A fitted cloth diaper is designed to be contoured to a baby’s body, and has elastics around the legs for a better fit. It can close with snaps, hook and loop or nothing at all (which will require a pin or fastener). A fitted diaper generally requires a separate cover on top.
How do fitted diapers compare to flats and prefolds, AIO diapers and pockets? Here are the pros and cons:
BENEFITS
A fitted diaper is highly absorbent. This is one of its best qualities and the main reason that mothers try them out. The entire diaper (including the wings) soaks up wetness, and it is multi-layered.
A fitted diaper is convenient to use if you don’t like folding or pinning.
Fitted diapers, more than any other style, come in a wider range of print, color and fabric options. Some of them can truly be called works of art!
Because it is so absorbent and fits so well, a plush fitted diaper can actually be worn without a cover for an hour or two.
Featured Diaper: the One Love organic fitted
DISADVANTAGES
Fitteds are generally more expensive than other styles, but this is not a hard and fast rule. For instance, cotton “pre-fitteds” start at just $5, whereas bamboo prefolds are $7 or more, and some pocket diapers are $15 or higher.
Because every part of a fitted diaper gets wet, some babies with highly sensitive skin don’t do well with this style. A fleece liner can help mitigate this effect somewhat, but won’t give 100% protection.
If you don’t like the extra effort that pinning, snapping or using a diaper fastener requires, then the fitted style may not be for you.