I have upgraded myself from the Prefold+Cover and Pocket Diaper to a new type of Cloth Diapers: the All-In-Twos (AI2s).

What are All-In-Two (AI2) Cloth Diapers?

• They are similar to All-In-Ones (AIOs) type because they have all the components in one diaper: A waterproof outer and the absorbent soaker.
• The difference is that the soakers, which are secured with Snaps, can be easily removed from the outer (diaper cover).
• It’s easy to use because when you change the diapers, and the diaper is not soiled (cover is still clean), you just remove the wet soaker and replace with another clean one!
• It’s convenient because if you travel or go out, you can just bring extra soakers instead of an entire diaper – Saves a lot of room in your diaper bag!
• Because the soakers can be removed, it allows thorough washing of the soakers and drying times are also faster (compared to AIOs). Also, there’s less laundry to do!
• It is more expensive than the other types of cloth diapers.
• However, in my opinion they can be economical – you just need a few pieces of covers and you can buy many many soakers to use and rotate instead of buying additional cloth diapers!
• The outer cover can also be used as a diaper cover with Fitted Diapers and Prefolds!

I love the simplicity, uniqueness and design of the All-In-Two system. I agree they are a bigger investment, but they are very versatile!

Currently, I am using these two brands of All In Twos:

GROVIA (formerly known as GroBaby)

Actually, I’ve tried GroBaby (and still awaiting my GroVias – coming soon! ). This was the brand that made me love AI2s! The GroBaby shell set costs a whopping RM95 (comes with a shell, a soaker and a booster) but it was well worth it! You can also use it as a Hybrid system, purchase some disposable inserts and it’s easier to use when out and about. The prints are cute, its design is tip top and it’s also one-sized (although it has quite a small cutting). It may not be so easy to buy GroBaby’s now because soon all the shops will be selling GROVIAs instead (slightly different design but still the same features), but if you manage to buy them preloved/second hand, you should! (Psst… there are some listed on Diapers Asia forum, see for yourself )

Available from: My Cheeky Boo, My Baby Pit Stop, Tiny Tapir, and many others.

ITTI BITTI D’LISH SNAP IN ONE (SIO)

I understand why this Australian brand of AI2s are so popular. These cloth diapers are simply the cutest ever, check out the gorgeous rainbow colours and limited edition prints, and Minkee fabric outer too! It has a very unique design too which I liked, the soaker and booster can both be snapped off (Snap In One ) for easy washing and drying, and also for you to reuse the cover. It is SIZED diapers, and the design makes it fit really snugly and it is super duper trim. My husband loves this, saying that they are not bulky and looks comfortable for the baby to move around in. There are also some Moms who are selling these preloved – they’re very popular, just visit the Diapers Asia forums and look for them (I bought all 3 of mine there too )

Available from: Zizitots Collection

Check out the Malaysian CD Shops listing to see where you can get these 2 brands of cloth diapers!

QUESTION: Tell me your favourite brands of All In Twos too!

There are even cloth diaper giveaways and preloved diapers for sale!

(Click on the main titles below to go directly to the respective blog posts):

The Honeybunch 2010 Giveaway by Charm Chameleon Chatterbox

- This Malaysian Cloth Diaper Mom organized such a great giveaway with lots of fabulous prizes! Apart from winning Cloth Diapers and accessories, you may also get a chance to win supplements, nursing accessories, restaurant vouchers, photography session vouchers and more. Why not you guys participate?

Is It Really Worth to Cloth Diaper? by Charm Chameleon Chatterbox

- This question might be on the minds of many first time Cloth Diaper users. On my side even, especially from people around me, like husband and other family members. Some might think that Cloth Diapering is not really so affordable and actually expensive to begin with. Is this true? Read up this Mummy’s comments about this issue.

Preloved Coolababy AIO for Sale at Sentuhan Bayu
- I just discovered this blog (Thanks Lily for dropping by here, and also for your e-mail before. I might have missed it!) It has many articles about Cloth Diapering, really worth a visit. In this post, blog owner offers some preloved goodness. Hop on over!

