Cloth diapering is so different today from the prefolds, pins, and rubber pants your parents and grandparents used to use. It can be a little overwhelming trying to learn all the different choices you have. But once you figure it out and find what works for you I think you will find it so worth it. Not can cloth diapering be very economical and a way to help our environment, it is also a very healthy choice for your baby and can make a normally dreaded task of changing a diaper lots of fun!

Here is some basic information that should give you an idea of the type of cloth diapers that are out there and how they are used:

Look at these two sites for a great visual tutorial on cloth diapers:
ES Baby
Cloth Diapering Basics

Prefolds and Flats are the actual cloth diaper.

• Prefolds are sewn by dividing the cloth into three sections lengthwise. The outer sections have 4 layers, the middle has either 6 or 8 (regular has the 6 layers in the middle....premium has the 8 layers). You will see them usually referred to as prefolds with 4x6x4 for regular or 4x8x4 for premium.

• Flats are a large, single layer of cloth.

• Both are a rectangular shape and need to be folded and either pinned or snappied on to your babe. They can also be folded in thirds and laid inside of a cover (Bummis covers are good for this).

Fitteds are cloth diapers that are sewn and shaped to fit baby. The have snaps or aplix/velcro for fastening. Easy to use because you don't have to worry about folding and pinning/snapping. They do cost more than Prefolds and Flats, but the ease of use is what makes them worth while. Fitteds have different combinations of material used for absorbency, preference, and design.

Prefolds, Flats, and Fitteds all need covers. They are made out of cloth and are not waterproof.

Covers can be made out of PUL (synthetic plastic type material), Fleece, or Wool. There are your typical wraps/covers that go over a diaper which are made out of PUL, Fleece, and Wool. Knitted wool longies, shorts, or soakers are another option to use as a cover. And there is Wool and Fleece fabric shorts and pants that can be used as a cover.

AIOs are fitted diapers with a waterproof layer of PUL, Fleece, or Wool fabric sewn onto it. So it's exactly what the name is.... an All-in-One. You don't need anything else. Some have extra soakers/doublers to snap or lay in for more absorbency. I believe that's when it is called an All-in-Two. These are as close as you can get to using a disposable. Price is higher than other diapers, but it is definitely the easiest diapering system to use.

Pockets are sewn and shaped like AIOs, but have a pocket where you put an insert of some kind of cloth material. Some people like to use these because they are a little cheaper than AIOs, can be taken apart for washing, and dry quicker than AIOs. They are also a very desirable option because you can decide which type of insert and how many you want to put into the pocket to adjust absorbency. Some people use Prefolds to stuff in there, hemp inserts, micro terry inserts, etc. Also, pockets are good because the insert is not sitting right up against baby's skin. It's under a layer of stay-dry material like micro fleece or suede cloth. That's why pockets are popular to use at night. That wetness is not sitting on there skin all night and you can adjust absorbency.

If you choose to use Prefolds or Fitteds at night with a cover, you can add a doubler/soaker lined with micro fleece or suede cloth to keep baby's skin dry. Also Fitteds and AIOs can be lined with micro fleece or add a doubler lined with micro fleece for the same reason.

What You Need to Get Started
Here is an average amount of diapers and covers you will need for a stash if you want to wash every two days:

• 24 to 36 cloth diapers (whether it's prefolds, fitteds, pockets, or AIOs).

• 4 to 6 cloth diaper covers

• 12-24 doublers for super soakers or nighttime. (optional)

Some other things you may need for cloth diapering are:

• Wet bag, Pail liner, or Diaper Pail - for storing dirty diapers.

• 2-3 dozen Cloth Wipes - if you're going to cloth diaper, cloth wipes are just as easy to do.

• Wipe Solution - very easy to make your own. You can store it in a spray bottle.

Basic Wash Routine
Cold Rinse (to rinse out any pee and poop and help stains from setting)
Hot Wash with 1/4 - 1/2 amount of detergent
Cold Rinse
Dry in the dryer or line dry. Drying in the sun will help remove stains.

Here is some excellent information on detergents and washing diapers:PinStripes and PolkaDots.

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If you are looking for more information and help with cloth diapering here are some wonderful links for you to view. They all have some very thorough and helpful information:

PinStripes and PolkaDots
Diaper Pin
Diaper Pages-Karen of Kool Sheep Soakers has made a very informative website with a ton of cd'ing info.
Diaper Decisions
Diaper Hyena


Once you have an idea of what you want to try there are so many stores out there you can order from (WAHM's, Congos, Hyena Cart). Some stores have diaper packages to get you started. Take a look at our list of WAHM's on SK who have their own cloth diapering or related business. Also, make sure you check out our Fluffy Classifieds page for used diapers. Most moms keep their diapers in good-excellent condition. It's a great way to try cloth diapers for a cheaper price.

There are plenty more products out there for us to use. It's all up to your preferences, how much money you want to spend, and what works for you and your baby

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*NOTE* If you would like your WAHM business added or if you have had your link removed from this page, please pm one of the host with a working link. We would be happy to add you on our list.

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Here is list/dictionary of commonly used terms. Please PM one of the host with any additions you would like to see.

