How it Works
Posted by MAJALIWA BASS
First Published 08/25/2022.
Contrary to popular belief, cloth diapering does not have to be a time consuming task. This article will quickly summarize the world of cloth diapers and how you can quickly get started.
In this post I'll cover questions like...
- How does a cloth diaper function?
- Properties of cloth diapers
- What are the different types of cloth diapers?
- What is the best type of Pooters cloth diaper to buy?
- How to start cloth diapering
How does a cloth diaper function?
Like disposable diapers, all cloth diapers have 3 parts - a shell, inner core, and outer waterproof cover.
Properties of cloth diapers
- SHELL - A shell that wraps around your baby to trap the poop
- INNER - An inner core that absorbs the pee
- OUTER - An outer, waterproof layer to keep your clothes dry
What are the different types of cloth diapers?
There are roughly 6 different types of cloth diapers, but they can put into 3 groups. For this article, I'll call the groups Type I, II, and III.
- Type I: All in One cloth diapers have all 3 parts (shell + inner core + outer layer) sewn together in one diaper. These diapers are best used during the daytime and when your baby is a newborn.
- Type II: All in Two and Pocket cloth diapers only have 2 parts (shell + outer layer) sewn together. The inner core is separate.
- Type III: Fitted, Pre-fold, and Flat cloth diapers only have 1 part - the shell. The inner core and outer layer must be bought separately.
What is the best type of Pooters cloth diaper to buy?
At Pooters, making a diaper that is guaranteed not to leak is our number one priority. For that reason, we only sell Type III Fitted diapers - the most absorbent type of cloth diaper. To buy our Fitted diapers, you'll need to first choose your shell, the inner core, and then your outer cover.
Step 1: Choose a Diaper SHELL
We sell two types:
- Hemp Fitteds:
- Made from 6 layers of hemp
- Holds 18 ounces of pee
- Includes snaps to make it easy to put on and take off
- Choose this shell if your baby is a heavy wetter (20 ounces or more), or nurses through the night
- Snapless Fitteds:
- Made from organic cotton
- Holds 8 ounces of pee
- Does not include snaps. You must use a Snappi to secure this diaper around your baby
- Choose this shell if your baby has chunky thighs, is long and lean, or if you're on a budget.
Step 2: Choose an INNER Core
At Pooters, we sell 2 types of inner cores (aka inserts or boosters). These inner cores help to boost how much pee your diaper shell will hold.
- Stay-dry Hemp:
- Made from 7 layers of hemp jersey
- Holds 13 ounces of pee
- Includes a fleece layer to make your baby feel dry even when they're wet
- Choose this inner core if your baby is a heavy wetter, nursing through the night, or is sensitive to wetness.
- Hemp Diaper Booster Pad:
- Made from 6 layers of organic knit hemp terry
- Holds 2.5 ounces of pee
- Choose this inner core to add absorbency to your diaper shell during the day when you're changing the diaper every 2 to 3 hours. This inner core can also be used to increase absorbency in Type I and Type II diapers, as well as disposable diapers.
Step 3: Choose an OUTER Cover
Your Pooters diaper is going to be super absorbent, but you'll still need a waterproof cover to ensure that when the diaper gets wet, it doesn't wet your clothes. At Pooters, we sell 2 types of outer covers.
- PUL
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Fits babies 6 to 40 lbs
- Color-coded snaps make it easy to use and get a leak-free fit
- Machine washable
- Choose this outer cover if you're on a budget, or if you don't have time to hand wash.
- Wool:
- Made from 100% Merino Wool
- Fits babies 6 to 45 lbs
- Perfect for babies with sensitive skin
- Perfect for heavy wetters (babies who pee more than 27 oz a night)
- Must be hand-washed
- Holds up to 5 ounces
- Choose this outer cover if your baby has sensitive skin, or if they are a heavy wetter.
How to Start Cloth Diapering
Below is a rough guide for what you'll need to start cloth diapering The suggestions below will help you be able to cloth diaper for 2.5 days before needing to wash them.
- 24 to 30 diaper shells - we recommend these
- 24 to 30 hemp or bamboo inner cores (aka inserts) - we recommend these
- 2 to 3 overnight diaper shells - we recommend these
- 6 to 9 outer covers made from PUL - we recommend these or these
- 2 outer covers made from wool (for nighttime) - we recommend these
- 2 large hanging wet bags (for home or travel) - we recommend these
- 2 medium wet bags (for on-the-go) - we recommend these
- Diaper rash cream - we recommend this
- Detergent - we recommend this or this