What Is the Difference Between Cloth Diapers & Reinvented Cloth Diapers?

Old-Fashioned: Flats and Prefolds

• When people talk about old-school cloth diapers, they're referring to what is now called a "flat diaper," which is a large square of single-ply fabric that must be folded to fit your baby. Flat diapers require a waterproof cover and some sort of fastener to keep the diaper snug. While flats are not as unreliable as they were in yesteryear, they do require a bit more time and effort to use effectively. Prefolds are an evolution of flats, with some of the folding already done to create a thicker diaper that requires less effort to fit to your baby. Flats and prefolds used with covers are considered old-fashioned, but it's worth noting that covers are significantly easier to use nowadays, and that these diapers are the most economical.

Reinvented: Fitted Diapers

• A fitted diaper is shaped like a disposable diaper that fastens around your baby using either snaps or Velcro, with elastic for the legs and back to contain messes. Fitted diapers are not waterproof, so while they can be worn without a cover, if you intend to put clothes over the diaper or go out, you will need an additional cover to contain wetness and any overflow.

Reinvented: Pocket Diapers

• Pocket diapers are the king of modern cloth diapers, shaped like disposables and just as easy to put on your baby. There are three layers to a pocket diaper. The outer layer acts as a waterproof cover to keep messes and moisture contained, and is typically made of polyurethane laminate. The innermost layer that sits against your baby's skin wicks moisture away and helps the baby feel dry; popular fabrics for this layer are microsuede and fleece. Between these two layers is a gap, or pocket, that needs to be stuffed with one or more absorbent pads. A typical insert fabric is microfiber, but there are also brands that create inserts made of bamboo, hemp and microterry. You can even use prefolds or fitted diapers, folded like an insert, to add extra absorbency to pocket diapers.

Reinvented: All-in-One Diapers

• All-in-one diapers are exactly what they sound like -- the entire diaper, with no removable parts or need for extra cover. While they're very easy to put on your baby, making them a go-to choice for caregivers unfamiliar with cloth, they can also take longer to dry because of the thicker construction.

Reinvented: Hybrid Diapers

• An up-and-coming diaper style is the "hybrid" diaper, also called an "all-in-two." These diapers have two pieces, consisting of a cover and the actual absorbent part of the diaper that either sits inside the cover or attaches via snaps or Velcro. These systems are popular because they're variable, with brands like Grovia and Flip offering the option of eco-friendly disposable inserts that sit inside the diaper cover and can be thrown away after use.