All in One Cloth Diaper
An All-in-One (AIO) is considered to be the closest cloth diaper to a disposable. It is just one simple step away from BEING a disposable. It goes on, and comes off, just like a disposable. The only difference in practice is that you have to go one-step further and wash/dry it. You do pay a premium for convenience, this style of diaper can be the most expensive, often costing between €25 – €30 each. Still, you will save money in the long term over buying disposable diapers.
Pocket Diaper
Pocket diapers are the most popular choice because they are still just two steps away from a disposable, but are often more affordable than the All-in-One. A pocket diaper needs to have the insert stuffed inside of the envelope opening and often, removed before washing. Stuffing/un-stuffing adds one more step, plus washing after use, so it is two steps away from a disposable diaper. Not bad, not bad at all!
Pre-folds & Covers
Pre-folds & Covers add one more step. Pre-folds require that you fold the diaper to put it on the baby (or fold into a tri-fold and lay in a cover). Once you fold the diaper on the baby, you then must secure the diaper onto them using either a Snappi, Boingos, or pin(s). Once that is done you need to apply the waterproof cover on top. This means you are 4 steps away from a disposable – fold, secure, cover, wash. Don’t let the number of steps scare you, pre-folds are easy to use with a bit of practice, but do take a little longer per change, especially when you first start using them.
Comparison article courtesy of Kim Rosas of Dirty Diaper Laundry
Why Choose Cloth Diapers?