| I am continually surprised at how many people still think | | | | and take a little longer to dry. |
| cloth diapering involves folding, pinning and depending | | | | There is even one more convenient option - the |
| upon a diaper service. Sure, the old school option is still | | | | pocket diaper - that avoids the bulk and long drying |
| available, but it is certainly not the only way to go. | | | | times. These AIO diapers have two layers - a |
| Today cloth diapers come in all shapes, sizes and | | | | waterproof outer layer and a soft, moisture-wicking |
| colours. These are not your mother's cloth diapers. | | | | inner layer with a pocket in between for absorbent |
| Aside from an extra load or two of laundry each | | | | inserts. This layering design makes them much easier |
| week there is virtually no difference and no extra | | | | to clean and they have a much quicker drying time. |
| effort required to become a cloth diaper user - an | | | | Parents pay a little more for this convenience but |
| option that is better for the environment, and easier on | | | | compared to purchasing disposables over the 2-4 |
| the pocket book. There are a variety of different cloth | | | | years that average babies use diapers for, this option |
| options to meet variety of different budgets. | | | | is still approximately ΒΌ the cost. |
| Cloth diapers are now "fitted". These diapers are | | | | Important Extras |
| shaped to fit baby snugly, including an elasticized waist | | | | There are a few little extras that make cloth diapering |
| and elasticized leg openings so they contain messes | | | | even easier. To help with really messy diapers, diaper |
| just as well as disposables. Basic fitted options come | | | | liners can be placed between the diaper and baby's |
| in different sizes (just like disposables) so multiple sets | | | | bottom to make clean up easier. Only the liner, rather |
| will need to be purchased as the baby grows. | | | | than the whole diaper, needs to be rinsed. You can |
| Waterproof covers need to be purchased for this | | | | even get flushable paper liners that can just be |
| option. The covers come in a variety of patterns and | | | | dumped in the toilet during messy changes. Other liners |
| colours so diapering can be fashionable too. | | | | are a thin layer of fabric that also wick away moisture |
| For longer term savings, one sized diapers are | | | | from baby's sensitive skin leaving baby feeling dry |
| available. This cloth option grows with baby so the | | | | longer. |
| same set of diapers can be used for a 5lb newborn | | | | For those heavy wetters or for those long nights, |
| up until they are 35lb toddler. Initially, these are a bit | | | | diaper "doublers" add extra absorbency to cloth |
| more expensive than the basic fitted diapers, but since | | | | diapers. These are made with several thicknesses of |
| there is no need to purchase multiple sets of different | | | | fabric (usually terry or flannel) and are placed inside the |
| sizes, this works out to be less expensive over the | | | | diaper. |
| diapering life of your children. This option also requires | | | | With all of these options and the degree of |
| waterproof covers. | | | | convenience modern cloth diapers offer, it seems like |
| If the thought of two-step diapering too much, consider | | | | the answer is clear. While the initial expense of |
| All in One (AIO) diapers. AIO's are fitted diapers with a | | | | purchasing cloth diapers can be intimidating (24-36 |
| waterproof layer on the outside. Instead of having to | | | | diapers is the usual recommended start number), there |
| place a cover over your cloth diaper, all in ones are as | | | | is no question about the greater savings over the |
| easy and convenient to use as disposables. You can | | | | diapering life of your children (especially when used for |
| purchase these in varying sizes or in the one sized | | | | more than 1 child.) Cloth diapering is definitely a more |
| option that grows with baby. AIO's can be a bit bulky | | | | economical and more eco-friendly choice. |