Bagaimana Memilih Jenis Cloth Diaper yang Sesuai by Danial & Eva’s Diary

- This Mummy shares her experience with Pocket Diapers, All In Ones, All In Twos and Fitted Diapers. Her insights can provide us about how to choose the right type of Cloth Diapers to use for our child.

Jatuh Cinta Pandang Pertama by aku, dia & kamu

- It’s a swoon post! This Mom drools over this brand of Cloth Diapers: ENVIBUM. They are so fluffy!! I personally haven’t heard about this brand before, so thank you for sharing the information about these with us!

“Kedai Bundle” Anyone? at Good Things in Life

- I previously suggested that if you are on a budget, look around for second hand/preloved Cloth Diapers, scout around bargains at Diapersasia forums and also from other Mom blogs. This blog owner discovers a new source for bargains: Bundle Shops! She managed to grab a handful of Diaper Covers for really cheap from there, what a find!

Tahukah anda dengan jenis-jenis material atau fabrik yang digunakan untuk cloth diaper? Bukan semua jenis cloth diapers itu sama. Jika anda tertanya-tanya mengapa ada jenis cloth diapers mahal harganya, dan ada pula yang murah, kita boleh menilai dengan mengetahui jenis material yang digunakan untuk menghasilkan cloth diaper tersebut.

Sebelum membeli sesuatu jenama atau jenis cloth diapers, tanyakan dan pastikan dahulu dengan penjual tentang material cloth diaper. Ini adalah penting kerana beraneka jenis material mungkin memerlukan cara penjagaan dan pembasuhan yang BERLAINAN. Sepatutnya juga, para penjual cloth diaper perlu memberi jawapan kepada soalan-soalan ini kepada pembeli:

• Apakah material yang digunakan untuk cloth diaper (lapisan dalam/luar/material asas?)
• Apakah material inserts yang digunakan?
• Bagaimanakah cara untuk basuh pertama kali sebelum digunakan (prewash)?
• Apakah teknik penjagaan/pembasuhan yang khusus untuk cloth diaper jenis ini?

Kita mungkin pernah dengar tentang microfiber, cotton, bamboo, fleece dan sebagainya semasa pencarian cloth diapers. Mari kita menjengah lebih mendalam mengenai jenis-jenis material dan fabrik yang lazim digunakan, bersama dengan kelebihan dan kekurangan masing-masing:

1) PUL (POLYURETHANE LAMINATE)

• Diperbuat dari kombinasi kapas, polyester atau kapas/ campuran poly. Bahan ini digunakan sebagai lapisan luar kalis air cloth diaper seperti untuk pocket diapers, AIO/AI2 dan juga diaper cover.
• Kelebihan: “Breathable” (bukan seperti lapisan plastik yang tiada pengudaraan).

2) FLEECE/MICROFLEECE

• Material sintetik ini (100% polyester) amat biasa digunakan sebagai lapisan dalam pocket diaper, AIO/AI2 dan diaper cover. Diaper liners juga ada diperbuat daripada fleece (untuk diletakkan di atas cloth diaper sebagai lapisan “stay dry” dan untuk menyenangkan pembuangan air besar bayi dari CD).
• Fleece ada pelbagai kualiti. Kualiti paling bagus adalah “Polar Fleece”.
• Kelebihan: Amat lembut untuk digunakan atas kulit bayi, berkebolehan untuk menarik air ke lapisan bawah secara efektif dan menjadikan kulit bayi kekal kering semasa memakai cloth diaper (wicking properties), “breathable”, senang dicuci, cepat kering, “stain-resistant”.

