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If you’re wondering how cloth diapers work and why they’re gaining popularity, this guide is for you. We’ll explore the mechanics of modern cloth diapers, their benefits for your baby’s skin, and how they can help your family reduce waste and save money. Whether you’re an eco-conscious parent-to-be or simply intrigued by all the cute diaper prints, join us as we uncover why cloth diapers are becoming a practical choice for today’s families.
What’s Covered – Jump Ahead if You Wish
To start with the basics, cloth diapers are reusable diapers made from fabric. They commonly consist of an outer waterproof layer, an inner absorbent layer, and fasteners like snaps or velcro, to keep them on. Unlike disposable diapers, cloth diapers can be washed and reused.
Though it may seem like a new trend, cloth diapers have been around for centuries, long before disposable diapers were invented in the mid-20th century. Early versions were simple pieces of linen fastened with safety pins. Over the years, they’ve evolved significantly.
Today’s cloth diapers offer a blend of reusability, cost-effectiveness, and comfort that many families find appealing. Brands like Charlie Banana, which I’ve recently interviewed about diaper innovation (I’ll share some of what I learned below), have led the way in creating modern cloth diapers that combine convenience, comfort, and style to meet the needs of today’s parents.
But with various styles and systems available, it can seem overwhelming at first. Let’s explore the different types of cloth diapers, dive into exactly how this diapering choice works, and then drive home how cloth can have an impact on your baby’s bum, your pocketbook, and your household waste.
Types of Cloth Diapers and How They Work
Modern cloth diapers come in various styles, each with its own unique features and benefits. Let’s explore the main types:
A. Covers
Diaper covers are waterproof outer layers designed to go over absorbent inserts. They typically have a PUL (polyurethane laminate) or TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane) exterior and can be paired with prefolds, flats, or fitted diapers. Covers are reusable between diaper changes if not soiled, making them an economical choice.
It’s important to note that diaper covers are not the same as the covers you receive with pocket diapers, which we’ll discuss below.
B. Prefolds & flats
Prefolds and flats are the most traditional of the cloth diaper options, meaning they are the closest to your great-grandmother’s diapering options. With that said, even prefolds and flats have advanced in the past few decades.
Prefolds and flats are the classic cloth diaper options. Prefolds are rectangular pieces of fabric folded into three sections, with the middle section being the most absorbent. Flats are single layers of fabric that you fold to fit your baby. Both types require a cover to prevent leaks.
C. Fitted diapers
Fitted diapers are shaped like disposables but made entirely of absorbent material. They have elasticized legs and can also have an elasticized waist. Around the hips, fitteds can fasten with snaps or velcro or be secured with a separate fastener like a diaper pin or Snappi.
Fitted diapers provide excellent absorption and fit snugly but also need a cover to be waterproof.
D. All-in-one diapers
All-in-one (AIO) diapers are the closest to disposables in terms of convenience. They combine the absorbent layer and waterproof cover into a single unit, making them easy to use at the changing table but potentially a bit more difficult to clean and much slower to dry during laundering. They’re also difficult to customize in terms of absorbency.
E. Pocket diapers
Pocket diapers have become increasingly popular, especially among new cloth diapering families. They consist of a waterproof outer layer with a fabric inner lining partially sewn together, forming a pocket cover that can then be ‘stuffed’ with different absorbent inserts.
As mentioned earlier, I recently had the opportunity to interview Nicolette Vanderklaauw, Head of R&D at Charlie Banana, one of the leading pocket diaper brands in North America. She explained the appeal of pocket diapers, and why Charlie Banana chose to create pocket diapers and not another style of diapers (like those listed above).
“There are multiple reasons,” Vanderklaauw said. “First, there are lots of benefits to having the absorbent layer separate from the diaper shell. For instance, inserts typically take longer to dry than the waterproof shell. With a pocket diaper, you can keep extra clean inserts on hand, so that you don’t have to wait for your freshly washed inserts to dry.”
Pocket diapers offer versatility in absorbency and are relatively easy to use, making them a favored choice for many modern parents. Their customizable nature allows parents to adjust absorbency based on their baby’s needs, whether for daytime use or overnight protection.
