Are you considering cloth diapers? We purchased and tested more than 34 cloth systems since 2012 and present 13 of the best available today. We put each diaper through extensive comparison testing to evaluate absorbency, ease of use, comfort, fit, leakage, and more. Cloth diapering can be an attractive alternative to traditional disposables because it can be better for the environment, healthier for your baby, and possibly easier on your wallet. But, the different systems and styles can be confusing for newbies. We evaluated each product based on absorbency, fit and leakage, comfort, and ease of use. We're here to help with recommendations and advice to help you find the best diaper system for your family.
The Rumparooz Pocket is a top-scoring diaper in our absorbency tests, impressing us with its overall ease of use. The Rumparooz absorbs liquid quickly and does an excellent job trapping moisture away from the skin. Almost all moisture is wicked away from the baby, and the inserts feel dry. The two microfiber soakers can work together or separately to achieve the preferred level of absorbency. The inner surface of the cover has a soft microfleece liner throughout. We love the double gusset that helps prevent leaks and blowouts. With four rise adjustments and five for the waist, you can adjust the sizing to fit almost any baby.
Although there is much to admire about the Rumparooz, it is a pocket diaper. Pocket diapers require extra steps to deal with the inserts before and after every change. Also, this diaper can seem excessively bulky, making it difficult to fit under regular-sized clothes. Users frequently note that this diaper runs a bit small, reducing its usage range. However, this may mean it could be a better diaper for smaller or younger babies, possibly replacing newborn-sized products sooner. Despite minor flaws, we believe this diaper has more positives and will keep caregivers and babies happy.
Style: Hybrid/All-in-Two | Weight Range: 8 to 35 lbs
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to adjust
Trim fitting
Fast dry time
REASONS TO AVOID
Nothing keeps liner in place
Single gusset
Multiple steps to assemble
We tested the Flip with Stay Dry Insert, an award-winning combo. Most hybrid systems fit a little trimmer than other types, and the Flip is no exception. It is small enough to almost look like a disposable diaper under regular baby clothes. It is simple to lay the single microfiber insert in the cover and adjust it to fit, while a double row of waist snaps helps with fit and comfort. It is easy to get a proper fit, and despite only having a single gusset, we didn't experience any leaks during testing. With an above-average score for absorbency, it is on the upper end, and we are happy with its performance.
Since this is a hybrid system, there is nothing to hold the insert in place aside from the cover, so if you do not fasten the snaps securely, it may move around as the baby moves, causing more of a mess. Blowouts are possible with any single gusset diaper as there is less protection than with a second gusset design. Because the insert and cover are two parts, this system requires extra prep before each change, but the post-change clean-up is more straightforward. We like this one-size-fits-all hybrid and find it works well on most babies. It can save you a chunk of change and prevent the need to purchase different sizes as your baby grows. We think it's an economical hybrid system that measures up to the competition.
The Imagine Baby Pocket Snap is one of the top-performing diapers in our tests and one of the lower-priced products. This pocket diaper has a four-layer microfiber insert that soaks up liquid and locks it away from the baby's skin and earned a relatively high score in our absorbency tests. The soft micro-fleece fabric lines the entire diaper and does a great job of keeping the baby comfortable and dry. The pocket opening is more expansive than some competition, making it easier to stuff and prepare. It is large enough to allow more than one insert to accommodate a heavy wetter or overnight use. We appreciate the double row of waist snaps that keep the diaper in place. This feature also helps to relieve single points of pressure around the tummy. Although it only has a single-leg gusset, we had no problems with leakage.
The Imagine Baby can be bulky, and we wish it came with a smaller insert for younger infants. However, for older babies, this extra bulk means extra absorbency. Without it, the diaper wouldn't be nearly as absorbent, and we feel this is a small price to pay for better absorbency. As with any pocket diaper, you'll need to do a little more work before a change. You must take the time to stuff the insert, which is the price you pay for performance. The combination of above-average performance and a budget-friendly price tag of the Imagine Baby make it tough to beat.