3) MICROFIBER

• Material ini lazim digunakan sebagai inserts, dan ianya adalah kombinasi polyester dan polyamide (bahan sintetik). Fabrik ini seperti fabrik yang digunakan untuk membuat tuala mandi.
• Kelebihan: Agak murah, senang didapati, mempunyai daya serapan yang bagus, berupaya menyerap cecair dari permukaan kulit dengan pantas berbanding material lain (wicking properties).
• Kekurangan: Tidak boleh digunakan terus ke atas kulit bayi kerana akan menyebabkan masalah kekeringan (kerana ianya menyerap cecair dengan pantas), material sintetik ini tidak terbiodegradasi (non-biodegradable).

4) BAMBOO

• Bahan diperbuat dari tanaman bamboo ini semakin popular untuk pembuatan cloth diapers. Ianya digunakan sebagai material asas cloth diaper seperti fitted diaper, lapisan dalam pocket diaper dan juga sebagai insert.
• Kelebihan: Fabrik yang “breathable” (sejuk untuk pemakaian di cuaca panas), lembut, berupaya menyerap lebih cecair berbanding microfiber (lebih sesuai untuk penggunaan waktu malam), mempunyai sifat anti-bakteria semulajadi, bahan yang semulajadi,  mesra alam sekitar dan “sustainable” (bamboo tidak menggunakan pestisid, senang & cepat ditanam).
• Kekurangan: Memerlukan “prewash” yang lebih kerap (lebih 6 kali) sebelum digunakan untuk memastikan daya serap yang tinggi, sewaktu prewash juga tidak boleh dibasuh dengan fabrik lain, harga yang lebih mahal.

5) HEMP

• Diperbuat daripada kayu tanaman hemp. Lazim digunakan sebagai bahan asas untuk fitted diaper, lapisan atas pocket diaper dan sebagai insert.
• Kelebihan: Tahan lasak, berkebolehan untuk menjadi lebih lembut selepas penggunaan berterusan, daya serap yang lebih tinggi berbanding microfiber (lebih sesuai untuk penggunaan waktu malam), bahan yang semulajadi (lebih environmental), mempunyai sifat anti-bakteria semulajadi, sesuai untuk pemakaian di cuaca sejuk ataupun panas.
• Kekurangan: Memerlukan “prewash” yang lebih kerap untuk membuang “natural oils” yang ada di dalamnya, agak lambat untuk dikeringkan, lebih sukar didapati di Malaysia, harga yang jauh lebih mahal.

6) WOOL

• Material semulajadi daripada kulit biri-biri ini amat sesuai sebagai bahan diaper covers atau soakers (shorties/longies). Bahan ini juga selalu digunakan untuk membuat baju sejuk (sweater).
• Kelebihan: Fabrik yang amat “breathable” (sesuai untuk bayi semasa cuaca panas dan juga sejuk), boleh digunakan berulang kali tanpa dibasuh, lanolin dalam wool mempunyai “repelling properties” (boleh memansuhkan air dari kulit bayi dengan cekap).
• Kekurangan: Memerlukan penjagaan yang khusus, perlu di-lanolize semula untuk mengembalikan daya serap dan “repelling properties”, agak sukar didapati di Malaysia (biasanya perlu dibeli dari luar negara), harga yang mahal.

Sekarang anda sudah lebih mahir tentang fabrik-fabrik cloth diaper bukan? Jangan lupa gunakan info-info ini semasa proses pembelian cloth diapers anda kelak!

(What Do I Need to Cloth Diaper? – A Tutorial Video)

Kalau belajar melalui menonton video, tentu lebih senang dari membaca entri blog yang panjang berjela-jela kan? Jika anda masih di permulaan “pembelajaran” Cloth Diapering, video ini amat mudah difahami dan merangkumi aspek-aspek penting dalam dunia Cloth Diapering.

Video hampir 7 minit ini dalam Bahasa Inggeris dan bertajuk “What Do I Need to Cloth Diaper”. Kualitinya bagus dan seronok pula untuk ditonton. Kita boleh mempelajari tentang:

• Apa yang diperlukan untuk Cloth Diapering? – Prefold, Diaper Cover & Snappi/pin!
• Jenis-jenis Prefold - Bleached & Unbleached
• Penggunaan Diaper Pail
• Penggunaan Cloth Wipes – Tidak perlu menggunakan disposable baby wipes!
• Jenama-jenama Diaper Covers – Seperti Bummis, Thirsties, Fleece Soakers & Imse Vimse
• Penggunaan Snappi – Tidak perlu menggunakan pin untuk menyematkan Cloth Diapers!
• Penggunaan Inserts untuk Cloth Diaper waktu malam
• Apa itu Fitted Diaper?

