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Cloth Diapering
Are you confused about cloth diapering? Read on to learn more about the different diapering systems and terms...
| Diapering Terms |
Cloth Diaper Systems |
- AIO (All-In-one):
- A diaper and a wrap in one piece
- Cover:
- Waterproof outer layer used over a fitted or prefold diaper
- Fitted diaper:
- Cloth diaper that is shaped to fit baby's body. Has hook & loop, snap or tie closures. Needs a cover or soaker.
- Insert:
- Asorbent pad for the inside of pocket diapers. Can be made from cotton, hemp or microfiber. A prefold diaper folded in thirds can also be used.
- Pocket diaper:
- A style of diaper with a layer of wicking material such as microfleece is sewn to a layer of waterproof fabric on 3 sides. The open side make a "pocket" where an absorbent insert is stuffed. The mircofleece is very soft next to baby's skin and keeps them dry.
- Prefold diaper:
- The "original" style of diaper. Basically a rectangle of fabric with a thicker layer in the center. Needs a cover or soaker.
- Snappi:
- An innovative diaper fastener used on prefolds instead of pins.
- Soaker:
- A pull-on knitted wool cover.
- Wrap:
- Waterproof outer layer used over a fitted or prefold diaper (also called a cover)
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- Prefold diapers with wraps
- Fitted diapers with wraps
- All-In-One (AIO) diapers all the time
- Pocket diapers all the time
- A combination of all of the above, such as pocket diapers at night and something else
during the day, and an AIO for outings
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| How-To Use Prefold Diapers | Here are four great folds for a prefold cloth diaper |
| 1. Newspaper fold - you lie the diaper down on the wrap with the thicker part in the middle. Then fold up the front edge so it lines up with the front of the wrap. This makes a lot of padding in the front where a boy pees most but the fold is great for a girl too. Then bring in the two sides so the whole prefold is folded in thirds. Fan out the back a bit to make a pocket for the poop. Lay the baby down on top of the diaper and wrap and close it around him. No pins are needed if the wrap is snug but you may pin or Snappi it, if you wish. Make sure there is no diaper sticking out - especially around the leg holes. |
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| 2. Sidewall (or Jelly Roll) fold - Lay the baby on the prefold, with it completely flat and unfolded. Roll in each side (long side next to thighs), at a slight angle so that the front gets smaller but the back wings stay out all the way. Bring up through legs and fold front if necessary. This fold makes a nice pocket for poop and is great for babies who are not eating solids yet. You can pin or Snappi if you wish but if you have a snug wrap you won't need to. |
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| 3. Trifold - Take the prefold and put it down on the wrap so the thick padded part runs perpendicular to the diaper. The diaper is laying down the wide way and the top and bottom should be approximately the same height as your wrap. Fold each side in so it is in thirds and fits right in the wrap. This makes a thick pad right in the center. This fold is great for a girl because of the center padding - but it is so simple you'll want to use it for your boys too! Lay the baby down on the wrap and close it up. Make sure no diaper is sticking out anywhere... especially around the leg holes. This fold has nothing to hold in the poop but the wrap should keep anything from leaking out. |
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| 4. The Bikini Twist - this is another great fold. Lay the baby on the diaper with the diaper the long way. Then simply twist the diaper all the way over at its midpoint. bring the diaper up and fasten it - either with pins or a Snappi. |
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