The simplicity of the bumGenius Freetime makes this cloth diaper a favorite among parents. It is an all-in-one (AIO) diaper that requires no snapping, stuffing, or folding. This diaper has two semi-attached inserts, meaning they are sewn into the diaper on one end only. The inserts layer over each other for a double absorbency that can be adjusted and customized. We like that this system keeps the diaper in one piece yet allows the inserts to separate for quicker drying. The top side of the polyester inserts has a lining of stay-dry fabric that keeps the baby from feeling soggy. A handy pocket is sewn into each insert's underside if your little one requires more inserts for extra absorbency.
A downside of being an AIO system is that you must wash the Freetime diaper entirely after every change. It also cannot be machine dried, so it will take longer to dry, so you may need to purchase more diapers than other systems. This diaper gets a bit bulky, and if your baby doesn't need both inserts, you can't remove them. This diaper only has a single gusset, resulting in increased leakage, though we didn't experience any leaks during testing. Despite these drawbacks, this is a great and versatile diaper. Being a breeze to use and self-contained, we recommend it for those looking for simplicity, perhaps for first-time cloth users or to send along to daycare.
If you're on team hook and loop, consider the Bambino Mio Miosolo. While this contender didn't make the cut as an award winner, it certainly caught our attention for several reasons. Its absorbency is noteworthy and better than many, making it ideal for heavy wetters. We appreciate the Velcro closure as it functions similarly to disposable diapers, and if you have a wiggly baby, it makes getting the diaper on and off swift. The Miosolo also has a few tricks up its sleeve, like a hand pocket and loop handles, which help the stuffing and unstuffing process. For those who tend to misplace inserts, this all-in-one diaper may be a solution.
While Velcro tends to lose its integrity after extensive use, we consider this diaper's hook and loop system to have quality, and if cared for, it may last a while. From our experience, the diaper seems to be a tad big in the leg area for our 6-month-old little tester, who weighed 15 lbs at the time of testing. While we were able to finally find a good fit, it may not fit more petite or younger babies as well. But, if money isn't a factor, this all-in-one diaper blends convenience and absorbency.
The babygoal Reusable includes six diaper covers, six microfiber inserts, and four bamboo inserts, providing everything you need to start cloth diapering. So, if you're hesitant to try cloth diapering due to upfront cost or need to bolster your stash for certain situations, such as postponing laundry day a tad longer, the babygoal Reusable may work for you. During testing, we experienced no leaks. It offers a suitable fit, and we appreciate the double row of waist snaps that help keep the diaper in place.
Sometimes low cost equals low quality, which applies to this contender. While it doesn't compare to premium diapers, it gets the job done and performs better than some. While it absorbs moisture quickly, high saturation may pose a problem. Also, you'll need to stuff this pocket diaper, and the pocket's elastic creates a smaller space. But, if you can overlook these flaws and you're willing to change diapers more frequently, we think the babygoal Reusable is worth considering.
The babygoal Reusable provides access to cloth at an affordable cost.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
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Using a medium-sized syringe, 100 ml of mock urine is dispersed into each diaper. The method standardizes entry location and flow rate approximating actual urination from a well-hydrated baby.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Why You Should Trust Us
Here at BabyGearLab, we know diapers. With our knowledge of cloth and disposables, we have more than 15 years of researching and testing and many hands-on years with our babies. Across our expert testing team, we've got more than 200,000 diapers under our collective belts.
Cloth diaper testing is divided into four rating metrics:
Absorption tests (35% of overall score weighting)
Fit/Leakage tests (30% weighting)
Comfort tests (20% weighting)
Ease of Use tests (15% weighting)
Since 2012, we've tested more than 34 cloth diapers across styles. Our assessments put each diaper/diapering system through a multi-point analysis for everything from absorption to ease of use (Yes! there is a difference between products). We were lucky enough to have various little ones from different homes help us test for absorption, leaks, fit, and ease of use.