Saya amat suka video sebegini! Tak banyak songeh, informatif dan senang difahami! Kepada mereka yang pening mengenai Cloth Diapers, ini video untuk anda!

Jika anda meminati pembelajaran Cloth Diaper melalui video, anda juga boleh menjengah entri blog saya mengenai Cara-cara Menggunakan Prefolds/Lampin (tutorial video).

This is not a local list, this is an international compilation of the most popular brands of cloth diapers. I did some extensive researching and this was what I came up with, and I really think it’s a useful list! If you surf for cloth diapers online, most probably you would encounter these brands one way or another. Our own Malaysian cloth diaper e-shops or blogshops too carry many of these brands online. It will be helpful to know and familiarize yourself with these cloth diaper brands so it will be easier for you to choose your CDs Most of the brands below are well-known for One-size Pocket Diapers, so we can see that these type of cloth diapers really are the most popular ones around.

Hopefully one day we can compile a list for MALAYSIAN CLOTH DIAPERS, yay! We need more Malaysian Cloth Diaper brands, step on it entrepreneurial Malaysians or Mommies!

I will also start a list soon for local or more regional cloth diaper brands which might be more relevant to our Asians’ needs (and pockets)

MOST POPULAR CLOTH DIAPER BRANDS

(in no particular order)

1. Bummis: Very popular for their Diaper Covers
2. Bum Genius: One of America’s top one-size Pocket Diaper brand
3. Fuzzi Bunz: Very famous for their Pocket Diapers
4. Drybees: A favorite is the frilly Lacies diapers & Bamboo One Size Diapers
5. Kissaluvs: Popular for Newborn size diapers, especially Fitted Diapers
6. Happy Heiny’s: One-size Pocket Diapers and All-In-Ones are well-known
7. Thirsties: Another very famous brand for Diaper Covers
8. Rumparooz: For its one-size Pocket Cloth Diapers
9. GroBaby: Popular for its All-In-Ones and All-In-Twos Diapers
10. Bumwear: The prints on their Pocket Diapers are what sets them apart!
11. Loveybums: If you want Wool covers and Organic diapers, this is it!
12. Swaddlebees: A good choice for Fitted Diapers
13. Baby Kangas: One Size Pouch Diapers are very functional and popular
14. Wahmies: For their one size Pocket Diapers (and wetbags).
15. Proraps: Their Classic Diaper Cover is always a bestseller

I’m sure you have heard of MANY of these brands right? Which ones do you have in your Cloth Diaper collection? Share with us!

Source: Babyzone.com and Diaper Pin

By now you might have already known where to get Prefold Diapers: “Where Can I Get Prefolds in Malaysia?” and also how to use them: “5 Ways to Use & Fold Prefolds”. So what’s next on the list? It’s time to get to know DIAPER COVERS!

So What are Diaper Covers?

• Prefolds or flat diapers (kain lampin) are NOT waterproof. “Accidents” such as spills and messes might happen unless you plan to change these diapers often, or wear them (supervised!) only at home during the day.
• Therefore to make these types of cloth diapers waterproof, Diaper Covers can be used.
• Depending on brands, a Diaper Cover can cost between RM20 to RM100+.
• Inner material is made from PUL (polyurethane-laminated cloth) which makes it waterproof, and also wool and knit (as inner/outer layer).
• If made from wool & knit, it is not only waterproof, but also more breathable. However, it can be more expensive ~RM80+ a piece.
• You seal it on with Velcro or Snaps for ease of use.
• It can be used with prefolds, flat diapers (lampin) or fitted diapers.
• Diaper covers need not be cleaned after each use, maybe a few times a week after enough reusing. Unless, it gets soiled with baby’s poo. It dries easily too.
• Things to look for: Sizing (S, M, L, one size, etc), Material type (PUL, wool, knit), Good fitting (Gussets -extra material around the legs can prevent leaks from the sides).
• Diaper covers come in many cute designs and patterns like these (to cover the boring, white prefolds and lampins!)

