New to cloth diapering? Read here for a Beginner's Overview.

[Agla]

Want to start cloth diapering but not sure where to start?

We have decided to give you an overview with helpful links from our site. The members here are very generous with their time and expertise and we have compiled some informative and popular threads to help you get started.

As you explore our site you will notice that we use many abbreviations and acronyms. Members have kindly compiled a list defining abbreviations and acronyms used by the cloth diapering community.

Massive Abbreviation List/Cloth Diapering Wiki
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/....php?t=1245170

Types of Diapers

Flats- A flat is a piece of cloth that can be configured in different ways and fastened to create a diaper. You can purchase nicely serged flats made out of organic materials or you can use a t-shirt, a thin baby blanket or even certain kitchen towels. Your imagination is the limit as to what can be used as a flat.

Here are some Diaperswappers links threads that discuss flats:

Flats Picture Thread
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/...d.php?t=877212

Flat Fold Tutorials
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/...t=t-shirt+flat

Flats Airplane fold for a Toddler
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/....php?t=1213698

Receiving blanket flats
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/...hlight=prefold

Daddy Flats
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1211837

Prefolds- A prefold is a piece of cloth that has been sewn to facilitate diapering. It has a thicker layer sewn in the center for increased absorbency. They come in various fabrics and sizes. They can be fastened like a flat or they can be simply folded and laid into a cover.

Supertrim prefold fit
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/...d.php?t=173216

Prefolds Made Easy
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/...d.php?t=202877

Prefold Tutorial with Pics
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/...d.php?t=795091

Here is Diaperswappers FSOT (For Sale or Trade) thread where prefolds and flats are sold. Looking at “For Sale” listings is a good way to familiarize yourself with what these diapering items look like.
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/...play.php?f=154


Fitteds
A fitted is fabric that has been cut and sewn into a shape resembling that of a disposable diaper. Fitteds come in different fabric options and closure options. Like flats,and prefolds, fitteds usually require some cover or additional layer to be worn over them for a moisture barrier.

Fitteds Picture Thread
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/...vorite+fitteds

Diaperswappers Fitteds FSOT forum
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/...splay.php?f=19


AIO-All in One & AI2 & Hybrids
Imagine a disposable diaper, now picture it made of cloth. This would be an AIO. It is made to include an absorbent inner layer with a waterproof outer layer. Then entire diaper is one piece and when soiled the entire thing is washed. AI2 differ in that the absorbent inner might be a separate piece that attaches to the outer layer. There are many brands and configurations of fabrics, designs and closures.

Hybrids are those diapering systems that have more than one insert system available for their covers. They might have cloth inserts or they may also offer a disposable insert.

Diaperswappers AIO & AI2 FSOT forum
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/...splay.php?f=21

Diaperswappers Hybrid FSOT forum
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/...play.php?f=207


Pockets
A pocket diaper is similar to an AI2 in that it is comprised of two parts. In a pocket diaper an absorbent fabric insert is inserted into a pocket sewn into the waterproof outer layer. The process of inserting the insert into the pocket is called “stuffing.” Pockets can also be stuffed with prefolds or folded flats.

Diaperswappers Pocket FSOT forum
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/...splay.php?f=20


Covers

If you have decided on using flats, prefolds or fitteds you will need something that will serve as a barrier for moisture so that you don’t end up with wet baby clothes, car seats, bedding etc.

There are several ways to do that and, like finding a diaper style you prefer, you may have to experiment until you find something that works for you and your baby.

Covers are related to the plastic pull on pants that were once used over cloth diapers. But now you have your choice of gorgeous color and prints. There are also different types of closures such as aplix or snaps. There are also soakers which are usually an absorbent brief style pant made of fabrics such as fleece or wool that can be worn in lieu of a diaper cover. Shorties and longies are just longer forms of soakers.

Diaperswappers Cover FSOT forum
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/...splay.php?f=23

Wool
Wool has some interesting qualities that make it a favorite for some in the cloth diapering community.

Teach Me About Wool Thread
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/...highlight=wool

Diaperswappers Wool FSOT forum
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/...splay.php?f=24

Other Useful Topics:

Lets Talk Detergent Thread
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/....php?t=1040786

No Complicated Laundry
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/....php?t=1225206

Sunning Diapers
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/...d.php?t=946847

What you wish you knew when diapering a newborn
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/...d.php?t=581835

Now you got yourself some pretty diapers. How to organize them:
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/...d.php?t=655843

Diaper Storage
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/....php?t=1240176

Another post with useful information
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/...d.php?t=699801

There is no way one post can tell you everything about cloth diapering so we encourage you to visit the Diaper Chatter & Q&A area of our site where you can ask your cloth diapering questions:
http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/...splay.php?f=10

[Reel Life]

Lovely. So sweet of you to do this. Hope it gets stickied!

[Juan M]

Great post! This will be stickied and linked to for sure!

[lady longs]

Wow! Thats amazing

[danner]

Looks good!

[rubyndora]

Awesome compilation. I also recommend http://diaperwrecker.com for good info.

[tripletmama]

This is awesome...especially for a newbie like me!

[Cloth.Rockin.Mamma]

awesome!!