Cloth diaper materials

Cloth diaper materials

Cloth diapers are made of two kinds of material: a waterproof outer layer that holds in moisture, and an absorbent inner layer that soaks it up. Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Waterproof outer layers

• Nylon with a waterproof coating - breathes well but is less durable with frequent washing.
• PUL (polyurethane laminate) and TPU (thermoplastic urethane) - extremely waterproof synthetic materials with varying durability.
• Wool - biodegradable, self-cleaning and antibacterial, but needs special care and lanolising.

Absorbent layers - synthetic materials

Microfibre, polyester and fleece are cheap and very absorbent, but they burden the environment more and lose some absorbency over time. They are handy as extra inserts.

Absorbent layers - natural fibres

• Cotton - the most common, highly absorbent; conventional growing uses a lot of water and pesticides.
• Bamboo - naturally resistant to bacteria and very absorbent, but chemical processing burdens the environment.
• Hemp - the most absorbent of the natural fibres, but absorbs more slowly.
• Organic cotton - lower environmental impact and proper certificates.
• Wool - incredibly waterproof and breathable, washed only every 3-4 weeks.

When choosing a material, consider absorbency, care and environmental footprint. For everyday use, bamboo-cotton blends are popular, while hemp or wool suit the night.