Cloth Diapering 101: Tools of the Trade

Types of Diapers
(most definitions from http://www.diaperpin.com/)

Prefolds:

(pictured: prefolds from http://www.jamtots.com/ ) Pre-fold diapers are rectangular shaped diapers that are divided lengthwise in 3 sections. The outer sections usually have a thickness of 4 layers. The middle section can have 6 or 8 layers. This gives pre-folds absorbency where it is needed most, in the middle. You will often see prefolds defined as 4-6-4, 4-8-4 or more rarely 2-4-2. These numbers refer to the layers of cloth in each section from left to right. Pre-folds are the cheapest alternative in diapers. They can be enclosed in a velcro or snap fastened diaper or they can be pinned with safety pins or snappi fasteners.

Fitted diapers:

(pictured: Kissaluvs Fitted diapers, available at http://www.kissaluvs.com/ and other retailers)Fitted diapers resemble disposable diapers. They have a contoured shape and have gathered edges around the legs. Instead of tape, they are fastened with either velcro or snaps. A waterproof diaper cover is necessary when using fitted. Fitted diapers are more expensive than pre-folds ranging from $4 to $11 each. However they are much easier to use. If you purchase those with velcro closures, look for wide velcro strips.

Diaper covers: (Pictured: Thirsties cover available at http://www.diaperjunction.com and other retailers)

Like diapers, covers come in many forms. Like fitted diapers they may be contoured shaped and can fasten with snaps or velcro. Some covers resemble underwear. Either are made of polyester or vinyl to prevent wetness from getting on baby's clothing. These are ideal for covering your child's diaper during the daytime.
For the baby with sensitive skin there are also wool and polar fleece diaper covers. These too may be contoured shaped with snap or velcro fasteners. Others come in "boxer-like" shape. Some prefer these covers for night-time use because they breathe.

Pocket Diapers:

(pictured: Knickernappies 2G pocket diaper, available at http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com/diapers/pocket-diapers.html and other retailers)

Pocket diapers are the newest type of diapers to hit the cloth diapering world. The first pocket diaper, Fuzzi Bunz created by Tereson of Mother of Eden in 1998. Pocket diapers are two piece diapering system typically with a piece of fleece that makes up the inner portion of fabric and a waterproof layer that makes up the outermost portion. An absorbent material is placed inside of the two pieces making the whole system act as an all in one system that keeps babies dry.

Inserts: (Pictured are the Knickernappies LoopyDo and microfiber inserts, available at http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com/ and other retailers)

Inserts are the absorbent piece of a pocket diaper and are placed in the "pocket" of a pocket diaper to keep babies dry. Inserts are made of many materials, with the most common being microfiber and hemp.

All-in-one diapers: (Pictured is the bumGenius 3.0 All-in-one (AIO), available at http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com/diapers/all-in-one-diapers.html and other retailers)

Also known as AIO's, all-in-ones are fitted diapers that have an outer waterproof layer and a built-in soaker (insert). These are the diapers closest to disposables, and will probably be the easiest to use for parents who are new to cloth.

Liners: (pictured are Bum Covered Fleece Liners, available at http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com)
Liners are thin material used between a baby's bottom and the diaper itself. Most liners are used to keep stool away from diapers for easy clean up. Many cloth diaper businesses carry flushable biodegradable liners which are the perect fit for this purchase. As an alternative you can use flat diapers to keep costs down and still keep natural soft fabrics against your baby's skin.
Another type of liner which is fast becoming popular is the polar fleece one. These are thicker than their paper/flat sheet counterparts and are great for keeping the baby's bottom dry.

Early Birds, Listen up!

I never could wait until Christmas to try to get a sneak peak at what Santa brought, so...in the Christmas spirit of things I started our sale a few hours early! Go ahead and check out the deals. Get them while they last! (We have a limited number of bumGenius discontinued diapers, so definitely shop earlier rather than later!)
I will post the details of our giveaways tomorrow morning on our facebook page, so be sure to check that out as well!

Christmas in July

Sleigh bells are ringing at Bum Covered Diapers for our Christmas in July sale! Check out our store for these fabulous deals on Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25.

Discontinued bumGenius OneSize Diapers and bamboo wipes: 30% off
Applecheeks: 10% off
Knickernappies pocket diapers and inserts: 15% off
bibs and blankets $8.50
Free gifts to the first 5 customers of the sale
2 Giveaways at the end of the sale (check our facebook page Saturday for the entry information).

Bum Genius 3.0 One Size Diapers Discounted!

The bumGenius 3.0 One Size diapers have been discontinued, which brings you DISCOUNTS on everything we have left in stock! Check them out at www.bumcovereddiapers.com.

Bummed out that your favorite diaper is discontinued?? Don't be! A new 4.0 version will soon be available. You can pre-order now by emailing us at justin@bumcovereddiapers.com or melissa@bumcovereddiapers.com. I also hope to have the product listed for pre-ordering within the next day or two. The new diapers feature even better design and new colors!

New Web Site, New Location, New Products(?)

We're officially moved to our new location in Iowa, and hopefully business will continue without a hitch. If you previously picked up orders in Kirksville, just let us know. We will still be there occasionally to visit family and could probably bring some products with us.

Also, our new web site is officially open for business! There are still some things that need fixing, so feel free to let us know of any bugs in our new system. We'll be working for awhile in July updating our product descriptions, and making our inventory more customer-friendly. Also, I hope to start a newsletter group soon, so click on the link on our store page (http://www.bumcovereddiapers.com) if you want to join!

Keep checking our blog for details on another one day sale, as well as a few more articles with diapering stories and tips.