How it Works

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

1. SHELL - A shell that wraps around your baby to trap the poop
2. INNER - An inner core that absorbs the pee
3. 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