AIO: All In One Diaper (a diaper and cover in one)
AP: Attachment Parenting
Aplix: Hook and Loop closure, like Velcro
BCPF: Bleached Chinese Prefolds
BF: Breastfeed or Breastfed
BM: Breast milk
CD: Cloth Diapering
CPF: Chinese Prefolds
Congos: A group of WAHM's that stock a variety of items in one store.
Diaper Duck: Tool to help you dunk & wring dipes without touching dipe.
Doubler: See def. #2 for soakers
Dry pail: A method of storing soiled diapers for laundering
DSQ: Diaper Service Quality. High quality Prefolds.
EBF: Extended Breastfeeding (past 1 year)
EC: Elimination Communication
EC: Excellent Condition (usually seen in descriptions on the classifieds page)
ETA: Edited to Add
Fitteds: Formed diapers that require a cover.
Flats: “Old Fashioned” diaper. Single-ply square shaped diaper without panels.
Fleece: Synthetic fabric that has the ability to wick moisture away from the skin. Makes great covers and liners.
Fluffy mail: Diaper Mail
FOE: Fold over elastic
FS: For Sale
FSOT: For Sale or Trade
HC: Hyena Cart
Hemp: An absorbent fabric used in diapers, inserts, or doublers that has become popular because of it's durability and absorbency
Hyenas: One with an insatiable craving for cute, but hard to obtain, diapers. Contagious condition that overtakes CDing folks gradually until the call of the perfect diaper is overwhelming.
IPF: Indian Prefolds
IRL: In Real Life
ISO: In Search Of
Liners: Thin material used between baby's bottom and diaper. Examples are flushable biodegradable paper liners or fleece liners that keep baby's bottom dry.
LLL: La Leche League (international breastfeeding support organization)
MDC: Mothering Dot Commune
MM: Maldin Mills - polar fleece company
NAK: Nursing At Keyboard (one handed typing)
OC: Organic Cotton
OS: One Size
OV: Organic Velour
PM: Private Message
Pockets: Two-piece diapering system with a piece of fleece or suedecloth that makes up the inner fabric and a waterproof layer that makes up the outermost portion. An absorbent material/insert is placed inside of the two pieces or the pocket to make the whole system act as an all in one that keeps babies dry.
PPD: Postage Paid
Prefold/PF: Rectangular diaper sewn in panels with center panel being 6 to 8 ply and outer panels being 2 or 4 ply. Regular prefolds would be 4x6x4. Premiums are 4x8x4.
PRR: Painting Red Rhinos (a children's clothing manufacturer that also sells their fabrics - popular amid diaper making WAHMs.
PUL: Polyurethane Laminate. Breathable or Non-Breathable fabric used as a waterproofing layer in AIOs and diaper covers.
RLR: Laundry treatment found on Wal-Mart's laundry aisle that can be used for stripping. Package says it's a once a month laundry treatment. Not a bleach, bluing or detergent. Makes whites whiter, colors brighter! No phosphates, non-polluting, biodegradable.
SAHD: Stay At Home Dad
SAHM: Stay At Home Mom
Snappi: Three-Legged plastic piece used to secure prefold and flatfold diapers
Soaker: 1.) a knitted wool diaper pull-on cover (old-fashioned name) or 2.) an additional layer that can be added to increase absorbency to a diaper, also called a doubler.
SOS: Susie One Size, Christensen's Creations diaper co.
SP: Sugar Peas diapers
TTO: Tea Tree Oil, Essential Oil often added to wipe solution or to launder dipes.
UBCPF: Unbleached Chinese Prefolds
WAHD: Work At Home Dad
WAHM: Work At Home Mom
Wet Pail: A method of storing soiled diapers for laundering.
Wicking: The movement of liquid through fabric. With covers and AIOs, wicking refers to the movement of liquid from the inside of the diaper to the outside, resulting in wet clothing. With pocket diapers or fleece lined soakers, wicking refers to the movement of liquid through the micro fleece or suede cloth to the absorbent layer of the diaper, resulting in a stay dry feeling next to baby's skin.
WOHM: Work Out Of The Home Mom
Wool: A natural fabric or yarn made of fleece of sheep or lamb. Its water repelling and absorbing properties, antibacterial properties, and breath ability are what make it popular for use as a diaper cover.


Thank you to SK mamas Taquita/Toni, Mewsin/Jodi, My3babes/Stacy, Cajunrose/Stephanie, Karen of Kool Sheep Soakers, and all the others who provided us with a lot of this information.

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Sometimes ordering your first wool can be a little confusing! So here is instructions on how to properly measure you little one for their wool!

It is recommended to measure over your bulkiest fitted! But I know some peoples nighttime fitteds are way to bulky! So if you don't plan to use this piece over your nighttime diapers measure over your bulkiest daytime fitted!

Waist: Measure above the diaper usually around the belly button.

Hips: Measure the biggest part of their hips! This is more important then their waist!

Rise: Measure from their belly button through their legs to the back right above where the waist is!

Thighs: Measure the fattest part of their thighs. Again this is very important as you need the leg to be able to easily go on to their whole leg!d

Inseam: Measure from the inside of their crotch to where you want the cuff to be.

If you have your measurements a little big (which is what usually happens with a wiggly baby) it doesn't matter!

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