Cloth diapers go through more than 22 individual tests to compare and analyze performance overall and in each metric. We focus on the day-to-day usability of cloth diapering systems and pay special attention to absorbency test results, as this metric is crucial in avoiding diaper rash issues. Absorption is the most vital test metric, accounting for 35% of the overall weighted score. This metric is influenced by 3 mock urine tests, including five in-lab assessments averaged over 3 test runs. We perform in-lab absorbency tests to measure how well each product receives and locks away moisture. We concoct fake urine and use an above-average amount to stress the products; repeated compression and decompression mimic baby movement. We observe absorption rate, runoff, pooling, squishing, and pooling. We test each diaper with the same amount of liquid multiple times and then supplement it with research and hands-on testing with real babies.
The weighting and the unweighting process reflects the redistribution of urine in the diaper's core that naturally occurs from a baby's movements.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
We use the same lab test in our disposable diaper review, which enables us to compare results between competing diapers and across categories, measuring the relative performance of cloth vs. disposable diapers. We think this is a valuable comparison when you first dive into the diaper world and make your first decision: cloth or disposable?.
Dr. Juliet Spurrier, MD and Alison Buck led the charge for this review, developing our core protocol for testing cloth diapers. Dr. Spurrier is a board-certified pediatrician, mother of two, and founder of BabyGearLab. A committed cloth diaper user, Dr. Spurrier scoured the market for the top cloth diapers, researching tried and true products, new flashy items, and everything in between. Follow-up absorbency testing and research were done by Abriah Wofford, who has been testing diapers and other baby products as Senior Editor for BabyGearLab for over six years. Our hands-on tester is nanny MaryAnn Wofford. MaryAnn has over 12 years of professional nannying experience and is a mother to 7 children, totaling 26+ years of diapering and hundreds (if not thousands) of changed diapers.
Need a Swim Diaper or Training Underwear?
We also tested the Beau & Belle Littles Nageuret swim diaper and the Blueberry Trainers training underwear. The training pants do not have a waterproof lining to block leaks completely, but they will help reduce mess, and they are so easy to use that your toddler can pull them on themselves.
Each diaper's filter paper result shows how much mock urine remains close to your baby's skin versus being locked into the diaper's inner core.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Analysis and Test Results
We purchased and tested each cloth diaper in this review for absorbency, fit and leakage, comfort, ease of use, and more. Each product was tested in our in-house lab, compared side-by-side, and used in real homes with little ones to determine how the competition performs and which is the best choice for different situations. We also have the details and information you need to help you select the best diaper for your baby.
Here, the absorbency of the Rumparooz Pocket is about to be put to the test.
We used a mock urine solution mixed with green dye to see the results easily.
Value
A large part of why many parents choose cloth over disposable is the cost-effectiveness of reusing your diapers. It saves you money. This fact is accurate, despite the high initial cost of building your diaper stash. The way we figure, you will spend approximately $1,700 for a lifetime supply of disposable diapers, such as Pampers Swaddlers. In contrast, a premium green diaper may cost up to $2,100. Meanwhile, a lifetime supply of a cheaper cloth diaper, like the Flip with Stay Dry Insert, will run you $450. Although the Imagine Baby Pocket Snap has the lowest cost-per-item, it is a bit more expensive, with a lifetime cost of at least $504. A top-performing diaper like the Rumparooz Pocket will cost at least $624, but it still comes nowhere close to the cost of similar performing disposables.
Remember to tack on $200 to $600 to accommodate the diapering routine you decide to follow. Flushable liners (which we highly recommend) can add on four hundred over your diapering days. Electricity for machine washing and drying adds around fifty dollars; for detergent, you can count on another $150. Despite these extra costs, cloth diapering is a choice that will save you money in the long run, especially for families who plan to reuse their diapers with multiple children.
