Comparing Types of Cloth Diapers

So which cloth diaper is best for you? That is for you and your family to decide! Here is a comparison of all the types I've written about.

Flats and Prefolds:
Pros:
Very inexpensive
Chances are you can find the cheap ones in a store near you
Can easily be turned into burp cloths, everyday towels, dusting rags, etc...
Cons:
Need a diaper cover
Compared to disposables, they can be difficult to use
Need a fastener and not very Daddy friendly


Fitteds:
Pros:
Still cheaper than AIOs and Pockets
Excellent absorbency
They come with fasteners (snap or hook and loop)
Cons:
Need a diaper cover
Can be very bulky

All In Ones:
Pros:
Still cheaper than disposables
No need for a diaper cover
Very easy to use-Daddy and daycare friendly!
Cons:
Take forever to dry
More expensive than prefolds and fitteds

Pockets:
Pros:
Still cheaper than disposables
No need for a diaper cover
Less drying time than AIOs
Very easy to use-Daddy and daycare friendly!
Cons:
More expensive
Extra step of stuffing an insert
You have to pull out insert when wet or dirty

If you are trying to figure out what is best for you, I suggest trying at least one of each. I suggest prefolds and/or fitted for newborns, but some AIOs and pockets may fit. If you aren't sure about spending the money on them until you like them, a lot of brands have a try it first policy, where you can try them and return them if you don't like them (cleaned, of course!). Or, you can buy used or even ask around to borrow someone else's. www.diaperswappers.com is a huge for-sale-or-trade site that you can find good deals, as well as support forums for just about everything.