How do mordern cloth diapers work?

Cloth diapers are NOT as complicated as you might think! Many people hear about cloth diapers for the first time during pregnancy and immediately think of traditional diaper changing methods that take a lot of work and time. When you then see modern cloth diapers, you are often surprised how similar they are to the well-known disposable diapers.

The new designs are very easy to handle. No complicated folding, no safety pins and certainly no boiling out of the diapers are necessary. The baby poops is collected by the diaper fleece and disposed of separately, the diapers are easily cleaned at 60° and a lot of waste is avoided.

You can choose from different cloth diaper systems the one that suits you and your daily life best. Before you continue to discover the Stoffy world, we will first explain some basic knowledge so that you can make a better decision.

No matter which system or model you choose, it should fulfill three tasks:

1. Catching the "big business"
2. Absorbing the "small business"
3. No leaking/ Waterproof outer layer

The "big business"

Paper fleece or dry fleece is placed as the top layer in the diaper to catch and easily remove the "big business".

Paper fleece consists of purely vegetable, completely biodegradable materials and is usually available on rolls. Paper fleece with poop is disposed of in the toilet / litter bin. Paper fleece only with pee can be washed in the washing machine and further used, e.g. (depending on brand).

Dry fleece consists of polyester and is the washable alternative to paper fleece.

Tropfen fallen auf Stoff, Bekleidung, Hut, Türkis, Leben im Meer, Hai

Absorbency

Absorbent pads/inserts are made of microfiber, cotton, bamboo or hemp. They differ in absorbency and speed.

Absorbent pads/inserts last for 4-6 hours.

Night diapers, so called Fitted Nappy, can last the whole night because they are completely made of absorbent material (more sleep for you yeah!). To make it waterproof it should be worn with a waterproof cover such as Pull-Up Cover.

Waterproof and breathable

The waterproof part of the Stoffys is coated with polyurethane (PUL), a breathable material that ensures that the moisture stays in the diaper. Unlike the plastic used in disposable diapers, PUL is breathable and therefore more comfortable for the baby's bottom.

Alternatively to the PUL, a lanolised wool cover can be used as a waterproof layer.

How many systems are there?

You can choose between one-, two- and three-part cloth diaper systems. The difference is whether and how the respective absorbent core is attached.
Below you will find short descriptions of the different models that will help you to understand how they work. Just click on a system to learn more about it (pictures are clickable).

Übersicht von Stoffwindel-Systemen mit Bildern

AIO (ALL-IN-ONE) * Interlining is sewn on * Sometimes with additional pocket function * Easy to use * Must always be placed completely in the laundry * (Mostly) not suitable for drying OVERPANTS & INSERTS * Interlinings are simply placed in the overpants, many overpants have extra flaps for this purpose * Many different possibilities
* Overpants can often be reused several times
* Very popular POCKET (pocket diaper) * Insert can be removed from the pocket
--> can be put in the dryer separately * Good day care diaper * Must always be put completely in the laundry AI3 (All-In -Three) * Multi-size diaper * Inside diaper (tub) + outside diaper + insert * Nice narrow package of panty diaper (HöWi) * Especially absorbent * Best suited for the night
* Suitable for dryers * Are worn with overpants SIO (SNAP-IN-ONE) * Insoles are buttoned in
--> can be put separately into the dryer
* Nothing slips
* Overpants are reused TRAINER * Absorbent underpants with low absorption capacity
* For children who are already getting clean
* Do not replace a diaper

If you want to have a complete overview of the different models and materials, please have a look at our diaper comparison, where the properties of the individual diapers are clearly listed.

Here you can find the descriptions of the winding systems:

All-In-Ones (AIOs)

Prefolds with Cover diapers

Fitted Nappy with Cover

Snap-In-Ones (SIOs)

All-In-Three

Pocket

Trainer