| System |
Cost |
Care |
Pros |
Cons |
| Prefolds and covers |
$-$$ |
Wash and dry quickly.
Covers are reusable until soiled so you don’t need as many. |
Prefolds are versatile. Can be used as diapers with or without fasteners. Can also be used as inserts, doublers and burpcloths!
Can double up, add doublers or add hemp prefolds (more absorbent than cotton) to increase absorbency. |
May require more frequent changes to avoid leaks.
Not fitted in shape.
Less convenient than other systems – two pieces to get on to baby.
May not hold in explosive bowel movements as well as fitted diapers due to lack of leg/back elastic. |
| Fitted diapers and covers |
$$-$$$ |
Easy to wash.
Diapers without fold-out or snap-out soakers (internal soakers) take longer to dry. |
Easier to use than prefolds – no special folding involved! Just secure snaps, velcro or snappi diaper fastener and add a cover!
Absorbency depends on material. (Hemp is more absorbent than flannel.) Can use doublers to increase absorbency. |
May have to buy multiple sizes if not using one-size options.
Less convenient than other systems – two pieces to get on to baby. |
| All-in-ones (AIOs) |
$$-$$$ |
Attached cover increases drying time unless it has a snap-in soaker so that cover is washed seperately (All-in-two) when the drying time is much faster.
Diapers without fold-out or snap-out soakers take longer to dry. |
Very user friendly.
Single piece makes them as easy to use as a disposable.
Absorbency depends on material. (Hemp is more absorbent than cotton.) |
More expensive than two-piece systems unless using ones that allow you to snap out the soaker and snap in a new one.
Cover is washed every time so may wear out faster. Unless using a AIO with a snap out soaker so that the cover can be reused several times before washing.
Need to buy multiple sizes. |
| Pocket diapers |
$$-$$$ |
Easy, thorough wash and quick dry because insert and diaper are washed separately. |
Very user-friendly, as easy to use as a disposable once insert is in.
Can adjust absorbency to meet baby’s changing needs.
Stay-dry lining covers inside of diaper, nothing else touches baby’s skin.
Absorbency depends on material. (Hemp is more absorbent than cotton.) |
More expensive option unless opting for one-size system.
Cover is washed every time so may wear out faster than a system with a cover that can be reused several times before washing. |
