What I learned about Cloth Diapering

All cloth diapers consists of some sort of system that involves a layer of absorbent material and then a waterproof layer to protect your furniture from being stained from pee and poop.

Part 1: The absorbent stuff.

There are so many products out there, but this is a breakdown of the stuff that you can use as the absorbent layer in a diaper.

• Prefolds: A rectangular fabric with layers that have been sewn together. You wrap these around your baby's bum and fasten them with a snappy or pin.  

• Contour diapers: Basically a prefold that has been gathered (with elastic) around where the baby's legs would go. You also need to fasten these with a snappy or a pin.

• Fitted Diapers: A fancier version of contour diapers, but they have snaps, loops, or velcro to keep the diaper in place. These look like a disposable diaper, but are not waterproof. 

 In addition, you can add absorbency to these diapers with strips of cloth sewn together called doublers. These can be made of different materials. Also, when the kid gets a bit older and solid waste becomes more of an issue, you can put liners in the diaper to make solid waste removal a bit easier. Liners come in cloth or biodegradable paper.

Part II: Outer shell 

• Diaper Covers: This is the most basic outer shell. It is simply a waterproof cover made of polyester, nylon, fleece, or wool. You simply wrap this shell around the absorbent part of the diaper. The good thing about these covers is that they can be used multiple times before needing to wash. You just replace the absorbent material (usually a prefold). Velcro or snaps are how these covers are usually attached to baby. Snaps may be a bit better because babies find it easier to pull on the velcro tabs.

•  Pocket Diapers: Are waterproof covers that require absorbent material to be stuffed inside the "pockets" You can use doubler, prefolds, or special inserts that go with the pocket diapers. 

•  All in Two (AI2): Are similar to pocket diapers, but they snap onto a special contour diaper (with snaps). Like the simple diaper cover, you can reuse the outer layer multiple times by just replacing the fitted diaper. 
• There are special hybrid diapers, which are basically AI2s, but the removable liner can be tossed, flushed, or composted. Hybrids can use special disposable liners, or cloth liners. 

• All in Ones (AIO): Are pretty much just like disposables, but instead of throwing them out, you wash the diaper. The absorbent layer and waterproof layer are attached. This may be the easiest to use, but is expensive and the diapers may take longer to dry.

 Our plan: After weighing the pros and cons of the different systems, I think we've decided to go with mostly prefolds and diaper covers. I'm starting out with 30 prefolds and 4-5 different diaper covers. I've ordered one of each different brand so that I can see which I like the best. I've also ordered a few doublers (to add absorbency when needed) and a couple of fitted diapers so that our honey bun's buns can air out a bit (not being constricted by a waterproof layer). Later, I may try All in Twos or All in Ones if I can find them used.

I've also ordered cloth wipes. I had originally thought about using disposables, but I guess if we are already washing diapers, whats a few more wipes thrown in?