Where to Buy CLOTH DIAPER COVERS in Malaysia?

(Click on Shop Names to go straight to “Diaper Cover” sections)

1. TINY TAPIR: Carries diaper cover brands Thirsties, Starbunz, Baby Kanga, Dream Eze, Sugar Peas, Bunnyfeet & My Precious Baby.
2. MY BABY PIT STOP: Carries Baby Beehinds, Bummis & Wonderwraps
3. BABY, TOTS & MOM: Carries Thirsties, Kushies, Tiny Tush & Lovey Bums
4. LIL DANZELL: Carries BabyBeehinds, Blueberry, Little One Size &Swaddlebees
5. EZ MOTHERHOOD: Carries Thirsties, Bummis, Motherease & Lovey Bums
6. MIA BAMBINA: Carries Bummis, Thirsties & Swaddlebees
7. BABY MY LUV: Carries Snazzy & Sustainable Babyish
8. BABYZ N MOM: Carries Thirsties & Motherease
9. NICE CLOTH DIAPER: Carries their own brand of diaper covers
10. GREEN BEBE: Carries Proraps
11. TREEHUGGERS BABIES: Carries Diaperaps
12. CUTIE SOFT: Carries Babylove. *Bargain: Only RM9.90!*

I also saw some very basic diaper covers in Jusco (Pureen or Pigeon brand, I don’t remember) which was pretty cheap, less than RM20! Depends on you, you can buy anything that fits your budget!

QUESTION: What’s your favourite brand of Diaper Covers? I feel that the more well-known ones are Thirsties and Bummis. Anywhere else to get Diaper Covers?

There are several types of cloth diapers in the market today, which are:

1. Prefold Diapers

Most basic cloth diaper any mother should have

• A rectangle piece of diaper with 3 sections, folded to fit the baby
• Does not have a waterproof layer outside
• Worn with diaper pins or Snappis.
• Has  thicker  layer in the centre (which is absorbent), and sides/outside layer (for folding)
• The cheapest among other cloth diapers
• Very versatile, durable useful: Can be used on its own, stuffed into pockets or worn with diaper covers
• Can also be used as wipe/burp cloths, baby covers, etc
• Two types: Bleached (white) and Unbleached (cream color -requires extra preparation before using)

2. Fitted Diapers

These type of diapers fit snugly on your baby

• Worn fitted and snug on babies (with elastic, Velcro, snaps or hooks)
• Not waterproof: Requires a diaper cover to ensure pee/poop do not leak!
• Can be made from: knits, flannel, teryy cloth, hemp, bamboo, fleece –any material, can even be made from an old t-shirt!

3. Pocket Diapers

Pockets, to me, are the best cloth diaper innovation!

• Outer layer is waterproof.
• The inner layer has “pockets” in the middle where you can insert the absorbent material called “inserts”.
• Different inner layer materials (microfleece, suede, velour, minky, etc) will feel different on the baby when it’s wet.
• Inserts are removed after baby pees/poops, which enables more effective cleaning.
• Customizable: Different types and amounts of inserts can be stuffed according to level of desired absorbency

4. All In Ones/All In Twos (AIOs/AI2s)

The closest thing to disposable diapers

• Most convenient, no accessories/preparation needed before use
• Waterproof, no covers needed.
• Absorbent material sewn into AIOs, no inserts needed.
• Because inside soakers are non-removable, requires longer drying time.
• AI2s can have an external soaker on the inside: allows customization and faster drying.

Now that you already know the basics of Cloth Diaper types, you are ready to begin your cloth diaper journey! Easy does it, more articles to come Stay tuned!