Diapers as a gift?
Diapers make great baby gifts, so don't forget them on your registry. You can explore your options with various brands before choosing what works best.
The Bambino Mio Miosolo impressed us with its absorbency powers, allowing it to join an elite group of top performers in this metric.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Absorbency
Absorbency is arguably the most critical aspect of any diaper. If a diaper leaks because it can't absorb fluid, you won't use it, no matter how easy, eco-friendly, soft, cozy, or cute. Good absorbency and wicking properties are also crucial in preventing a diaper rash.
We put each diaper in this review through multiple rounds of absorbency testing, during which we took note of things such as absorption rate, runoff, pooling, and overall distribution. The best diapers absorbed the fake urine instantly, preventing all runoff or leakage, and kept everything locked away in the insert, resulting in a drier outer liner.
A start-to-finish view of our absorbency testing for cloth diapers in the GearLab in-house lab.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The photos below display the outcome of our absorbency tests. The green on each filter paper shows the amount of mock urine left on the diaper's surface next to the baby's skin—the more green you see, the worse the diaper's performance.
This an average representation of our absorbency testing. The green is where the mock urine soaked through the diaper and would have felt wet on baby's skin. On other rounds of testing, there was almost no green on the filter paper at all.
The average of three tests, this filter paper shows the small amount of mock urine that was not absorbed by the insert.
The Imagine Baby Pocket Snap shows minimal green (mock urine) on the filter paper.
With a small amount of well distributed green dye, this filter paper indicates that the Flip is good at keeping baby more or less dry after wetting the diaper.
The O.N.E. lacked the absorption powers we expected. The mock urine ran off the liner to the diaper's shell before being absorbed underneath. This is why the test filter looks good.
Overall, we find that diapers with synthetic fibers wick away moisture better and keep it contained within the insert. The Rumparooz Pocket, Bambino Mio Miosolo, and the Thirsties Duo Wrap with Stay Dry Duo Insert are top-performing diapers in this metric. Not coincidentally, they have a synthetic microfleece lining across the interior of the diaper, and sometimes they even felt dry to the touch after testing.
Diapers with natural fibers, like the OsoCozy Premium Bamboo-Organic Cotton Prefolds or the Gerber Prefold Birdseye, use cotton or hemp inserts that do not lock away moisture quite as well, leaving the baby feeling damp or soggy. If you decide to go with natural fibers, we highly recommend getting a microfleece liner at the very least to keep your baby happy and prevent diaper rash.
The two hemp and cotton blend inserts have good absorbency but aren't fantastic at wicking.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
A Note Concerning Natural Fibers
Plant-based fabrics are often more absorbent, are better for babies with sensitive skin, and are better for the environment when it is time to dispose of them. However, as mentioned above, they lack in the wicking department, so we recommend using a reusable microfleece liner.
The OsoCozy Prefolds had very poor absorbency results when tested without a microfiber liner.
When tested with a reusable liner, the OsoCozy Prefolds showed almost no green on the filter paper.
We did a few additional tests with some natural fiber options to show the difference. The photos above illustrate how using a microfleece liner can dramatically improve wicking ability. There is a stark difference between filter papers directly contacting natural fibers and those with a wicking layer.
The fit of a diaper is critical to preventing leaks.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Fit and Leakage
Diaper fit also influences the leak risk of any diaper. Every baby is different, and it can be initially tricky to adjust a cloth diaper, and it might require some trial and error.
Some diapers have features that make finding a good fit easier. With no snaps, prefolds and fitteds provide an all-around best fit with infinite adjustments, and your baby will never be in-between sizes, which can be a helpful perk. However, if you prefer a diapering system with snaps, look at how many it has in the rise and waist. The more snaps, the better, as it will offer more size variation as your baby grows.
