Since 2010
What’s better: Natural Fabric v.s. Synthetic Fabrics For Cloth Diapers
When making a decision between synthetics and natural fabrics for your baby’s cloth diapers it makes things easier to know the pros and cons of each. Here’s a simple guide on the features and benefits of each type of fabric so you can decide what suits you best.
Natural Fabrics
Cotton, bamboo, hemp, silk, wool
Benefits:
- Natural fibers on the bum.
- Feels wet on the skin (great for encouraging potty learning).
- Wash easily (less prone to holding smells, less prone to repelling issues).
- Hypoallergenic
- Biodegradable
Drawbacks:
- Can require pre-washing multiple times before use to remove naturally occurring oils. (Number of times depends on brand).
- Stains more easily.
- Feels wet on the skin (can cause rashes for some sensitive babies).
Synthetic Fabrics
Microfleece, microfiber, suede cloth, athletic wicking jersey (AWJ), PUL/TPU
Benefits:
- Stay dry/wicking effect keeps baby’s bum dry and rash free (the most like a disposable from a wetness wicking standpoint).
- Microfiber is arguably the most absorbent material (in laboratory testing settings).
- Microfleece is soft on the bum.
- Less prone to staining and stains tend to fade more easily over subsequent washes without any treatment.
- PUL/TPU is water-resistant while still being breathable unlike old fashioned rubber or plastic pants.
Drawbacks:
- Microfiber can’t be next to the skin.
- Tendency to hold smells.
- Slightly more sensitive to poor wash routine (can be more prone to begin repelling or holding smells with inadequate rinsing and detergent ratios).
- Some babies are allergic to polyester (rarely, but it can happen).
There you have it, a quick and easy guide to helping you decide how to build your diaper stash from a materials standpoint. Keep in mind that cloth diapers are never an all-or-nothing pursuit. Most moms at one point or another end up trying lots of different styles, brands and materials to find which diapers they like the best.
Diaper brands with synthetic materials:
BumGenius 5.0, Freetime and Littles
Rumparooz Pocket Diapers & Newborn Lil Joeys
AppleCheeks with Microfiber Inserts
GroVia Hybrid Shells with No Prep Inserts
Funky Fluff AWJ
Diaper brands with natural materials:
Blueberry Simplex
AppleCheeks with Bamboo Inserts
Thirsties Natural One Size or Newborn AIO and Fitteds
Smart Bottoms 3.1 One Size AIOs or Newborn AIOs
My Diaper Addiction
GroVia Hybrid Shells with Organic Cotton Inserts
EcoPosh OBV Pocket Diapers and Fitteds
Funky Fluff Bamboo One Size or Newborn
BumGenius Elemental AIOs
Prefolds (Bummis, GroVia or Thirsties)
Bummis All In One
Shop our SALES to find something new to try.
Blog posts
These Just In...
-
Thirsties - Exclusive Release COZY COOP
ThirstiesOriginal price $19.95 - Original price $39.99Original price$19.95 - $39.99$19.95 - $39.99Current price $19.95In stockIntroducing Cozy Coop! A Flock of Five Retailers has partnered with Thirsties on this newest short run exclusive print. Featuring mama hens and ba...
View full detailsOriginal price $19.95 - Original price $39.99Original price$19.95 - $39.99$19.95 - $39.99Current price $19.95 -
Esembly Bowl Caps
EsemblyOriginal price $24.95 - Original price $24.95Original price$24.95$24.95 - $24.95Current price $24.95Low stockEsembly Bowl Caps, Upcycled Waterproof Food Storage Bowl Covers, Set of 4. Kiss plastic wrap goodbye and cover up your leftovers with Esembly's mac...
View full detailsOriginal price $24.95 - Original price $24.95Original price$24.95$24.95 - $24.95Current price $24.95 -
Esembly Produce Savers
EsemblyOriginal price $29.99 - Original price $29.99Original price$29.99$29.99 - $29.99Current price $29.99Low stockA set of 5 organic cotton produce bags that protect and prolong the life of your fruits and veggies from supermarket to fridge. Plastic produce bag...
View full detailsOriginal price $29.99 - Original price $29.99Original price$29.99$29.99 - $29.99Current price $29.99 -
Esembly Sipper Set
EsemblyOriginal price $13.99 - Original price $19.99Original price$13.99 - $19.99$13.99 - $19.99Current price $13.99Low stockEsembly's silicone Sippers have a secret! They 'unzip' for easy deep cleaning. Set of 4 reusable straws with pouch. Take sustainable sipping to th...
View full detailsOriginal price $13.99 - Original price $19.99Original price$13.99 - $19.99$13.99 - $19.99Current price $13.99 -
Esembly Carryall Bag
EsemblyOriginal price $31.99 - Original price $31.99Original price$31.99$31.99 - $31.99Current price $31.99Low stockA waterproof tote bag for schlepping everything you need for a trip to the market or a day at the beach. Folds up into its own front pocket for eas...
View full detailsOriginal price $31.99 - Original price $31.99Original price$31.99$31.99 - $31.99Current price $31.99 -
Esembly Snack & Sammy
EsemblyOriginal price $14.99 - Original price $14.99Original price$14.99$14.99 - $14.99Current price $14.99Low stockMade of recycled plastic bottles, this set of 2 reusable pouches are the perfect earth-friendly ziplock alternative for lunchboxes and diaper bags....
View full detailsOriginal price $14.99 - Original price $14.99Original price$14.99$14.99 - $14.99Current price $14.99 -
Esembly Go Two Sponge Set
EsemblyOriginal price $20.95 - Original price $20.95Original price$20.95$20.95 - $20.95Current price $20.95In stockMade of 1 part forever sponge and 1 part compostable sudser, GoTwo is the sanitary solution to sponging you’ve been waiting for. GoTwo Sponge is th...
View full detailsOriginal price $20.95 - Original price $20.95Original price$20.95$20.95 - $20.95Current price $20.95