Types of CD

There are many types of cloth diapers (CDs) available in the market.

The basic types are:

• pocket diapers
• All-In-Ones (AIO)
• All-In- Twos (AI2)
• Fitted diapers
• Diaper covers (to be used with prefolds/ flats (kain lampin)

What are modern CDs?

Previously, i had NO IDEA these things exist! My husband & i were discussing about our household expenditure and we were sort of brain storming on ways to save cost. I stumbled upon CDs while shopping at a local maternity shop and went home & googled it. So i was jumping from 1 page to another.. i was reading all about CDs over a few days before i finally decided.. this was the way to go!

I'm sure those out there who are in my position would feel the same way. So to help your journey through cloth diapering, I'm writing this article in attempt to simplify things. CDs existed a long time ago- we're just ignorant. I'm no expert in CDing and my knowledge & experience is very limited. But i'll share what i know with those who don't know...

Do you remember, when we were small (well, at least when I was...) our mothers used to put us on cloth nappies which are wrapped with a plastic/ pvc wrap?

Well, Modern CDs are reusable diapers which have been modified in order to make them more practical in our daily life.

There are many, many types to choose from, and many many ways to use them. Simply:

1. Pocket diapers: diaper covers with inserts that you insert into the diaper
2. All in Ones (AIO): diaper covers with inserts that are already sewn onto the cover
3. All in twos (AI2): diaper covers with removable inserts
4. Fitted diapers: diapers which are absorbent on its own, however, require an outer cover to make them waterproof
5. Flats: which are the traditional 'kain lampin' that need folding & a diaper cover
6. Prefolds: pieces of thick cloth which are already 'folded' & sewn which you can  just pin or use a snappy with, to secure the diaper & use it with a diaper cover outside

The 1st 3 types are usually sold together with inserts (cloth that are used to absorb the fluid). Or you could also get flats (the ol' square cloth nappy our parents/ grams used to CD us a.k.a kain lampin) or prefolds that can be used with a water-resistant diaper cover.

Pocket diaper. Note the insert being stuffed into the cover. This means that the whole diaper needs to be changed when soiled

All in 2s. The insert is snapped onto the cover & removed when soiled- if the cover is still clean it can be reused with a fresh insert. Note: All in 1s look exactly the same, except that the insert is sewn onto the cover.

All-in -one CD (AIO)- with sewn in soaker

Fitted diaper- note how thick and 'squishy' this fitted is: so it can absorb more fluids better. Needs a cover to make it waterproof. Some people don't use it with a cover- as long as the layers are enough to absorb fluids, it shouldn't leak!

A flat diaper (folded), used with a diaper cover. Suitable option for cloth diapering a newborn (economical and easy)

A prefold used with a fleece cover. Also a good option for cloth diapering a newborn.

Inserts:

• made from many types of material, mainly microfibre, bamboo, cotthon, zorb & hemp (and many more)
• comes in many shapes & sizes- usually comes together in a set, but with some creativity, mixing & matching would do the job quite well...

So, i hope i didn't miss much and i hope it's clear enough for those CD virgins out there...

I personally do not have a favourite 'system'. I use nearly all types of CDs mentioned because each of them has their own pros & cons. Whatever it is, I love cloth diapering my child & I always look forward to a new cloth diapering experience.

For NEWBORN CLOTH DIAPERING TIPS click here

Which CD is for me?

Wow... this is a CHALLENGING one...

It's difficult to predict which type of CD suits whom because a lot of factors contribute. This is what i think:

POCKET DIAPERS are for:

• those who like to use CDs like using disposables- change the whole lot at each changing session. Don't need to think about replacing inserts & cleaning/ wiping the shell
• those who don't mind buying many CDs- well, most pockets are a lot cheaper than AIOs & AI2s anyway
• babies who don't poop too often (bigger ones)- newborns will consume quite a number of pocket diapers as they poop all the time!
• babysitters or nursery teachers- because they can just chuck the whole diaper into the diaper bag & let the moms clean up when they get home

ALL-IN-ONES (AIOs) are for:

• those who need the absorbency (heavy wetters)
• those who don't like pocket diapers (as they tend to leak), yet want the convenience of a pocket diaper
• those with bigger budgets
• those who don't like to snap on inserts
• those with hyperactive kids who wont let their inserts stay in place for long

ALL-IN-TWOS (AI2s) are for:

• absorbency
• those who feel it is more convenient & cost saving to buy many inserts & just a few shells for CDing (mind you, AI2s are among the more expensive CDs around)
• those with even bigger budgets
• more creative moms.. hehehe...
• those who travel- because they can also use disposable inserts while travelling & therefore don't need to carry too many items
• maybe newborns- shells can be used creatively with flats or prefolds as diaper covers! yay!
• (me..)

There are also other diaper types e.g. fitted diaper- but i don't think i'll be commenting on these as their principles of use are just like the pockets, except that u need to use them with waterproof covers in order to make them not leak..

I hope this helps, especially those who are considering cloth diapering their children.
All the best!

Email me at babyultracdshop@yahoo.com if you have any cloth diapering questions. I may not be an expert, but I will definitely share my thoughts & experience with you.