🧷 For Absolute Beginners: Cloth Diapering with Cloth Joy 101

Hey there, curious parent! If you’ve found yourself tumbling down the cloth diaper rabbit hole—clicking link after link, scratching your head, and thinking, “What does this all mean?!” or “Okay… but how does it actually work??”—you’re not alone.

Welcome to Cloth Joy’s beginner’s guide to cloth diapering. Whether you’re on your first baby, your fifth, or somewhere in between, we’ve got you covered (literally and figuratively)! In this quick-start guide, we’ll break down the basics in plain English—no diaper lingo dictionary required.

Because we know cloth diapers can seem overwhelming at first—with all the sizes, styles, acronyms, and brands out there—it’s easy to feel like you need a degree just to get started. But don’t worry: you’ve got this, and we’re here to help every step of the way.

Let’s break it down by diaper type—starting with our fan favorite!

💙 POCKET DIAPERS: The MVP of Modern Cloth

Pocket diapers are one of the easiest (and cutest!) ways to start cloth diapering—and they’re our most popular option for a reason.

Think of a pocket diaper like a comfy sandwich: there’s a soft, stay-dry lining on the inside, a waterproof exterior on the outside, and a cozy spot in between to tuck in your absorbency.

Part 1: The Shell (aka the Diaper "Pocket")
This outer shell is where the magic begins. It’s the part with the adorable print you chose—dinosaurs, rainbows, florals, you name it! The inside is lined with athletic wicking jersey (AWJ), a stay-dry fabric that helps wick moisture away from baby’s skin to keep them feeling dry and happy.

The shell itself isn’t absorbent—it’s made of water-resistant fabric (usually PUL or TPU) that holds everything in and helps prevent leaks. The “pocket” part is a slot between the outer and inner layers where you’ll add your absorbency.

Part 2: The Absorbency (aka the Insert)
This is what does the heavy lifting—literally soaking up the pee! You choose the type and amount of absorbency based on your baby’s age, output, and needs. We offer several insert options made of different fabrics (bamboo, hemp, cotton, and more), and you can use one or two inserts depending on how much absorbency you want. Just stuff your insert into the pocket, and voilà! You’ve got a ready-to-go cloth diaper.

💚 ALL-IN-TWO (AI2) DIAPERS: Snap & Go Simplicity

Love the idea of fewer steps at changing time? Meet the All-in-Two. It’s like a modular diapering system where parts snap together for easy assembly and quick changes.

Part 1: The Shell
Just like with our pocket diapers, the shell is waterproof and covered in your favorite fun print—but instead of a stay-dry liner, the inside is lined with soft bamboo cotton and has built-in absorbency: three sewn-in layers to start you off strong.

Part 2: The Snap-In Inserts
Each AI2 diaper comes with two inserts: a “snake” insert (you fold it to create more absorbent layers where baby needs it most) and a booster insert for extra absorbency. Both are made of soft, thirsty 2-layer bamboo cotton.

Bonus: there’s a small front pocket where you can tuck in extra absorbency for heavy wetters or overnight use. These diapers are super customizable and quick to put together—no stuffing required!

🧡 COVER SYSTEMS: Versatility at Its Finest

Looking for something ultra-flexible that works for daytime, nighttime, newborns, or toddlers? Our cover system is a cloth diapering chameleon—it adapts to what you need, when you need it.

Part 1: The Cover
This waterproof shell doesn’t have any built-in absorbency—it’s simply a water-resistant outer layer designed to wrap around your choice of inner absorbency (kind of like a superhero cape, but for your diaper inserts!). The inner is unlined so it’s easy to wipe clean between uses—just let it air out and reuse until soiled.

Part 2: The Absorbency
This is where the fun begins! You can pair covers with lots of absorbency options like:

• Fitted diapers (super absorbent for overnight or heavy wetters)

• Prefolds (folded rectangles of absorbent fabric)

• Flats or preflats (large squares or shaped layers you fold into position)

• Snap-in inserts or boosters

You mix and match based on your baby’s needs. Covers are amazing for overnight, budget-friendly diapering, and anyone who loves a customizable fit.

💡 Pro Tips for Getting Started

• Start small: You don’t need 30 diapers right away. Try a few styles and see what works for your baby and your routine.

• Wash every 2–3 days: A simple wash routine keeps things fresh.

• Don’t stress the learning curve: It’s totally normal to have questions (and a few leaks) at first. You’re learning a new skill—go you!

• Ask us anything: Seriously, we love helping new cloth families find their rhythm.

🎉 Final Thought: You've Got This!

Cloth diapering with Cloth Joy is all about making diapering easier, cuter, and better for your baby and the planet. Whether you start with a full stash or just one or two diapers, you’re making a difference—and having a little fun with it along the way.

Stay tuned for more in our Cloth Diapering 101 series, where we’ll cover everything from building your stash to how to wash, troubleshoot, and travel with cloth.