How to Pick the Right Diaper for Your Baby

As a rookie parent you might be surprised to know that there are different types of cloth baby diapers available at stores. How do you pick the right one for your baby?

Let’s check out each type of diaper.

• All-In-One. Sometimes labeled AIO, all-in-one cloth diapers are easy to use because they have inserts where absorbent material can be fastened. It’s like putting on a diaper cover at the same time with no hassle.

• Pocket. The name pocket comes from the feature between the cover of the cloth diaper and the layer that makes contact with baby’s skin. The absorbent material can be placed inside this pocket for easy use.

• Flat and Prefolded. You might see this type of cloth diaper among your mother’s old pile of baby clothes. As the name implies, this type of diaper is flat and prefolded to create several absorbent layers.

• Newborn. A newborn’s skin is very sensitive and not all of them are of the same size. A newborn cloth diaper can have any of the features listed in other types of diapers to make sure that it will fit properly without harming the umbilical cord stump.

• Fitted. Also called contoured diapers, fitted cloth diapers are ideal for parents who want an option that is easy to use. They look like disposable diapers and have a variety of absorbent materials and fabrics to choose from.

• Hybrid. A hybrid baby diaper is a combination of both a cloth and disposable diaper to make the most of the design and convenience of each. It has a reusable cloth cover and either a disposable or reusable/washable insert.

• Swim. This cloth diaper has a waterproof cover to protect the lining inside, although most of these do not have an absorbent insert. It can be worn by your baby at the pool or at the beach.

• Trainer. This type of cloth diaper can be used when potty training your child. Some styles look like regular underwear, but there are also trainer cloth diapers that are waterproof, padded, and others that are designed for heavy wetters or for overnight use.

• Disposable. This type of diaper is the most convenient to use because you don’t need to wash the cloth anymore, however, it can also be a waste of money. When looking for a disposable baby diaper, pick materials that will fit properly, have high absorbency, and is comfortable to wear. Check the parts of the diaper, such as the closure, waterproof outer layer, inner layer, and the absorbent core. If you’re worried about the super absorbent polymer (SAP) in the core, studies show that it is safe and non-toxic to babies.

When choosing between cloth and disposable diapers, it’s better to enjoy the best of both worlds. Make sure, however, that the diapers fit properly, and the diapers are effective at preventing leaks.