When I was pregnant, I planned to use prefolds on my baby during the two-month confinement period. The reasons being:

• newborn baby poo and pee almost every hour or so, and need to be change frequently
• prefolds are the cheapest type of modern cloth diaper (one dozen cost about RM90 only), perfect for newborn

However, things didn’t go as planned. Engulfed with giving birth at 34 weeks, through an emergency c-section and the post-operation trauma, I totally forgot about CD-ing my baby (note: CD stands for cloth diaper).

I only started CD-ing little Izzah after the confinement period. But, I only use prefolds ocassionally as I like pocket diapers more. So, I’m going to let go @ sell half of the prefolds that I have (will write in another post).

You see, the start-up cost of using cloth diaper is not cheap. So, if you’re interested in trying out CD-ing your baby, it’s a good idea to buy second-hands first. If you like it, then you can begin building your cloth diaper stash.

So, let’s see how to use a prefold (my style). Basically, I’ll need:

• a prefold
• fleece liner (for a stay-dry feeling)
• diaper cover
• diaper pins or Snappi fastener (optional)

First, take the prefold and line it with a micro-fleece liner. Fleece liner (washable & reusable) can keep the baby’s bottom dry.

Then, secure the prefold with a diaper pin or Snappi fastener. Below, I used a Snappi.

Put the diaper cover underneath the prefold. And, secure it with the velcro closure.

If you use a wrap-style diaper cover, then you don’t need a pin or fastener.

I have listed some reputable online cloth diaper stores operated by Malaysian moms in a special page. Click here to have a look!

Latest purchase of cloth diapering items:

BumGenius 3.0 - one size pocket diaper that comes with 2 microfibre inserts. Bought two colors (Blossom Pink and Grasshopper Green), so total of BumGenius that I have now is 7. I really love BumGenius!

Bummis Super Whisper Wrap - diaper cover to be used with prefolds & fitted diapers.

There are four types of modern cloth diapers.

1) Prefolds

Prefolds are rectangular in shape and similar to the traditional flat cotton lampin. But, thicker!

You no longer need to fold the cloth before using because it’s already folded (hence the name, prefold).

It is designed with three areas of varying thickness. For example, a 4×8x4 prefolds had 4 layers of cotton twill on the side panels with 8 layers in the middle where the maximum absorbencies is needed.

Prefolds are very durable and the cheapest choice of modern cloth diapers. The cost is only around RM90 per dozen.

These diapers require waterproof outer covers. So, it’s a three piece diapering system (diaper, cover, closure for diaper).

Typically these diapers are closed with either diaper pins or a Snappi fastener. You can also simply lay them in a wrap style cover.

2) Fitted Diaper

Fitted diapers closely resemble disposable diapers. They are contoured and fitted with elastic around the legs and back. And, they’re fasten with Velcro or snaps.

Fitted diapers are not waterproof so you do need a diaper cover. So, it’s a two piece diapering system (diaper + cover).

They are very absorbent and easy to put on a baby.

Fitted diapers come in a variety of materials. Some of the most popular choices are cotton knits, flannel, hemp, terry cloth, sherpa, bamboo, or velour.

Fitted diapers available in various sizes (XS, S, M, L) but some brands do offer one-size fitted.

Depends on type of material used, fitted diaper may cost from RM80 to RM90 each.

Example of fitted diapers: Kissaluvs, Baby BeeHinds

3) Pocket Diaper

Pocket diapers are cloth diapers that have a pocket (hence the name, pocket diaper). It also closely resemble disposable diapers.

Pocket diapers have an outer layer of a waterproof material and an inner layer of a stay dry material, like microfleece or suedecloth. And, they close with Velcro or snaps.

There is a pocket opening that allows for the absorbent material to be stuffed in the pocket and then removed for laundering. The absorbent material for stuffing can be an insert that comes with the diaper or a pre-fold or doubler.

Pocket diapers are a popular choice among cloth diapering moms because you can customize the amount of absorbent material.

Pocket diapers are also available in various sizes (XS, S, M, L) and one-size.