The double gusset on the Rumparooz Pocket is a lifesaver in preventing leaks and blowouts.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The design and adjustability of the Rumparooz Pocket make it one of the best-fitting diapers, allowing it to secure a leading rank in this metric. It has a unique double gusset system that helps keep solids and liquids away from the edges and leaking out. Lots of snaps allow you to customize leg and waist sizes to get a snug but comfortable fit. We also prefer diapers with a double row of waist snaps over one, which allows the diaper to lay closer to the baby's belly and feels more secure.
Other runner-up contenders for fit include the Flip with Stay Dry Insert and GroVia O.N.E. diapers. The Flip is stretchy in all the right places, such as the tabs, which creates a snug but comfortable fit, closing all gaps and blocking leaks. While the GroVia O.N.E. diaper only has a single row of waist snaps, it feels as secure as those with double rows.
The gusset on the Bambino Mio is longer and more prominent than others.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Let's talk about gusset design, which we believe can impact a diaper's ability to contain leaks and messes. Diapers can have single or double gussets, as they can range in thickness, width, and length. Sometimes these differences can be extremely subtle or obvious to the naked eye. We also pay close attention to where the outer waterproof material meets the inner lining on the gusset, particularly which one extends farther. While the inner lining is softer for the baby's legs, if it sticks out past the outside layer, moisture can wick through the fabric and travel to the diaper's outer edge, creating a sneaky little leak.
We like the gusset on the babygoal diaper because the exterior waterproof material extends beyond the interior lining.
The gusset on the Mama Koala 2.0 is almost convex. The interior lining extends further than the outer waterproof material, increasing the chance of a leak.
For instance, the outer waterproof material on the babygoal Reusable (above left) sticks out further than the inside fabric, keeping moisture contained. However, the interior lining on the Mama Koala 2.0 gusset (above right) extends past the outside fabric, increasing the potential for a leak.
The GroVia O.N.E. has two inserts that can be snapped together for maximum absorbency or used individually if less is needed.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The last factor in leakage is related to absorbency. If a diaper gets too saturated, it will leak, no matter how well it fits. That is why we think having a diaper that accepts greater or fewer absorbent inserts is good. Most diaper styles have this feature, except for AIOs, but manufacturers are catching onto this issue and getting creative with their diapers. For example, the bumGenius Freetime is an easy-to-use AIO with inserts sewn into place and can be a standalone diaper. However, it also has a pocket, allowing you to stuff an extra layer or two as needed. The Grovia O.N.E. diaper is also an AIO but comes with two additional snap-on inserts for extra absorption. Both systems allow you to balance bulk and absorbency as you see fit.
Comfort is vital, and the jersey interior lining of the Mama Koala 2.0 didn't impress us.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Comfort
Baby comfort is essential if you want your baby to be happy and content. We looked closely at the softness of each diaper's inner and outer fabrics. Products with hidden seams and less abrasive materials scored higher, while products with exposed snaps, raw edges, or more abrasive material earned lower scores. The Rumparooz Pocket and Bambino Mio Miosolo are the most comfortable diapers in the group. They have extremely soft interiors with silky smooth exteriors.
Comparatively, disposable diapers have a much slimmer fit and lay close to the body thanks to the chemical crystals that expand when wet. Cloth diapers depend on fabric inserts for absorbency, which is why they have so much added bulk. Bulkiness can cause little ones some discomfort and may require more oversized clothing to accommodate the larger-sized diapers. While it has very soft materials, the GroVia O.N.E. is one of the bulkiest options in the group, making it a less comfortable option for babies.
Diapers that didn't impress us for comfort include the Mama Koala 2.0. The interior jersey material lacks the softness we experienced with others, and the gussets feel hard. Also, the waistband has a few snaps that are designed to reduce wing drop; however, on a larger setting, they are unused and exposed. With no cover, we worry that prolonged exposure and friction from movement will cause skin irritation.
