Cloth Diapering:The Basic Questions

Got more questions on cloth diapering?

So far, I've discussed why I decided to use cloth diapers in part 1. Followed by the disclaimer portion in part 2.

I assume that by now, you're seriously considering to try it and you're hungry for more information. If you've done a bit of research, then you might be in danger of information overload. For your convenience, I have listed down the same questions I had before I made the first purchase.

Q.What are my options?

Based on my research, I've found 9 types of cloth diapering systems. I've narrowed them down to 6, based on what I think is available here in the Philippines.

Traditional Cloth Diapers
Flats	Prefolds	Fitted
	image from www.newandgreen.com	image from www.newandgreen.com
The traditional lampin we know Can be folded in different ways for different levels of absorption Requires a fastener (like pins or snappi) Paired with a diaper cover Pros: Inexpensive High availability - can be found in local department stores Versatile - can also be used as burp cloths or can be used as inserts Dries fast Cons: Less convenient because this requires folding. At some point, it would be difficult to use on an active baby.	Made of 3 multi-layer panels sewn together, with the middle layer being the thickest to provided increased absorbency. May require a fastener Paired with a diaper cover Pros: Relatively inexpensive Versatile - can be used as inserts Dries fast Cons: Less convenient because this requires folding. At some point, it would be difficult to use on an active baby Here in the Philippines, I dont think this is available in the department stores. Most likely you'll find them in specialty stores and online shops like theecobabyboutique	Fitted diapers are made of layers of an absorbent fabric, cut in an hour-glass shape. Similar to a disposable diaper Have built in closures (snaps or velcro) Paired with a diaper cover Pros: Relatively inexpensive (compared to pockets,AIOs and AI2s) Easier to use than flats and prefolds bacause it's already shaped and you don't have to use pins Cons: Low availability-  This isn't readily available in department stores. There may be some online shops that sell fitted diapers.
Modern Cloth Diapers
Pockets	All In Ones (AIO)	Hybrids/All In Twos (AI2)
image from www.greenninja.ca	image from www.diaperjunction.com	image from www.mommyoftwolittlemonkeys.com
Made up of 2 parts: the “pocket” or diaper cover and the absorbent insert. The outer layer of the pocket is made of a waterproof fabric (usually PUL), while the inner layer is a stay-dry fabric (usually fleece or suedecloth). Have built in closures (snaps or velcro) Pros: Very convenient (read:daddy friendly) and fast diaper change. Microfleece or Microsuede lining - baby feels dry, helps prevent diaper rash Medium availability - already saw some pockets being sold in department stores. There are also a lot of online sellers carrying different brands. Dries faster than an all-in-one. Cons: Once insert is soaked, you can't reuse the pocket. Extra laundry step: the stuffing of inserts More expensive than flats, prefolds and insert	The waterproof layer, the absorbent layer, and the layer against the skin are all sewn together in one diaper.  Have built in closures (snaps or velcro) Pros: The most convenient option- no separate parts to organize. Microfleece or Microsuede lining - baby feels dry, helps prevent diaper rash Cons: The most expensive type. Takes a long time to dry. Low availability - sold in specialty stores and online shops.	Similar to pocket diapers except that instead of stuffing a pocket, you snap the insert inside the diaper. Can adjust absorbency by  using doublers. Have built in closures (snaps or velcro) Pros: Very convenient (read:daddy friendly) and fast diaper change. You can reuse the cover Dries faster than an all-in-one. Cons: More expensive than flats, prefolds and insert Low availability - sold in specialty stores and online shops.

Q.Which option is the best for me?

These are my recommendations, based on experience and research:

• Flats/Prefolds - Ideal if you're on a tight budget and convenience is not at the top of your list.
• All-In-Ones- They're great if you want a the most convenient system and money is not an issue.
• Pockets - If you want to have something in between. My initial stash actually consisted of pocket diapers. They're made in China, so it's not that expensive.
• All-In-Twos (or Hybrids) - In my opinion (also based on experience), this is a better option than the pockets system. I would also include the diaper covers (like Cluebebe covers) in this category. The initial cost will be higher because they're generally more expensive than pockets. However, if you factor in re-usability (you can reuse the cover until they're soiled or stinky), I'd say you'll be better off with this option. My best friend and I compared notes and we both wished we started off with covers/AI2s instead of pockets.

Q.Where can I buy these items?

• Flats - You can find this at the baby section of any major department stores. If you live within Metro Manila, you might want to visit Divisoria. You can buy them at lower prices- depending on your haggling skills.
• Prefolds/Fitted - I don't know of any department stores carrying these types of cloth diapers. However, I seem to remember some online shops selling prefolds:
• Bambino Baby Shop - They also have a facebook page.
• The Eco Baby Boutique - I'm not sure if they have a facebook page.
• Pockets/AIOs/AI2s - Pockets are fairly easier to find here in Makati. You can find them at:
• Landmark - Papoose brand
• Baby Couture, Glorietta - Papoose brand
• Indigo Baby, Legaspi Sunday Market - Next9 cloth diapers

          If you are comfortable with online shopping, there are a number of online sellers that offer these three.

Allow me to promote (oh,shameless plug!) the Facebook Page that my best friend and I put together:

• Mommy HQ - we sell flats (Curity), pockets (Sunbaby) and diaper covers (Cluebebe)

Since multiply is already down, I'll just list down the sites and Facebook pages where I was able to buy cloth diapers:

• The Eco Baby Boutique
• Baby Chic Boutique
• Cluebebe Philippines
• Thrifty Mama Shoppe
• Baby Nate's Online Shop
• Earth Baby

You can also buy pre-owned cloth diapers. Yes, I bought second hand items too-mostly US brand cloth diapers like Grovia.

There is a Facebook group called Modern Cloth Nappying Pinays or MCNP. In this group, you'll find loads of information related to cloth diapering. And in this group, you could also buy second hand cloth diapers.

Q.How many pieces should I buy?

I am more familiar with the modern cloth diapers(Pockets/AIOs/AI2s), so I could not give an estimate for the traditional ones(Flats/Prefolds/Fitted).

If you plan to wash the diapers every other day, then I guess 24 is a safe number for a stash made up of purely pockets. It could be less if you use covers or AI2s.

Three dozen cloth diapers might still cost a lot if you buy them at once. If your budget (assuming you have one) makes it difficult to build your stash right away, then here are some suggestions:

• Start small - this was what I did. From 3 diapers, I slowly built my stash. In the process, I was able to try different brands. My last few purchases were covers and extra inserts.
• Buy pre-owned
• Join group buys

I hope this post gives you an idea on where to start. Happy shopping!