybrid fitted is the one fitted diaper that I have in our stash.  I had wanted a fitted diaper for A to use at home so his bum can breathe.
• We like the Butt On because it is one size and comes with an insert, they also have great patterns.
• It is a quick drying diaper (for a fitted), takes approximately a day inside and a few hours outside.

Inserts

In our current diaper stash we use a combination of microfiber, bamboo and hemp inserts.  To save money I made most of our inserts from natural fibers, mostly organic bamboo.  If you want to save money and make your own inserts check out this tutorial here. 

Do you use cloth?  If so, what is your favorite diaper?

Disclaimer: all of these diapers are my own, they were purchased or given to our family.  I have not received any kind of compensation for my opinions, my opinions are my own.