As I try out different brands of diapers, I will be posting additional reviews here, so check back!
General information: I have not found a diaper yet that didn't work at all, so keep that in mind. I know when I was researching cloth diapers on my own, I kept seeing reviews from people who hated certain diapers. I really don't think you can go wrong, but there are definitely advantages/disadvantages to certain types/brands. Also, I tend towards one-size diapers, as you'll see below. When companies/brands offer one-size or sized/fitted diapers, I definitely go with the one-size. It makes a lot more sense financially. My best advice is to buy a variety of diapers at first to see what you like best before buying a whole bunch of one brand. You may also change your mind as time goes by, so you may not want to buy too many of one kind ever. It also makes cloth diapering more fun if you have a variety of brands/types!
Diapers
Bum Genius One-Size
Cost: $17.95
Type: Pocket Diaper
Info: The pocket-style diaper allows space for multiple inserts to be used in order to increase/adjust absorbency. The Bum Genius comes with velcro or snap closures.
Pros: One diaper will fit your baby from birth through potty training; decent color selection (8 colors); easy to use; available in velcro or snap closures; my husband likes the velcro closures (although they wear out quicker than snaps). You can easily replace worn velcro if you can sew.
Cons: Slightly bulky on little babies; matching and stuffing inserts into the pockets takes up extra time and is difficult for daddies with large hands. Shows wear quickly.
Crickett's Fitteds (not recommended)
Cost: $12
Type: Fitted
Info: This fitted is a snap-closure absorbent layer that is worn under a cover.
Pros:?
Cons: Very bulky; stiff; hard to fit a cover over them.
Fuzzi Bunz One-Size (CBM favorite!)Cost: $19.95
Type: Pocket Diaper
Info: The pocket-style diaper allows space for multiple inserts to be used in order to increase/adjust absorbency. The Fuzzi Bunz has adjustable elastic leg openings, making it perfect for hard-to-fit babies.
Pros: Extremely adjustable (leg elastics, waist elastics, adjustable snaps); one diaper will fit your baby from birth through potty training; easy to use (comparable to disposables, which means it's easier for caregivers); great color selection (14 colors).
Cons: Matching and stuffing inserts into the pockets takes up extra time and is difficult for daddies with large hands; available only with snap closures (no velcro option).
Gerber Organic Prefolds
Cost: $11 for 6 ($11 for 12 non-organic)
Type: Prefold
Info: Prefolds are a rectangle of fabric that are secured around baby with a snappi or pin. They can also just be pad-folded without a fastener (my recommendation). A waterproof cover goes over the prefold. Pros: Cost; one-size/adjustable
Cons: May be slightly more difficult to master or intimidating than the all-in-ones.
gDiapersCost: $16 each ($12 for each gPant, $4 for each cloth insert; You make a $48 commitment up front, as these must be bought in packs of 2 pants, 6 inserts); disposable inserts are $13.50 for 40.
Type: Hybrid
Info: The gDiapers consist of 3 parts: a fabric pant with velcro closures, a waterproof snap-in liner, and absorbent pads (either cloth or compostable/flushable/disposable). When you change the diaper, you only need to change out the cloth absorbent pad most of the time.
Pros: Smaller volume of laundry, as the pad is generally the only part that gets soiled; trim-fitted/not bulky; very cute/bright colors (9 choices); great vacation option for laundry-free cloth diapering when disposable inserts are used; can save $$ by using prefolds as cloth inserts or making your own.
Cons: Must change diapers every 2-3 hours to prevent leaks; more prone to leaks in general; fitted/not one-size fits all, so you must buy smalls, mediums, and larges.
GroVia One-Size All-In-Two (CBM favorite!)
Cost: $24.95 for 1 cover and 1 insert (additional covers are $16.95 each, and inserts are $16.95 for 2; discount for buying in bulk. "BioSoakers" disposable inserts $7.99 for 20)
Type: Hybrid
Info: The GroVia set consists of a waterproof outer cover and snap-in absorbent cloth pads. The back of the pads are also waterproof. Alternatively, you can use a disposable BioSoaker (also by GroVia) as the insert. The outer cover can also double as a regular diaper cover for fitteds or prefolds.Pros: Smaller volume of laundry, as the pad is generally the only part that gets soiled; one-size design allows for the diaper to grow with your baby; no stuffing inserts; great vacation option with the disposable BioSoaker; available in velcro or snap closures; seems to be a better design than gDiapers (i.e. less prone to leaks) due to extra waterproof layer; can use extra boosters to increase absorbency at night; outer part can be used as a cover over prefolds; 10 color/print options (pale pink, pale blue, purple, vanilla, gold, green, airplanes, flowers, trees, owls).
Cons: Bulky on little babies.
Kissaluvs Marvels One Size All-in-One
Cost: $22.95Info: Very similar to a pocket diaper except that the insert is sewn into the pocket. The unique design allows the insert to agitate out in the wash, but it stays attached, so you don't need to match inserts, and stuffing is super easy.
Pros: You get the best of pocket style without the hassle (i.e. no matching/stuffing inserts, but you have the option of adding extra inserts if you need more absorbency); don't need to touch the dirty insert–it comes out on its own in the wash; one size fits baby from birth through potty training.Cons: Very bulky; limited color selection (green, gold, white, blue, brown, rose); tag design/placement creates wicking effect/leaks (I cut the tags to solve this problem). Also, if your inserts get worn/stinky or you want to try hemp or some other kind of insert, you can't switch them out. You'd have to cut the inserts out, and then this diaper would be just like any other pocket dipe.
Thirsties Covers
Cost: $11.50-13.75
Type: Cover
Info: Diaper covers are waterproof and go over an absorbent layer (i.e. a fitted or a prefold).
Pros: Many color options; can choose from velcro or snap closures; have a slot in the front so that you can just tuck an insert or folded prefold inside without needing a snappi or pin. Comes in sized or duo-wrap (2 sizes: 6-18lb, 18-40lb). The x-small has umbilical cord cutout.Cons: There's no one-size fits all option, but you can get close with the duo-wrap.
Wet Bags/Pail Liners
Cost: $30
Info: This bag has two handles, so you can hang it on a doorknob or hook, eliminating the need for a pail when you aren't in your own nursery. It has two zippered sections. One is lined with fabric, and the other is lined with a waterproof cloth. You can store your clean diapers in the fabric-lined section and your dirty diapers in the waterproof section. I have the large size, which holds 20-24 diapers. There is a small size for 8-9 diapers and a mini that would be perfect to put inside your diaper bag for daily use.
Pros: This is a fabulous travel wet bag. It functions as your diaper shelf/drawer, pail, and liner, all in one! It comes in a HUGE variety of colors/patterns. It is compact and practical.Cons: You have to zip and unzip the storage section for dirty diapers, which can be tricky when you're trying to keep baby on the changing area and keep the dirty diaper from touching anything. Not super great at keeping in smells.
Cost: $11 for 2 (size large)
Info: A wet bag is stored in your diaper bag and used as a receptacle for dirty diapers until you can get them home into your diaper pail or washer. This particular wet bag has a drawstring closure.
Pros: This is a practical and functional wet bag. It is lightweight and dries very quickly (I air dry it). The drawstring works well to seal the bag and keep odors out. I have never had a leak.
Cons: Honestly, they're just a little bit ugly. I would prefer a solid color.
Update after 1 year of use: the bag has not worn particularly well. The drawstring doesn't close all the way.
Update after 1 year of use: the bag has not worn particularly well. The drawstring doesn't close all the way.