How Cloth Diapers Work, Really
Cloth diapers may seem simple, but they’re actually marvels of engineering designed to keep your baby dry and comfortable, while preventing leaks. Let’s break down how they work:
Step One: They Absorb Baby’s Waste
Cloth diapers are designed to keep your baby dry and comfortable by effectively absorbing wetness and moisture. To do that, they need an ultra-absorbent layer.
The inner absorbent layer, often made of materials like microfiber, cotton, bamboo, or hemp, soaks up liquid, and holds it there, just like the pulp inside a disposable diaper does.
The type, material, and yes, even brand, of cloth diaper you choose will determine how much the cloth diaper can absorb.
For example, Nicolette Vanderklaauw from Charlie Banana explained that, “Each [Charlie Banana Fleece] insert can hold up to 300 ml of liquid, or 3-4 ‘gushes’ of baby’s pee, which is enough to last through overnight.”
Not all inserts can hold that much, but we’ll talk about quality a little later, for now, just know that absorption is the first step. But while being able to hold all the liquid your baby can let go is key, it’s only half the equation as a diaper also needs to hold it all there before the next diaper change.
Step Two: They Seal Against Baby’s Skin to Keep Mess Contained
Preventing leaks is crucial in any diaper. Cloth diapers achieve this through a combination of design elements.
The first of these is a waterproof outer layer, usually made of PUL (Polyurethane Laminate), which prevents moisture from seeping out. The second, is elastic around the legs and waist to create a snug fit that holds messes in.
Once again, we can use Charlie Banana pocket diapers as a good example, as they not only use PUL, leg and waist elastics, but they also have gone a step further and made the leg elastics themselves adjustable, to get a great seal around baby’s leg crease, which is vital for preventing leaks.
“For leakage prevention, we have two types of elastics, a wide back elastic and two leg elastics,” Vanderklaauw said about Charlie Banana diapers. “The leg elastics are adjustable. They look like a bra strap and have eight settings, so you can customize the leg openings and the rise.”
Step Three: They Grow with Baby to Maintain that Seal
A proper fit is essential for cloth diapers to work effectively. Most modern cloth diapers are designed to grow with your baby, typically using snap closures or hook-and-loop (or Velcro) fasteners to adjust the waist and “rise” (how high the diaper sits on the belly).
However, Charlie Banana one-size reusable diapers set themselves apart with a unique adjustment system. “They grow with the baby, from about 8 to 35 pounds, and because the rise is adjusted via a leg-sizing elastic inside the diaper pocket, we don’t need a ton of confusing snaps,” Vanderklaauw explains.
This innovative approach differs from other brands that use multiple rows of snaps on the front of the diaper to adjust the rise. Instead, Charlie Banana’s system allows for a more precise fit around the legs, which is crucial for preventing leaks.
“On the front of the diaper, there are two rows of snaps to regulate the fit around the waist and the thighs,” Vanderklaauw adds. “These need to be secured every time, similarly to how you would secure a disposable diaper, but it only takes six snaps.”
The simplicity of this system makes Charlie Banana diapers particularly user-friendly. “Fewer snaps means the diapers are much easier to use for people who are not familiar with cloth,” Vanderklaauw notes. “Our customers regularly use words like ‘husband-‘ and ‘family-friendly’.”
By combining adjustable outer snaps with their unique internal leg-sizing elastic, Charlie Banana offers a versatile, easy-to-use solution that can adapt to your growing baby while maintaining an effective, leak-proof fit – a feature that truly sets them apart in the cloth diaper market.
This focus on proper fit isn’t just about comfort – it’s crucial to how all cloth diapers work.
A well-fitted diaper ensures the absorbent material is positioned correctly to catch waste, while the leg and waist elastics create a secure seal to prevent leaks. This precise fit, combined with high-quality absorbent materials, is what allows cloth diapers to effectively contain messes and keep babies dry, rivaling or even surpassing the performance of disposables.
Whether it’s through multiple snap settings, adjustable elastics, or innovative designs like Charlie Banana’s, achieving the right fit is key to the functionality and reliability of any cloth diapering system.
Step Four: They Allow for Customization to Maintain Proper Absorption
One of the advantages of many cloth diaper systems, particularly pocket diapers, is the ability to customize not only the fit, but the absorbency. What I mean by this is that for heavy wetters or overnight use, additional inserts or boosters can be added to increase the diaper’s absorption capacity.
