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Perhaps like me, some of you have some preconceived notions about cloth diapering. True, they may be more eco-friendly, but what about the excessive laundry? The inconvenience? The whole shaking "solids" off into the toilet thing? I'll be honest — it's this last one that has been the hardest to overcome. Even so, the adjustment turned out to be no big deal. For those of you new to CDing (cloth diapering), be warned that it is an entire sub-community complete with its own websites, blogs, lingo and heroes. There are a variety of styles (all-in-one, pocket, fitted, etc.), materials (cotton, fleece, hemp, etc.) and closures (velcro vs. snaps). If you haven't checked out CDing in the last decade, you'll be amazed at the advances in style and technology. Give it a try with these top five all-in-one and pocket diaper picks — these aren't your mother's cloth diapers. —
Katie Bayless
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Fuzzi Bunz Pocket Diaper - $17.95
While many of the modern cloth diapers utilize the "pocket diaper" model, Fuzzi Bunz claims to be the original creator of the design. The diaper unit consists of an outer waterproof shell and a micro fleece interior that has a pocket for one or more terry inserts, depending on how heavy a wetter you have. Five reasons this is my top pick? 1) No leaks--ever. And I never used more than one insert. 2) No bulkiness -- bubble-butt won't be a problem with these diapers. 3) No staining -- I've used these diapers for two months now and they still come out of the wash crystal clean. 4) Quick drying -- some of the bulkier diapers are still wet coming out of the dryer, but not Fuzzi Bunz. 5) Ultra-adjustable snap closures -- at first I couldn't figure out why I liked Fuzzi Bunz's snaps — snaps are less convenient, especially on a squirmy baby. But I learned the hard way that being (slightly) more tricky to get on, also means they are more difficult for little hands to get off (picture a crib covered in crap thanks to some of the diapers that didn't make this list). Check out the Fuzzi Bunz website for more info, FAQ, tips and instructions.
Buy it from Fuzzi Bunz.
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gDiapers -
$16.99
gDiapers were vying for the top slot in this list, but admittedly, they are not a true cloth diaper. They are more of a cloth-disposable hybrid, but like most hybrids these days, they have a cool factor that makes being green sexy. The gDiaper consist of three parts — a washable, cotton outer "little g" pant, a reusable nylon snap-in liner, and a disposable insert. It's the inserts that are truly unique. Constructed without plastic, latex, elemental chlorine or perfumes, the biodegradable inserts look like a big ole maxipad and can flushed (follow manufacturer instructions to avoid clogging), tossed in the trash (they'll break down in days instead of years like regular disposable diapers) or for the truly eco-committed, the wet ones can even be composted in your garden, breaking down in fifty to 150 days (though no promises about how your yard will smell). Although I didn't try this, their site also claims that the "little g" pant and liners can be used with cloth inserts. From my trials, I liked the gDiapers' hybrid-ness, snug, non-bulky fit and the Velcro closure in back to prevent prying hands. Try them for yourself with their starter kit ($26.99), complete with two "little g" pants and ten disposable liners.
Buy it from gDiapers.
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Rumpsters, Oh! All-in-One - $24
I liked this all-in-one diaper by Rumpsters because of its unique inner flap design. Instead of there being one piece of material in the crotch, there are five layers of absorbent hemp divided into two flaps that you fold down on top of each other. The benefits of this patent-pending design? The flap system provides maximum absorbency while still allowing all layers to be exposed in the washer and dryer (read: gets cleaner and dries more thoroughly). One of the flaps is topped with stay-dri micro fleece. When this flap is on top, the fleece wicks the moisture away from your babe. However, if you are potty training, put the non-fleece flap on top and the child will feel when he's wet. Additionally, if five layers of hemp are not enough to keep your baby dry, the flaps can act as a pocket diaper, securely holding in an additional absorbent layer if needed. The newly redesigned Rumpsters also have reinforced leg openings to prevent any unwelcomed side leaks. A breeze to use and so adorable on, they are a bit more expensive than the competition. Check out their entire color selections as well as their One-Size Rumpsters Q diaper.
Buy it from Pinstripes and Polkadots.
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bumGenius One-Size Fits All -
17.95; and All-in-One - 15.95
In addition to a fitted diaper, the bumGenius line also includes an adjustable One-Size Pocket diaper and All-in-One diaper that I test-drove. The newly-released 3.0 models boast a new cloth-like feel to the outer laminate material and double crossover tabs for additional stay-closed strength. Each One-Size diaper also comes with a Cotton Babies Microfiber Insert that allows for two folding options to provide the best absorbency coverage for either boys or girls. The One-Size diaper claims to be sufficient for babies eight to thirty-five pounds — though I noticed many customers recommend using additional inserts for babes on the smaller end of that spectrum. Cute and easy to use, the All-in-Ones were less bulky than the One-Sizers. However, I wasn't thrilled by the three-wash-cycles-per-wearing the site recommends. I've been doing a sink rinse and one washing machine cycle to get them clean — at least I think they're clean . . .
Buy it from Cotton Babies.
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Happy Heiny Pocket Diaper — $
17.95
If bottoms could speak, I think my son's would give Happy Heiny's Pocket Diaper two bums up. The insides are lined with custom milled fleece while the outer layer is made of a poly laminate. Most sizes are available in eighteen to twenty different solid colors and a handful of patterns. I second the website's tagline — "Dad and babysitter approved!" — as these rank near the top for ease of use. Simply add the "stuffin" and attach with the Velcro tabs — done! Though these diapers did seem a bit on the bulky side, a tiny heiny might actually benefit from the extra help holding pants up. Check out the entire Happy Heiny website for One-Size and fitted diapers as well as a collection of covers, training pants and accessories.
Buy it from Amazon.
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