The Miosolo features cloth tabs to help remove the insert.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
A diaper's ease of use determines which one you will reach for first when your baby is on the changing table. Perhaps this sounds obvious, but if a diaper takes a long time to assemble or does not stay adequately aligned during a change, you won't want to use it. There are many styles on the market, and each diaper has pros and cons. When it comes down to it, you have to decide what you're willing to put up with in terms of cost vs. convenience, eco-health vs. convenience, and baby needs vs. convenience.
The easiest diaper to use and the one we recommend for newcomers to the cloth diapering world is the bumGenius Freetime. This diaper requires no prep, and it is impossible to lose or incorrectly use the inserts. Prefold diapers are the most difficult to use, like the Gerber Prefold Birdseye and the OsoCozy Premium Bamboo-Organic Cotton Prefolds.
The level of effort a cloth diaper requires can impact how often you reach for it in your diaper stash.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Prepping
Preparing a cloth diaper for use requires a few steps. First, each diaper must undergo laundering before initial use to reach maximum absorbency. Washes can vary anywhere from 1 to 6 wash cycles, depending on the material, and each manufacturer has different recommendations for their diapers, so it's best to double-check for the correct prep method. When in doubt, wash more. For example, prep instructions for the GroVia O.N.E. state it's ready to go after three washes. However, in our testing, it didn't reach maximum absorbency until 8-10 wash cycles. The moral of the story is that if it seems like your diaper isn't performing well, have no fear! Wash it a few more times before making your final judgment.
The Miosolo's hand pocket makes stuffing easier.
The unique fabric tabs on the Miosolo help with removing the insert.
Next, most diapers require assembly. While daily prep is not labor-intensive or complicated, it's still a task. Diapers that require the most work per diaper change are prefolds, with pocket diapers following close behind. The easiest to use are AIOs, which functions similarly to a disposable diaper. They require little to no prep or removal of inserts as they are attached. Among this spectrum, hybrid styles fall somewhere in the middle because some assembly is required, but you can insert or lay the tailored liner in place without much fuss.
The double gussets on the Rumparooz Pocket help contain messes, and an OsoCozy disposable, flushable liner can help streamline diaper changes.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
You can streamline your cloth routine using flushable liners. These thin sheets lay down as the last layer on top of whichever cloth system you use. Because they are biodegradable, when the diaper is soiled, you can pick up the liner filled with solids and conveniently drop it in the toilet without having to scrape, spray, or smear everything off. If the diaper is just wet, the liner can go in the garbage pail. Even though it adds a step to each diaper change, we believe these sheets are worth the trade-off for the mess they save you later.
Once you establish a routine, washing cloth diapers won't feel much different than any other load of laundry.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Laundering Cloth
Washing cloth diapers can have a steep learning curve. Luckily, most brands have specific laundering instructions on the packaging or online. However, as a general rule, you should wash your cloth diapers every 2-3 days. You must use a cloth-specific or a manufacturer-recommended baby detergent to prevent build-up and residue in the fabric. Although many manufacturers state that tumble drying on low heat is acceptable, we don't recommend it. Line drying will reduce unnecessary wear and tear over time and reduce your energy usage. Line dry cloth diapers outside in the sun if possible, as the UV ray can help fight stains. We recommend getting to know your specific brand and following manufacturer instructions to a tee to get the most out of your diapers.
Line drying can increase the life of your diaper as well as cut back on energy usage.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
The drying time differs significantly between systems. A downfall of AIOs is that you cannot separate the multiple wicking, absorbing, and waterproofing layers. Because air can't circulate between layers, these diapers take forever to dry, and there is no practical way to speed it up. We like hybrid styles because they typically dry the fastest. You can take the cover and liner apart for washing and hang them to dry separately.
Whether you cloth diaper your baby occasionally, part-time, or full-time, here are some helpful tips to consider.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Tips for Choosing Cloth Diapers
The world of cloth diapers is unfamiliar territory for most parents, and with a range of opinions on the right way to go about it, it is hard not to feel bombarded. Several cloth options are available with different features to consider before selecting the best diaper routine for you.