“If you have a true heavy wetter, you can always add a booster or a disposable insert for even more absorbency,” Vanderklaauw explained. This flexibility allows parents to adjust the diaper’s performance to their baby’s specific needs and ensures the cloth diaper works no matter what your baby can throw at it.
Step Five: They Utilize Modern Fabrics to Keep Baby Comfortable and Dry
The effectiveness of cloth diapers to absorb, seal, grow with your baby and have enough room for added absorptions, largely depends on the materials used in their construction. Modern cloth diapers use advanced fabrics that work together to absorb moisture, prevent leaks, and keep babies comfortable.
Charlie Banana, for instance, has a reputation for high-quality materials and thoughtful design. Vanderklaauw proudly states, “We have very high standards for our materials and craftsmanship. All our diapers are rigorously tested for harmful substances and certified under the strict STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®.”
To understand how materials contribute to the functionality of cloth diapers, let’s break down the key components and what you’ll typically find:
- Outer Layer: Most often made from waterproof yet breathable PUL (polyurethane laminate), as it is good at preventing leaks while allowing air circulation, and can be printed on with tons of cute prints.
- Absorbent Core: Often made from materials like cotton, microfiber, hemp, or bamboo, known for their high absorbency and quick-drying properties. These fabrics work to quickly draw moisture away from the baby’s skin and lock it into the diaper core.
- Inner Pocket Diaper Layer: While the absorbent part of a diaper can be made fMost pocket diaper brands use materials like microsuede or AWJ (athletic wicking jersey) for their inner layer due to their ability to keep moisture away from the baby’s skin and provide a dry feel.
”People ask us sometimes why we didn’t go with a natural material, like cotton. The problem with cotton is that it tends to feel wet against the baby’s skin, as it takes longer to dry. It works great when you need to provide cues of wetness during potty training, but not when you’re trying to keep the baby comfortable overnight,” Vanderklaauw explained. “Cotton tends to stain and shrink, which is not the case with fleece. This is why we use organic cotton in our training pants and quick-drying fleece in the diapers.”
Important Note: It’s important to choose a reputable brand when selecting cloth diapers to ensure your cloth diapers work as intended. Choosing a well-established, ethical brand (like our example, Charlie Banana) who is focused on quality, ensures you get durable, effective diapers that are safe for your baby and the environment. The right combination of modern fabrics and quality construction is how cloth diapers work so well at keeping babies dry and comfortable.
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Cloth vs. Disposables
Now that you know how cloth diapers work, let’s take a quick look at how they are different from disposable diapers.
Brief Cost Comparison
When comparing cloth diapers to disposable diapers, cost is a major factor for many families.
Let’s break down the numbers, and since we’ve been using Charlie Banana (CB) diapers as our marker, let’s use their cost as a benchmark for cloth diapers.
Cost Breakdown Over Three Years
| Factor | Cloth Diapers | Disposable Diapers |
| Total Diaper Changes | 8,030 | 8,030 |
| Diapers Needed | 24-25 (at min) | 8,030 |
| Cost Per Diaper | $129.99 for a pack of 5 | $0.25 each (According to average price on Wikipedia) |
| Total Cost for 3 Years | $649.94 | $2,007.50 |
| Savings with Cloth Diapers | $1,357.56 |
And that’s not even taking into account using your cloth diapers on subsequent children!
Important Notes About the Math: Please note that to work out the cost of a supply of Charlie Banana cloth diapers I used the price of their five pack of reusable cloth diapers at the time of writing, without any discounts applied. As we all know in this day of age, economic pressures mean prices are always subject to change and sales do happen. It’s always best to check the current website prices before jumping in. In other words, these numbers are for illustration purposes only and may not be correct when you read them.
For more information about how I came up with my estimated number of diapers needed and average cost for disposable diapers, please check out my full article on the math of disposables vs. cloth diapers here.
Environmental Impact Comparison
While new innovations in waste management are being developed and tested all around the world, no matter how we slice it, the majority of disposable diapers used today will end up in the landfill. Remember above that we calculated that to be approximately an average of 8,030 diapers per baby that’s diapered until age three. That’s a lot of diapers.
