So last time we covered prefolds and covers, and today: pockets, hybrids, and all-in-ones. I decided to condense all three of these types of diapers because they are fairly straight forward.
Hybrids
Hybrid diapers are very similar to prefolds and covers. You have a diaper cover and an insert that gets changed out with each soiled diaper. There are two differences, however. The first is that you have the choice between a disposable or reusable insert. The disposable inserts, though disposable, are most often biodegradable and a great compromise for parents not able/wanting to go the full cloth diaper route. The second difference is that the inserts are just laid right into the diaper (most have a way to snap it in) instead of folding it onto the baby.
Good hybrid diapers usually go for around $12- $20 for a cover and around $5 for 18 disposable inserts or about $2-$5 per reusable insert. Pricier than prefolds and covers but super convenient. I don’t have any hybrids, but as my stash continues to grow, I’m sure I will add a few to try out.
Pockets:
 |
| Bumgenius 4.0 with microfiber insert |
 |
| Bumgenius 4.0 |
Pocket diapers are pretty close to how you would use a disposable, but there are a few steps to using them. They are like a basic diaper cover, but with a lining (usually fleece) sewn right onto them. The absorbent layer is a separate pad of microfiber that you stuff in between the lining and the cover. Because the lining is attached to the cover, the entire diaper goes into the wet bag when it is soiled. You also have to remove the insert before placing both pieces into the bag.
These diapers seem to be the most popular. They are cheaper than all-in-ones but are very similar to a disposable. No folding and pinning, just stuff and put on the baby. Also what’s nice about this type of diaper is that you can essentially stuff it with whatever material you want. Microfiber inserts usually come with the pockets and are super absorbant. However, they are often hard to care for. Microfiber requires a cloth diaper friendly laundry detergent and ALOT of water when washed. Not an option for us with a high efficiency front loader. But, you can always stuff the pockets with prefolds or inserts made of cotton, hemp, or bamboo (which are much easier to care for).
Because you need a whole new diaper with each change, these are more expensive than prefolds. Especially if you are buying separate inserts, the price goes up fairly quick. A typical pocket costs about $15 and you would need at least 24 one sizes, or 24 of each size. That’s a lot of diapers. But if you can afford it, they are SOOOOOO darn cute, much trimmer than prefolds/covers, and very versatile due to the fact that you can stuff them with whatever and how ever much your child needs. The downside is that you need to re-stuff before putting the diaper onto the baby.
All-in-Ones
 |
| Bumgenius Freetime All-in-One |
 |
| Inside of the Freetime |
All-in-ones are pretty self explanatory. This is as close to a disposable as you can get. All the absorbent layers are sewn into the diaper and it goes onto the baby just like a disposable. They are ultra-convenient but are expensive and not as versatile. They also take forever and a half to dry because of the multitude of pieces. All-in-ones are the most expensive and will run for about $20-$25 per diaper and you will need about 24 of each size (unless you use one size, but those are often too big on a newborn).
Next time in the cloth diapering series: washing and care!