Why Use Cloth?
For many, the thought of cloth diapering immediately brings up a handful of concerns: too much work, too complicated, too gross! However, there are some significant upsides we think you should consider before laying down the verdict.
Eco-health
The average child goes through approximately 6,000 diapers in 2-3 years before moving on to underwear. Every year, an estimated 28 billion disposable diapers (and the toxic solid waste inside them) go straight into a landfill, dramatically impacting the environment. Using cloth does two things to lessen your contribution to this. It forces you to flush solid waste, which is more environmentally friendly, and it keeps the plastics and chemicals of disposables out of the landfill.
Sensitive Baby Skin
As a parent, you want to keep your baby as happy and healthy as possible, so you may have second thoughts about ingedients in disposables. Maybe your child has skin prone to rashes or is sensitive to the dyes and perfumes often found in disposable diapers. Whatever the case, cloth diapers do not contain fragrances, lotions, or latex that may cause issues. They are a good option for parents looking to reduce their baby's exposure to possible irritants.
Cloth-Friendly Diaper Cream
Don't forget to use a cloth-friendly diaper cream if your little one is experiencing a diaper rash. Some products contain ingredients that will build up on the fabric and impact absorbency, but a cloth-specific diaper cream will not.
With so many options out there, how can you even narrow it down? Luckily we've done a lot of the sifting for you, so all you have to choose from are top-quality diapers.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Selecting the Right Diaper System
There are so many cloth diapering methods to choose from that it can quickly get confusing. To help clarify things, we have listed different cloth styles, a short introduction, and some pros and cons. We strongly suggest experimenting with a few different types before fully committing to a single brand. This way, you'll know what works best for you and how much work you'll need to put into the process.
Laid flat over one another, the double inserts worked great for our hands-on use.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
All-in-One Diapers (AIO)
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to use
No assembly
Simplifies washing
No need for accessories
REASONS TO AVOID
Cost more
Longer dry time
Not customizable
You cannot reuse the cover
An all-in-one diaper is just what it sounds like: a complete product that makes cloth diapering a one-step process, and they don't require any stuffing, folding, or layering. Aside from laundering, these diapers function the same as disposables and are ideal for parents who want a low-maintenance solution. Alternatively, many cloth-savvy parents purchase some AIOs to have in their diaper stash for when grandparents or babysitters are on diaper duty. However, you typically pay a higher price per diaper for added convenience, and they tend to take longer to dry because the fabric does not separate from the cover. It also prevents you from customizing absorbency as you can with other styles. The bumGenius Freetime solves this problem by adding a pocket with room for extra inserts, but it still works as a standalone AIO diaper.
The Flip Stay Dry Insert fits into the cover like a glove.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Hybrid or All-in-Two Diapers (AI2)
REASONS TO BUY
Highly customizable absorbency
Can reuse covers
Good for on-the-go situations
Less bulky
REASONS TO AVOID
Requires multiple steps to assemble
Changes can be messy
May require accessories
The all-in-two diaper is a classic, old-school setup composed of two parts: a waterproof outer cover and an inner fabric insert, with prefolds, fitteds, and custom-made inserts being the three main options for your absorbent layers. Each option varies in its ease of use and absorbency level. However, all-in-twos are typically very cost-effective. One perk of using a two-piece system is tossing the liner in the wash and reusing the outer layer a few times if the cover isn't soiled. This process is super convenient for on-the-go cloth diapering. It also cuts back on laundry and allows you to separate each piece for the fastest drying time.