Cloth diapers are a reusable alternative that produces far less waste. While some critics frown upon water and energy use required to wash them, laundering cloth diapers properly can help keep their carbon footprint to the minimum.
Many cloth diaper companies, including Charlie Banana are taking steps to further reduce their impact as well, investing in third-party certifications like Amazon Climate Friendly Badge (Charlie Banana got certified in 2023).
With all that said, just how much environmental impact your cloth diapers will have also depends on how you use them.
“We also try to promote sustainable washing routines. A lot of people assume that they automatically become sustainable by going reusable, but washing on hot cycles and tumble drying definitely have a carbon footprint,” Vanderklaauw explained. “Of course, we’re not telling anyone to ditch their dryer, but if it’s a hot day, and you have time to hang dry your diapers – why not? Also, moms often think they need to always use hot water to ‘sanitize’ the diapers. The truth is, with a high quality detergent, you can get your diapers clean on warm, so there’s no need to use all that energy to heat the water.”
Skin Benefits Comparison
The opinions (and feelings) on which type of diaper is better for baby’s skin can differ vastly.
The proponents of disposable diapers quote their outstanding absorbency as quintessential for keeping the baby’s skin dry and reducing its contact with urine.
Cloth diaper parents, in turn, extol the virtues of soft natural fabrics and the fact that reusable diapers typically contain no fragrances or lotions, which could be important for babies with sensitive skin.
While there might not be a clear-cut answer to the question “But which one is better for my baby’s skin?”, one thing remains true for both disposable and reusable diapers: the need for regular changes. Experts typically recommend changing the baby’s diaper every two hours and right after it becomes soiled, I personally recommend changing baby as soon as they wet during the day as extended contact with wetness and/or feces might irritate the little one’s sensitive skin.
Overnight we often prioritize sleep and moisture barrier aids like diaper creams may also be necessary for sensitive babies.
Choosing diapers whose ingredients have been independently tested is another great idea to ensure that all materials used in a diaper are suitable for caring for your baby’s delicate skin. STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® certification is one of the best-known textile labels, and both disposable and reusable diapers have to pass rigorous lab tests to meet its requirements. So if you find yourself worrying about chemicals, choosing a product with an internationally recognized certification can help you achieve peace of mind without researching every ingredient on the product’s packaging.
Using Cloth Diapers Day-to-Day
Now that we understand the mechanics of how cloth diapers function, and how they differ from disposables, let’s explore how they work in their day-to-day use.
Using cloth diapers doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are a few key steps to ensure they perform at their best, specifically:
Step One: Prepping before use
Before you start using your cloth diapers, it’s important to prep them properly. This process helps maximize their absorbency and ensures they’re ready to do their job effectively.
“Prepping is a crucial step that many new cloth diaper users overlook,” Vanderklaauw from Charlie Banana explains. “It involves washing your new diapers before their first use. This is a good practice for all your baby clothes, and also activates the absorbent fibers. Washing once is sufficient for most synthetic fabrics, but natural fiber inserts may require washing 3-5 times before they reach maximum absorbency.”
For most cloth diapers, including Charlie Banana’s, the prepping process is simple:
- Wash the diapers and inserts in warm water with a cloth-diaper safe detergent (If you’re planning on using a Measure Method wash routine, I recommend using half your routine amount, as the diapers will be clean and dry).
- Dry them completely.
- Repeat this process 3-5 times for natural fiber inserts, or once for synthetic materials. (You can also choose to use your natural fiber inserts after the very first wash, allowing the absorbency to maximize gradually as you wash the diapers after use.)
Once your diapers are prepped, they’re ready to use. Let’s look at how cloth diapers work in your daily routine, from changing to disposal of solid waste, and briefly touch on washing and care.
Step Two: Proper Changing And Disposing Of Solid Waste
Changing a cloth diaper is pretty much the same as changing a disposable, but with a few minor differences:
- Remove the soiled diaper and set it aside.
- Clean your baby as you normally would.
- Place a clean, prepped diaper on your baby, ensuring a snug fit around the legs and waist. For pocket diapers like Charlie Banana, make sure the insert is properly laid flat inside the pocket before putting the diaper on your baby.
