Ties or Snaps? Here's How To Decide

Did you cheer when the new tie Inners from Esembly came out and then wither with indecision over whether you should choose Esembly's snap Inners or the new tie ones? You are not alone! They are both wonderful options and of course you can mix and match within your stash, but if you had to pick just one, here are the considerations...

First let's consider the similarities:
- Both Inners are compatible with Esembly's Outer covers (or any diaper cover including wool).
- Both Inners have the same absorbency capacity.
- Both are trim
- Both are unbleached organic cotton (just different weave constructions)
- Both customizable and compatible with Esembly's accessories like stay dry, tossers, overnighter boosters, skin care products, detergent and wash agitators.

Now let's consider where they differ:

Materials:
The Esembly snap Inner is made from unbleached organic cotton twill while the tie Inner is unbleached organic French terry. While the material doesn't change the absorbency, it does feel slightly different with the twill being slightly more structured and the terry feeling a little more flexible.

Dry Time:
The tie Inner has the edge here and dries significantly faster than the snap. Because it folds out and the layers aren’t stitched together the same way as they are in the snap version, the tie design allows air to move more freely through fewer layers of fabric so it dries faster. If you put your diapers in the dryer anyway, it may not matter to you. If you do a lot of line drying you may prefer the ties.

Containment:
When paired with an well fitted outer diaper cover, both snap and tie Inners are designed to be leak and blow-out proof.

However, the snaps offer slightly more containment for big messes on the inside due to their ruffled elastic design. Ties are more of a modernized prefold, upgraded with elastic at the legs and waist, so, similar to a prefold, you may notice more poop migrating from the Inner to the inside of the outer cover compared to snaps. This means containment still isn't an issue, but the cover may be called into action more often.

Therefore if your goal is fewer outer covers in your collection and reusing them at change time as much as possible along with maximum containment inside the actual diaper then snaps are the better choice. If washing covers slightly more often in lieu of a faster dry time and different diaper style works for you, then tie Inners are for you.

Closure Considerations:
Snaps can't be undone by a curious toddler, ties offer a completely plastic free way to close a diaper. Caregivers like grandparents or daycares may be more comfortable and familiar with snaps and those with mobility challenges like arthritis for example may find ties more difficult to deal with.

Overall, you may prefer snaps if:
- You're intimidated by folding or additional steps: The snap inners are simple to use and require no folding at all. Just slip the snap Inner under baby, snap it closed and you’re done.
- You have many people caring for baby. Snaps are intuitive, easy to use and require no instruction.
- You always use the dryer and dry time isn't that important for your routine.
- You prefer a diaper with more structure; one that looks and works more like a traditional diaper.

Overall, you may prefer ties if:
- Dry time is important to you. If you line dry often, prefer to save energy and avoid the dryer, don't have access to a dryer or if you're diapering twins and need those diapers washed, dried and back in rotation FAST, ties are for you.
- You love the simplicity, cute factor and nostalgia aesthetic of the ties. If old school beautiful minimalism is your vibe, ties are here for it.
- If all natural is your reason for choosing cloth and plastic free is where you want to be, the ties are a wonderful option for you.
- You prefer a little stretch and extra softness in your diaper fabric.

Ultimately, if it's hard to choose, don't worry, try some of each and then finish your stash with whichever you like better.

Tie Inners are in stock HERE | Snap Inners are in stock HERE