With the selection offered these days, you’re not quite certain which one to decide to go with your baby. Or you may have inquiry about cloth diapers. To start you on your journey of cloth diapering, read our parent’s guide below:
The world of cloth diapering has changed a lot since the days of the classic cotton square cloth (lampin 4 segi) and safety pins we are all well-known with. We also remember the plastic pants @ “Seluar Getah”that are uncomfortable, yellow over time, retain odor and leak.
Today, the cloth diaper is a mix of natural and modern fabric materials that are:
Polyurethane Laminate (PUL) fabrics were developed for the medical industry and hold up well in the washer and dryer.
High tech microfleece/suede wicks moisture away from baby's skin and keeps them dry and rash-free. Solids roll off the microfleece easily, eliminating the need for dunking or rinsing. Use of aplix and plastic snaps make diaper changes quick and easy.
The flat cotton diapers are thin and non-absorbent and therefore need very frequent diaper changes. Consequently, welcome to the world of microfiber and hemp fabric.
Cloth diapers basically fall into 4 categories:
1. Prefolds or flats - Flat cloth diapers are the classic cotton square which is folded to fit baby, and secured with diaper pins or a Snappi. A variation of the flat diaper is the Prefold, which includes extra layering in the center.
Flat and prefold diapers are the least expensive choice in cloth diapers, costing in the area of RM90 per dozen for prefold, or around RM25 for flat cotton gauze diapers. These diapers require waterproof outer covers, so they are a three piece diapering system (diaper, cover, closure for diaper).
2. Fitted Diapers - Fitted cloth diapers are next step up in the evolution of the cloth diaper from the simple flat diapers or prefold diapers that were the norm many years ago. Fitted diapers are exactly what they sound like. Instead of the flat and shapeless diapers our parents may have used, fitted diapers are fitted and snug, usually with elastic gatherings in the legs and waist, making them a perfect fit for any baby. They usually have closures of some sort as well, either hook or loop, velcro or snaps.
Fitted diapers are not waterproof so you do need a diaper cover to put over them but they are very easy to put on a baby and very easy to put under a cover without uncomfortable bunching. Some fitted diapers have also been known to contain a pocket for stuffing (see pocket diapers). Fitted diapers come in a variety of materials but some of the most popular choices are cotton knits, flannel, hemp, terry cloth, sherpa, bamboo, or velour.
3. Pocket Diapers - They are cloth diapers with a pocket. Most generally have two layers, an outer layer and an inner layer, with a hole or pocket that separate the two at one point, forming an opening for the absorbent material to be inserted. The absorbent material that is inserted into the pocket is what absorbs the moisture when baby relieves himself. It can be removed later for more effective cleaning. Many parents believe that pocket diapers are the most innovative invention in diapering ever.
4. All-in-Ones (AIOs) - It is a type of diaper that functions completely on its own without the need for extra accessories. It does not require separate soaker material to absorb or a separate diaper cover to contain leaks. All of the features are neatly packaged into one diaper.
The world of cloth diapering has changed a lot since the days of the classic cotton square cloth (lampin 4 segi) and safety pins we are all well-known with. We also remember the plastic pants @ “Seluar Getah”that are uncomfortable, yellow over time, retain odor and leak.
Today, the cloth diaper is a mix of natural and modern fabric materials that are:
- supple (comfy)
- sturdy (machine and dryer friendly)
- hygienic (do not retain odor or leak)
- Very convenient! (easy to put on, take off and clean)
Polyurethane Laminate (PUL) fabrics were developed for the medical industry and hold up well in the washer and dryer.
High tech microfleece/suede wicks moisture away from baby's skin and keeps them dry and rash-free. Solids roll off the microfleece easily, eliminating the need for dunking or rinsing. Use of aplix and plastic snaps make diaper changes quick and easy.
The flat cotton diapers are thin and non-absorbent and therefore need very frequent diaper changes. Consequently, welcome to the world of microfiber and hemp fabric.
Cloth diapers basically fall into 4 categories:
1. Prefolds or flats - Flat cloth diapers are the classic cotton square which is folded to fit baby, and secured with diaper pins or a Snappi. A variation of the flat diaper is the Prefold, which includes extra layering in the center.
Flat and prefold diapers are the least expensive choice in cloth diapers, costing in the area of RM90 per dozen for prefold, or around RM25 for flat cotton gauze diapers. These diapers require waterproof outer covers, so they are a three piece diapering system (diaper, cover, closure for diaper).
2. Fitted Diapers - Fitted cloth diapers are next step up in the evolution of the cloth diaper from the simple flat diapers or prefold diapers that were the norm many years ago. Fitted diapers are exactly what they sound like. Instead of the flat and shapeless diapers our parents may have used, fitted diapers are fitted and snug, usually with elastic gatherings in the legs and waist, making them a perfect fit for any baby. They usually have closures of some sort as well, either hook or loop, velcro or snaps.
Fitted diapers are not waterproof so you do need a diaper cover to put over them but they are very easy to put on a baby and very easy to put under a cover without uncomfortable bunching. Some fitted diapers have also been known to contain a pocket for stuffing (see pocket diapers). Fitted diapers come in a variety of materials but some of the most popular choices are cotton knits, flannel, hemp, terry cloth, sherpa, bamboo, or velour.
3. Pocket Diapers - They are cloth diapers with a pocket. Most generally have two layers, an outer layer and an inner layer, with a hole or pocket that separate the two at one point, forming an opening for the absorbent material to be inserted. The absorbent material that is inserted into the pocket is what absorbs the moisture when baby relieves himself. It can be removed later for more effective cleaning. Many parents believe that pocket diapers are the most innovative invention in diapering ever.
4. All-in-Ones (AIOs) - It is a type of diaper that functions completely on its own without the need for extra accessories. It does not require separate soaker material to absorb or a separate diaper cover to contain leaks. All of the features are neatly packaged into one diaper.
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