- If there’s solid waste, it should be disposed of in the toilet. It’s important to note that for exclusively breastfed babies, there’s no need to remove solid waste as it’s water-soluble. Once your baby starts solids, you’ll want to shake or scrape off any solid waste into the toilet before washing. Many cloth diaper users find a diaper sprayer attached to the toilet helpful for this step. You can also choose to use disposable liners to help make cleanup easier (they are thin non-woven sheets that go on top of the diaper lining and serve as a barrier between the solid waste and the surface of the diaper). Charlie Banana also sells those if you’re looking for a good brand option.
- If the diaper is just wet, simply place it in your designated diaper pail or wet bag until wash day. Terms like “wet bag” can be confusing, but both a diaper pail and wet bag are actually a “dry pail” system for storing dirty diapers until laundry day, meaning they are not full of liquid or a soak of any kind. More information on how to store dirty diapers can be found here.
By following these steps, you ensure that your cloth diapers continue to work effectively, maintaining hygiene and preventing leaks throughout your daily diapering routine.
Step Three: Washing
Proper washing and care are crucial to cloth diapering successfully. Your specific washing instructions might be slightly different than somebody else’s, depending on how many diapers you’ll be washing at a time, how many can fit in your specific washing machine, your detergent, and your water type (see here for more info on how to build a wash routine), but here are some general guidelines:
- Wash frequency: Most families find washing every 2-3 days or less works well to prevent odor, buildup, and staining.
- Detergent choice: Use a cloth diaper-safe detergent that’s free from fabric softeners.
- Water temperature: Warm water is often sufficient for cleaning cloth diapers effectively. Don’t use the sanitize cycle, as it might damage the waterproof outer layer and the elastics.
- Drying: While tumble drying is convenient and just fine on low, consider line drying when possible to save energy and extend the life of your diapers.
- Avoid fabric softeners: Dryer sheets and fabric softeners will create a water-repellent film on your diapers and affect their performance.
By following these basic care instructions, you can ensure your cloth diapers remain effective and in good condition for years to come. Remember, cloth diapering doesn’t have to be complicated – once you take the time to build a basic wash regimen, it can become a simple part of your routine.
Conclusion: Complicated on Paper, But Easy in Practice
That’s pretty much all the basics covered! You now know the intricate workings of modern cloth diapers.
While understanding the mechanics of cloth diapers is helpful, the best way to truly appreciate their simplicity is to experience them firsthand.
As Nicolette Vanderklaauw from Charlie Banana put it, “If there are any moms out there who are curious, yet hesitant to try reusable diapers, please know that cloth diapering is far less complicated than some people make it sound. You know how to change a diaper, you know how to do laundry, you got it!”
Consider starting with a couple of high-quality cloth diapers, such as those from Charlie Banana, to get a feel for how they work in practice. Remember, you don’t have to commit to full-time cloth diapering right away. “It is perfectly fine to start out with a handful of reusable diapers (or even just one!) and see how things go. Different families have different needs and lifestyles, and that’s okay,” Vanderklaauw said.
If you’re feeling unsure or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out to the cloth diapering community, either the Cloth Diapers for Beginners community, or one of the many others online.
“There is a lot of support available out there. If your family is on board with your decision to cloth diaper, great! But if they are skeptical about washable diapers and you feel alone in this, please know that there are a lot of helpful, like-minded people in online communities.” Vanderklaauw added.
By giving cloth diapers a try, you’ll likely find that what seems complicated on paper is actually quite simple in practice. You might just join the growing number of parents who are rediscovering the benefits of this waste-reducing, cost-effective, and baby-friendly diapering option.
As a last note, I know I’ve talked A LOT about Charlie Banana in this post, so if you’re intrested in checking out their products and information, you can do so at https://www.charliebanana.com/
April Duffy
April is the founder of Cloth Diapers for Beginners and author of The Cloth Diaper Wash & Care Handbook. Since 2015, April has helped well over 75,000 parents and caregivers cloth diaper their children through this website, her book, her YouTube Channel, and the Cloth Diapers for Beginners Facebook Group.
Save Your Sanity and Avoid Diaper Smells and Rashes with This Easy-To-Follow Digital Handbook. This Ultimate Wash and Care Guide Will Give You the Step-By-Step Coaching Your Mom Group Can't Provide!