Fitted and Contoured Diapers

Last week, we did a post about prefold diapers, the flat, rectangular diaper that you fold into a diaper shape and cover with a waterproof cover. This week's post is dedicated to fitted and contoured diapers. Fitted and contours are essentially the same idea as prefolds; their job is to absorb and contain, but unlike prefolds, they are shaped to fit your little bundle of joy better, cutting down on bulk. Since they are shaped to fit you baby, you will also have less gapping around the legs than just a prefold with a Snappi.

Fitted and contoured diapers are not waterproof all by themselves and do need a waterproof cover, such as a Thirsties or Bummis. Since the diaper does most of the work of containing and absorbing everything, you don't need as many covers as you do diapers. The covers can be rinsed after each use and don't necessarily need to be put through the washing machine unless it has poop on it or begins to smell. We usually recommend four to six diaper covers so you always have a clean one on hand. For four Thirsties Duos, our most popular cover, you would need to add $56 to your first purchase of diapers. The first size of Duos will fit from six to 18 pounds, so you wouldn't need to buy the second set of covers until your baby outgrows the first size. Babies come in all different shapes and sizes, but most babies would be able to wear the first size of Duos for nearly a year or more. The second set of four Duos would be another $56 down the road.

Let's start with the fitted variety. Fitted diapers are different from contoured diapers in that they have a built-in closure such as snaps or velcro. Contoured diapers do not have either and can be Snappi'd or held on by the cover.

These are DryBees Bamboo Fitted diapers. They come in two sizes: newborn and a second size that adjusts in size with snaps down the front just like a one-size diaper. Bamboo is more absorbent than plain cotton and these are silky soft. They also have an attached insert for extra absorbency. At $20 for the first size and $22 for the second, 24 of the newborn size and 18 of the adjustable size would be $876, plus the cost of covers.

These are Happy Hempy fitted diapers. Like bamboo, hemp is more absorbent than plain cotton. These have a pocket to adjust the absorbency and come in three sizes so they are nice and trim. They close with velcro and are extremely soft. At $16 per diaper, 24 of the first size, 18 of the second, and 12 of the third size would cost $864 plus the cost of inserts and covers.

These are Kissa's Organic Cotton and Hemp Fitted Diapers. They come in two sizes. The smaller size snaps down in the front to avoid irritating a newborn's healing belly button. They are super soft and cozy. They have snap closures which can overlap for a nice, snug fit on a skinny baby. At $17 for the first size and $19 for the second, 24 of the first size and 18 of the second, these would cost $750 plus the cost of covers.

These are Kissa's Fitted Cotton Fleece Diapers. They are fluffy, fleecy cotton and come in three sizes. Like the hemp version above, the smallest size snaps down in the front to avoid irritating a newborn's healing belly button. They have snap closures which can overlap for a nice, snug fit on a skinny baby. At $13 per diaper, 24 of the smallest size, 18 of the middle size, and 12 of the largest size, these would cost $702 plus the cost of covers.

These are the prettiest fitted diapers ever! Kissa's Marvels are a one size fitted diaper. They will fit from 10 - 40 pounds so you might need another diaper in the very beginning. To fit these on a smaller baby, just fold the front down and snap it shut. They are lined with a bamboo velour and feel extremely gentle against the skin. They have snap closures which can overlap for a nice, snug fit on a skinny baby. At $25 per diaper, a set of 24 of these would cost $600 plus the cost of covers. Too bad you have to cover them up, right?!

Now for contoured diapers:

These are ImseVimse contoured diapers. They are soft cotton terry and very trim. They come in two sizes. You can either close them with a Snappi, like we did here, or just use your diaper cover to keep them in place. At $50 for a four-pack for the smaller size and $56 for a four-pack of the larger size, 24 of the smaller size and 20 of the next size, these would cost $580 plus the cost of covers.

These are JamTot's One-Size Contoured Diapers. They are super soft cotton, similar to a prefold. For a smaller baby, just fold the front down to adjust the rise of the diaper and close with a Snappi or just use a diaper cover to keep the diaper in place. Inside are two overlapping flaps that speed up drying time and would do a great job of catching everything. You could also tuck an extra insert under the flaps for added absorbency. At $17.50 per diaper, a set of 24 of these costs $420 plus the cost of covers.

These are Kissa's Hybrid One-Size Contoured Diapers. They are made of light, fluffy cotton fleece and have an attached insert that has super-absorbing microfiber inside and cotton fleece against your baby's skin. To adjust the size, just fold down the front of the diaper to shorten the rise. Close it with a Snappi or just use a diaper cover to keep it in place. At just $11 per diaper, a set of 24 would be $264 plus the cost of covers.

Finally, these are Bumkin's Cotton Contour Diapers. They are made of soft cotton, similar to a prefold. To adjust the size, just fold down the front of the diaper to shorten the rise. Close it with a Snappi or just use a diaper cover to keep it in place. At $60 for a six-pack, a set of 24 would be $240 plus the cost of covers.

That's all for now! Stay tuned as we go through all the different types of cloth diapers!