Cloth diapers are available in several types of cotton fabrics and are made up into somewhat different types or forms of diaper.
TERRY CLOTH
Terry cloth is a looped cotton fabric that provides a thick, luxurious comfortable feeling. Terry cloth diapers are super-absorbent and quickly absorb the urine. The softness and comfort is very nice, but the terry cloth diapers are bulky, making them only practical as a night diaper worn only to bed.
BIRDSEYE
Birdseye is a staple diaper fabric that has been around for generations. The material can be found in fabric stores where it sells by the yard as “diaper cloth”. Birdseye is described as a “diamond” weave. When you closely examine the fabric, you will see the woven surface forms tight little diamonds and the cloth is durable with good pinning strength and it makes a good utilitarian diaper. Birdseye is one of the most common diaper fabrics just like the flannel. .
GAUZE
Gauze is another diaper fabric now commonly found only in baby diapers. It has a straight square weave, and when held up to the light, you can just about see through it. The cotton threads run straight up and down and side to side like screening in windows and doors. The square loose weave creates soft, cushiony diapers with easy washing, as the soap and water can flow through the fabric for easy cleaning.
FLANNEL
Flannel is a good diaper material too. It has the character of a napped or fleece-like surface, soft to the touch but dense, not springy like terry cloth. The characteristic of density leads to the criticism by flannel opponents that it is hard to get these diapers clean. Flannel lovers feel a person can get great absorbency with the least bulk with flannel!
FLAT DIAPERS
( pin-on and requires folding)
Folding diapers for our parents had more to do with getting them ready to pin on the baby. The diapers were folded and put away ready to be pinned on the child. . The absorbency was gained by folding with multiple layers. That thin layer becomes many, many layers when folded and ready to pin on.
PREFOLDS
Prefold diapers are the most common style for pinning on a baby. There is no folding. Prefolds are just the flat diapers all folded to size, with soaker strips stitched down the center. This strip is made of various materials of absorbency.
Size and weight have everything to do with fit and comfort. Before purchasing a cloth diaper the user needs to study up on fitting and pinning. After figuring out what works for you and what is comfortable, then a large quantity can be purchased.