All-In-Whats? Shorties Who? Prefolds How?

When we first began with the idea of cloth diapers, I looked at some magazines, read a lot of stuff online and then took a deep breath and went to a store that specialized in cloth. I was so intimidated and when I walked in. There were (it seemed like) dozens of options to choose from and lots of different ways to put it all together. Really, the only true experience that I had with cloth diapers was when my little sister was born (I was 5 years old) and my parents told me that one of my "jobs" to help out with my new little sister was to be the one that folded the prefolds. Fun.

I knew that there were more options now, I just had no idea where to begin!! There was a very patient lady there who went through everything with me (half of the time I had no idea what she was talking about!) and repeated the majority of it probably 2 or 3 times. So, in rememberence of my confusion, here is a breakdown of what I have learned about the various systems for cloth diapers and the fibers that are available.

Fibers
Wool: Wool diaper covers are intended to absorb some moisture rather than simply providing a barrier to air/liquid like plastic diaper covers. Wool is similar to a clay layer beneath a sand layer, with the sand layer being the cotton diaper. The liquid easily goes into the diaper layer (cotton, hemp, or bamboo) and then when it reaches the wool layer the liquid spreads out into the diaper as it would into a sandy layer of soil above a clay layer of soil. The wool layer (like the clay) will still absorb some moisture and become slightly damp feeling, letting you know the diaper is wet and ready to be changed. Used as soakers, longies and shorties. I haven't used them as a liner but would like to and wool can be used as that.
Fleece/Microterry: Usually used for liners (in the all-in-ones or pocket diapers). It wicks the moisture away from the baby's body.
Hemp and Bamboo: Hemp is very absorbent and is used as liners, doublers or diaper layer. Bamboo is also very soft and absorbent and is used as the same.
Cotton/Terrycloth: Back to the basics, cotton can be used for liners, doublers or diaper layer.
PUL: The waterproof outer layer in the all-in-ones or pocket diapers.
The fleece, microterry, hemp, bamboo and cotton can all be used in any sort of combination together.

The Systems
Prefolds: Prefolds are what many people think of when they think of cloth diapers. They come in cotton, hemp and bamboo. They also come in different sizes based on the size of the baby. They go under wool soakers, PUL or nylon covers, vinyl covers, poly or polar fleece. They are held together by safety pins or snappies. When the prefold is soiled, throw it in the diaper pail for cleaning and reuse your cover until that is soiled.
Fitted Diapers: These are made out of cotton (often mixed with a little bit of polyester for hold), bamboo, and microfleece/microterry. Again these are covered with wool soakers, PUL or nylon covers or poly/polar fleece. When the diaper is wet or dirty, you throw the fitted diaper in the diaper pail for washing and reuse the fitted diaper cover until that is soiled.
Pocket Diapers: Pocket diapers are exactly that. They look like a disposable diaper. They usually have the outer lining made from PUL or vinyl or even nylon. The PUL is very popular due to how flexible it is. There is a "pocket" made between the fleece, microterry, cotton or bamboo liner and the PUL that is filled with a liner made from any absorbent material. When the diaper is dirty or wet, you take the whole diaper and throw it in the diaper bucket to be washed.
All-In-Ones: These are diapers that are the most like disposables. There is no stuffing the liner because the liner is sewn in and you wash it with it all in place. Hence, all in one. They are very similar to the pockets except the liner is in it, nonremovable. You could stuff a doubler (doublers are extra liners-usually hemp- that help your diaper absorb more) in there for overnight if you wanted but it would probably be very snug.

Once you get started in cloth, it seems like there are many possibilities (and there are!), the best thing to do is get a little bit of several different types and see what you like. Give yourself some time to get used to it and then decide. Have fun with it!!

Off to wash diapers.....