New to Cloth Diapers? Cloth diaper world can be overwhelming with so many diapers to choose from. Basically, cloth diapers fall into mainly 6 categories: flats, prefolds, contours, fitted, pockets and all in ones and hybrids and they are either made from synthetic or natural fiber. Examples natural fibers are cotton, hemp, bamboo, wool and synthetic fibers are micro fleece and micro suede. Here is a basic overview of the cloth diapering system to help you get started. Flats Flat diapers are the old fashion diapers that most people are use to. The diapers are made of a single layer of cotton, normally gauze, and are rectangular in shape and must be folded to fit your baby. Flat diapers must be fastened with a diaper pin or snappi and require a water proof cover. Flat diapers are the least absorbent of the all the diapers. Many people use them as a burp cloth or as a doubler for other diapering system. 
Pre-fold Pre-fold diapers are similar to flat diapers however, the diaper is sewn into 3 sections. Each section has multiple layers with the most layer in the middle section where the absorbency is needed the most. A number system is used to describe the numbers of layers in each section for example a 4x8x4 ply means that the outer sections have 4 layers of cotton and the middle has 8 layers of cotton. Pre-fold diapers must be folded like a diaper to fit your baby and require a water proof cover and a diaper fastener. They are the most absorbent, durable and the best economical choice. The cotton may be bleached to removed natural oil found in the plant or can be left natural. 
Contour Contour diapers are pre-shaped diapers that look similar to an hour glass however, they have no elastic in the waist or legs. Contour diapers require a fastener such as a diaper pin or snappi and a water proof diaper cover. They are more expensive than prefolds and flats however, easier to use since they do not require shaping. They may not contain blow out as well as prefolds and flat. 
Fitted Fitted diapers are shaped like disposable diapers. They have elastic in the waist and the legs and does not require a diaper pin or snappi fastener however, they still require a water proof diaper cover. They are the easiest to use and contain blow out well. 
Pocket Pocket diapers have a 2 part system, the diaper and the insert. The diaper outer layer has a water proof backing, the inside is lined with a layer of fleece and there is an opening in the back so you can put the absorbent insert in. One down side is, diaper cannot work without the insert and depending on the type of insert used, diaper could be very bulky. All in Ones They are the cloth version of disposable diapers. They have all the elements of a diapering system sewn into one. The diaper is fastened using either aplix or snaps. Because the soaker is built into the diaper, all in ones take longer to dry. All in one diapers are the most expensive diapering choice. However, they are an excellent choice for spouses, daycare, grandparents, and for anyone new to cloth diapering. Hyrid Diapers These diapers are like an all in one diaper but the inserts are removeable. The diaper has a re-usable waterproof outer shell and the inserts are removed when they become soiled and replaced with a new one.  
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