Most economical
Quick-drying
Work well with tiny or premature infants
Very versatile, can be used to stuff a pocket diaper, as burp cloths, liners or other household uses

Cons
Must be folded prior to use
Must be secured using pins, a Snappi diaper fastener or a snug-fitting waterproof cover

Pre-Folded Diaper
Pre-Folded diapers are cousins of flat diapers. Pre-folds are a multi-layered square of fabric, usually sewn into three panels with extra layers in the centre panel for added absorbency. Normally the number of layers in a pre-folded diaper is indicated by the number of layers used per panel (outer, centre, outer), for example 3x2x3. Often pre-folded diapers will be described using terms like Diaper Service Quality (DSQ), Indian or Chinese pre-folds. The material used and the number of layers affect the absorbency of pre-folded diapers.

Pros

Very economical
Quick-drying

Cons
Must be folded prior to use
Must be secured using pins, a Snappi diaper fastener or a snug-fitting waterproof cover

Contour Diaper
A contour diaper is a number of layers of absorbent fabric cut in an hourglass shape. Some may also have elastic around the legs and waist to provide a better fit and help contain messes.

Pros

Wide range of fit
Requires no folding
Easy to use

Cons
Drying time may be longer, depending on the construction and material
Must be secured using pins, a Snappi diaper fastener or a snug-fitting waterproof cover
More expensive than flat or pre-folded diapers

Fitted Diaper
Fitted diapers are a more elaborate version of the contour diaper. Like contour diapers they are cut in an hourglass shape, have elastic at the waist and legs and are fastened with snaps or hook and loop (Velcro or Aplix) closures.

Pros

Wide range of fit
Wide variety of fabric choices
Requires no folding or fasteners
Great for beginners who are shy about using pre-folded diapers without making a large investment

Cons
Longer drying time
Requires a waterproof cover
More expensive than flat or pre-folded diapers

Pocket Diapers
Pocket diapers are a two-part diapering system consisting of a waterproof outer layer with an inner layer of fleece or suedecloth. These two layers are sewn together in such a way as to leave an opening at the back into which you put further absorbent material (called an insert) of your choice. When your baby wets the diaper, the moisture is wicked through the inner cover layer to the insert. Pocket diapers can be equated to disposable diapers in terms of ease of use.

Pros

Multiple sizes available for a custom fit
Wide range of colours and patterns
Self-closing with either snaps or hook and loop closures
Dry quickly
Customizable absorbency suits every baby's needs
Provides that 'stay dry' feeling similar to disposable diapers
Convenient one-step changes are an excellent choice for outings
Synthetic fabrics are hard-wearing and more likely to last through more than one child

Cons
Custom-fitting diaper means you may have to purchase three sets of diapers in small, medium, and large as your baby grows
More expensive than flat, pre-folded, contour or fitted diapers

All-In-Ones
All-In-Ones (AIOs) aim to provide the ultimate in convenience by providing everything you need in one step. No fasteners or covers separate covers required! Absorbent material and waterproof cover are built into one diaper. Available in a wide array of colours and prints All-In-Ones are cute, fun and convenient!

Pros

Multiple sies available for a custom fit
Wide range of colours, fabrics, and pattern
One easy step - just snap (or Velcro) it on

Cons
Depending on the diaper construction, may have a longer drying time
The most expensive type of diaper on the market, AIOs are generally used for very quick changes when convenience is of utmost importance

Diaper Covers

Vinyl, Vinyl-Coated Polyester, PVC
Vinyl covers are what your mother likely used if she cloth diapered. Vinyl diaper covers do not breathe, cannot stand up to the repeated washings required of a diaper cover and will harden and crack over time. They are produced of polyvinyl chloride, a plastic that may contain phthalates, an endocrine disruptor, and may also produce harmful compounds during the off-gassing process.

Polyurethane Laminate (PUL)
PUL covers generally consist of knitted polyester or cotton that has been treated with polyurethane, making them waterproof but breathable and mildew resistant. Generally, polyester PUL covers will be more waterproof than a cotton PUL cover as a result of the larger weave of cotton as well as its’ natural absorbency. PUL covers will not yellow or crack over time.

Wool
Wool is naturally breathable, keeping baby’s body temperature up to 4°C cooler than PUL covers, which in turn helps prevent the growth of bacteria that can cause diaper rash. Wool is naturally anti-bacterial and can absorb up to one-third of its weight in moisture without feeling wet. A common misconception is that a wool cover is scratchy against baby’s skin. A high-quality wool cover made from untreated wool is soft and comfortable. Wool covers do require some special care to perform optimally, but because wool is naturally self-cleaning, the cover can be air dried between uses and will require laundering approximately every two weeks unless soiled. To wash a wool cover, simply soak in wool wash and dry flat. Every 10-12 washes, add a bit of lanolin (Lansinoh, for example) to the wash to help maintain water resistance. Wool provides excellent leak protection, even overnight!

Fleece
If you are looking for an easy-care, breathable alternative to wool, fleece is your answer. Fleece is made of 100% polyester, which wicks moisture away from baby’s skin. Fleece is machine washable, but can be prone to detergent build up, which may decrease performance. Fleece also provides excellent leak protection day or night.

Other Terms You're Likely to Encounter

Doublers
Any extra absorbent material added to a diaper to increase absorbency for naps, overnight or for a heavy wetting baby.

Liner
A liner is normally constructed of one layer of fleece used in the diaper to keep baby feeling dry, help reduce staining and removal of solids, or to protect your diaper while using diaper creams (as this will cause repelling with any natural fibres, and may cause irreversible damage to diapers containing polyester). These are inexpensive and highly recommended to extend the life of your diapers!

Flushable paper liners are also available for easy flushing and cleanup.

Inserts
Inserts are the absorbent material used in the pocket of a pocket diaper. A wide variety of materials are available including flat or pre-fold diapers, specially shaped hemp or microterry inserts. Hemp is naturally anti-bacterial and more absorbent than cotton, it also feels drier to the touch when wet. Microterry is made of polyester and is very absorbent and trim, helping to reduce the amount of bulk.