Depends on type and brand of pocket diapers, it may cost you from RM40 to RM90 each.

Example of pocket diapers: BumGenius, Happy Heiny’s, Drybees

4) AIO (All-in-one)

AIOs are fitted diapers that have a waterproof outer layer. This layer usually consists of fabric that has a PUL (polyurethane) backing, polar fleece or wool.

These are the closest in similarity to disposable diapers since they are a one-piece diapering system. The absorbent soaker material is often sewn into the diaper or it may be detachable.

AIOs diapers are also available in various sizes (XS, S, M, L) and one-size.

Depends on type and brand of pocket diapers, it may cost you from RM80 to RM90 each.

Example of AOI’s diapers: BumGenius, Happy Heiny’s

That’s it guys. Hope this information useful.

By the way, I have already tried prefolds and pocket diapers last weekend. And, I love them both!

When I mention cloth diapers, many would think of thin flat cotton lampin that need to be folded. And, fastened with diaper pin and covered with plastic.

Nay! That’s the old way. Cloth diapers has evolved. Yes, really!

Modern cloth diapers are so very cute. There are a lot of pretty colors & prints. And, many luxurious textures and fabric.

So, why use cloth diapers?

Cloth Diapers Are As Convenient As Disposable Diapers

Cloth diapers today have either Velcro fastening’s or use snaps. So, it is easy to put on and take off just like disposables. They also have multiple layers of fabric with high absorbency that can last for hours.

Cloth Diapers Are Cheaper Than Disposable Diapers

The initial cost of using modern cloth diapers seems so expensive.

For example, a pocket diaper with insert may cost about RM80 each. Lets say, your baby need about 8 pocket diapers a day (assuming 3 hours between changes). And, if you wash it daily, you’ll need another 4 while waiting for the diapers to dry. So, total is at least 12 diapers.

12 x RM80 = RM960

Hmm… seems expensive, right?

But, consider this.

You’ll usually go through 6 to 8 thousand disposable diapers per child, from birth to about age three. If we take an average of what those diapers cost, that equates to between RM3,500 and RM4,000 per baby.

Once those children are potty trained those diapers are gone. They can’t be re-used. So a significant chunk of our heard earned money has gone to buying, what is essentially, garbage.

But, enough cloth diapers to last for three years will usually cost between RM1,200 to RM1,800. At minimum that is about a RM2,500 savings!

But wait, consider too, that those cloth diapers may last for one or more successive children and your savings doubles and even triples!

So, using cloth diapers ABSOLUTELY cheaper than disposables in the long run!

Cloth Diapers Are Healthier For Your Baby

Cloth diapers contain toxic chemicals that are dangerous to your baby.

1) Dioxin

Dioxin according to the Environmental Protection Agency is known to cause damage to the central nervous system, kidneys, and liver (http://www.ejnet.org/dioxin/)

It has been shown to cause cancer, birth defects, liver damage, and skin diseases and genetic damage.

2) Sodium polyacrylate (the super absorbent gel)

Sodium polyacrylate is the same substance that was removed from tampons because of its link to toxic shock syndrome.

3) Tributyl-tin (TBT)

A toxic pollutant known to cause hormonal problems in humans and animals.

4) Chemical emmission

Studies have also been done to show that the chemical emissions from disposable diapers can cause respiratory problems (athma) in children.

According to the Journal of Pediatrics, 54% of one-month old babies using disposable diapers had rashes, 16% having severe rashes.

So, consider the long-term effects of this chemical being in contact with a baby’s reproductive organs 24 hours a day for upwards of two years!

Cloth Diapers Are Better For The Environment

It is estimated that roughly 5 million tons of untreated waste and a total of 2 billion tons of urine, feces, plastic and paper are added to landfills annually.

It takes around 80,000 pounds of plastic and over 200,000 trees a year to manufacture the disposable diapers for American babies alone!

Although some disposables are said to be biodegradable; in order for these diapers to decompose, they must be exposed to air and sun.  Since this is highly unlikely, it can take several hundred years for the decomposition of disposables to take place, with some of the plastic material never decomposing.