A prefold starts as a plain square cloth, typically cotton or hemp. It is then folded and sewn to create more absorbency. A prefold is the most basic and affordable option. It is what most people picture when imagining old-school cloth diapers. Despite the name prefold, some folding is still involved when prepping this system to fit your baby's contours. The cover is often snug enough to hold the prefold in place, but some parents fasten the material with an item like the Snappi or a safety pin for more security. Using prefolds requires some practice, but there are many ways to wrap that you are sure to find one that works for you. In the cloth diaper review, the OsoCozy Premium is a prefold contender, and with the help of a microfleece liner, it performed on par with other top scorers.
Modern Conveniences of Cloth Diapering
The Snappi is an alternative cloth fastener that many parents consider indispensable for use with fitted and prefold diapers. It takes the place of hazardous safety pins and removes the risk of accidentally poking the baby. The three-pronged elastic band has small plastic teeth on each tab that grab onto the fabric, securing the diaper around the baby. If properly stretched, these things don't budge. Many parents think Snappi is even more secure than a safety pin.
Fitteds are like prefolds without the work. They are pre-shaped, sewn, and ready to be secured with snaps or Velcro and look very similar to a regular diaper; the only thing missing is the cover. Elastic leg gussets help keep the insert secure and prevent leaks. Fitteds can be helpful for extra wiggly babies or if you have a hard time getting a prefold to stay put. Because of how they are shaped, they may be better for heavy wetters or overnight use, offering more absorbency than a prefold. The Thirsties Natural One Size Fitted is one of our favorite fitteds.
Hybrid-style diapers also use a cover/liner combo. However, hybrid companies tailor their liners to fit their brand's covers instead of mixing and matching components. Usually, this results in a better functioning and user-friendly product. Most manufacturers use a combination of natural and synthetic materials that increase absorbency and wick away moisture. Some brands even offer disposable inserts if you aren't 100% ready to dive into cloth yet. Thirsties Duo Wrap with Stay Dry Duo Insert is one of our favorite hybrid systems.
Here is the Rumparooz, stuffed and ready to go.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Pocket Diapers
REASONS TO BUY
Great absorbency performance
Easy to use
Customizable absorbency
No accessories needed
REASONS TO AVOID
Requires assembly
Requires disassembly
You cannot reuse the cover
Often bulky
Pocket diapers are arguably one of the most absorbent (and one of our favorite) diapers, and the Rumparooz Pocket falls into this category. This style has two main components: a cover and an insert. The diaper cover may have a moisture-wicking liner, such as microfleece, and an opening gives you access to the stuffable pocket. We like that this system provides an option for customizable absorbency while ensuring that the liner stays in place and keeps moisture away from the baby's skin.
While the pocket opening on the Rumparooz is not as big as some others, we did not have much trouble getting both inserts to fit snugly inside.
The Imagine Baby Pocket Snap has a large pocket opening.
There are drawbacks to pocket-style diapers, including more prep than some other methods. The stuffing process is an extra step before each diaper change. Conversely, the need to stuff means you also need to un-stuff the dirty diaper, which can be unpleasant. Like AIOs, the entire diaper, cover, and liner require washing after each use. Fortunately, they will not take as long to dry as an AIO because the insert is removable and can dry separately from the cover.
The bumGenius Freetime is similar to disposable diapers, meaning you use it and take it off.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
Selecting the best cloth diapering system for your lifestyle isn't always easy. Before you jump into cloth diapering headfirst, we recommend trying out a few styles and using backup disposables until you find your favorites. You might build your stash from a single brand or keep a few different fashions. Also, we think it is wise to have a package of disposable diapersjust in case you need a fresh diaper and discover yours are dirty or drying. We gathered as much information as possible and are confident our test results will give you a great start in cloth diapering.
BabyGearLab was founded by a Pediatrician Mom with a mission to provide a reliable, independent, source of information to new parents. Our experts have tested thousands of baby and kids products to share key performance, health, and safety findings. We spend tens of thousands of dollars crash testing car seats to inform our ratings. And, we combine our review work with gobs of expert parenting advice. To assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing by people who care.
