Types of Diapers Prefold diapers: the old-fashioned types of diapers used by our mothers.  These have a layer of extra absorbency sewn into the middle but are flat diapers.  These require a cover, and can either be tri-folded and laid in a cover or fastened with a Snappi or diaper pins.  These are the cheapest diapers, and diaper services use these exclusively. pros: affordable and ultra-durable cons: lack the convenient features of modern diapers, cloth diaper newbies may be intimidated by how to put them on Fitted diapers: sort of a middle ground between a prefold and all-in-one.  These are shaped like disposables and have fasteners (usually a hook-and-loop type), but require a separate cover like a prefold.   pros: easy to use, come in very soft fabrics, and when combined with a cover are virtually leak-proof cons: require a separate cover, making putting on the diaper a two-step process Pocket diapers: shaped diapers that have a "pocket," into which you stuff an insert.  You can vary the insert(s) depending on how much absorbency you need.  These come in sized (xs, s, m, l) or one-size types. pros: daycare and daddy-friendly, customizable absorbency, quick drying cons: require stuffing, and unstuffing them can be a messy proposition All-in-Two (AI2) diapers: all-in-twos have a snap-in insert (not a "stuffable" one) and you put them on in a one-step process, like a disposable pros: easy to put on, quick drying cons: tend not to be as absorbent as some of the other types, generally more expensive than pockets or fitteds All-in-One (AIO) diapers: all-in-ones are basically cloth versions of disposable diapers.  Putting on the diaper is a single-step process.  These are the most convenient type of cloth diapers available. pros: ultra-convenient, daycare and dad-friendly cons: generally the most expensive type of cloth diapers, require longer drying time Sized diapers: diapers that come in x-small, small, medium, or large sizes. Usually these provide a trimmer and better fit than one-size diapers. One-size diapers: diapers that aim to diaper your child from approximately 7 to 35 lb.  These are a more economical option than sized diapers, but some people feel that while "one size fits most," they fit no babies perfectly.  Generally a bit bulkier than sized diapers, especially on newborns. Materials used in cloth diapers microfiber: a synthetic material used in many inserts and AIOs.  Popular because of its great absorbency and relative affordability.  These are somewhat more prone to "stink" issues than natural fibers, however. hemp/bamboo: natural materials used in many inserts and AIOs.  Hemp and bamboo is often softer than microfiber and less prone to becoming smelly, though because it is naturally sourced it is somewhat more expensive than microfiber. polyurethane laminate (PUL): a synthetic waterproof material that has eliminated the need for the old-time "plastic pants" wool: often used in covers to wear over fitteds and prefolds fleece: also used in covers to wear over fitteds and prefolds.   May be in standard form or in "longies," like pants. Other terms inserts: inserts are used to stuff into diapers to provide the necessary absorbency doublers/boosters: usually these are thinner versions of inners designed just to provide a "boost" of absorbency when needed, especially for naps or overnight use wet bag: a bag used to store your dirty diapers when you're on the go and away from home pail liner: a reusable bag designed to line your diaper pail.  On wash day these can go straight into the washer and dryer, along with the rest of your diapers.