What Makes The Perfect Cloth Diaper?

by Nessie on June 24th, 2010

In the past, as a cloth diaper maker, I wondered what people wanted in a diaper, so that I could create that “perfect” diaper. Today, I know there is no perfect diaper for everyone, but some do get pretty close.

In your opinion, what makes the perfect cloth diaper?

Bamboo Fleece and Cotton Print Prefolds with Extended Tabs

Update (2010/06/26): Since a couple of people have asked, here is what I consider to be the perfect diaper:

Hidden snaps
Not too few and not too many snaps
Breathable
Made of organic and/or OekoTex certified (natural) fabric
Does not leave red marks on the baby
Very absorbent, but not too bulky
Not too wide or too narrow between the legs
Does not create a “bubble” butt
Does not create wing droop
The fabric stays relatively soft
Lasts more than a couple of years

Tags: cloth diapers · Survey

http://www.dirtydeedsdiaperservice.ca Elsbeth

1) I’m a fan of a diaper with no velcro or aplix. Snaps all the way for the diaper portion. (I’m okay with the cover having velcro since that’s where you really need the fit tighter)

2) I prefer a two piece diaper to an all-in-one. I’ve had rough luck with leaks and blowouts with all-in-ones and never with a diaper/cover combo.

3) I also like great absorbency!

4) I really do like prefolds but some fitted diapers have winning styles for me. For me, a good fitted diaper needs to be simple and basic. The simpler the better too. Not too many snaps or folding down necessary.

5) I like a diaper with no gathering around the legs where elastic might be. Smooth cleans best!

hmm, guess I’m pretty particular! (my favourite diapers are Mother Ease One Size diapers. (www.mother-ease.com)

http://somedaysarah.etsy.com Sarah

1) DH says a really cute baby
2) DH says Bamboo
3) I say breathable – fitted with wool cover or wool in two

http://kidsarealrightto.blogspot.com kgirl

I looked long and hard before I bought my diapers, and while that was 5 years ago, they went through 2 of mine and now are onto a friend. I still don’t think I could find a better one now. What I loved about them were the soft, organic cotton, snaps to fit, velcro to close, extra ‘flap’ for absorbancy, and yes, price (about $10 per). And (gasp!) I used lined plastic covers at times too. I only needed two, and these are also on the third kid with no signs of stopping.

Nessie

Elsbeth – Not sure if you know, but the ME OS diaper does actually have leg elastics, but they’re short, loose and are covered by the binding.

http://www.dirtydeedsdiaperservice.ca Elsbeth

i do realize that there is elastic but it’s not surrounded by bunched fabric just a protective layer. i find they clean sooooo well as compared to others with the gathered fabric.

Nessie

It’s definitely easier to clean those. I wish I had a sewing machine that could do this type of binding.

http://allaboutcub.blogspot.com Nikki (CubsMamma)

Well, what I consider to be “perfect” changes as Cubby’s body shape changes too :) On my list:

1) Good absorbency – or option to customize absorbency (inserts or snap-in layer) without being too bulky – and by too bulky, I mean I have to buy the next size up in clothes to make him fit – that’s TOO bulky.

2) Good fit – sizing must be real close or easy to adjust the rise/sizing. I have trouble sometimes with one-size (OS) diapers because Cubby has a short rise and it’s difficult to fit him into some fitteds because he’s in between the rise settings. Eeesh!

3) Hidden snaps – I WISH more diapers (fitteds especially) have hidden snaps where they might touch the skin. Or provide an easy way to cover up those snaps!

A good variety of colors and prints wouldn’t hurt either (ha!) but that’s minor compared to the function of the diaper itself.

Cari

I agree with everything you said, except for two things.

One, I like having no snaps sometimes, as it allows for a very custom fit.

Two, I personally don’t care about organic fabric if it increases the price. I can’t afford to spend an extra $5 per diaper just because its organic. So maybe having an organic and a non organic option would be good?