The future of Cloth, Part III of ? Types and sizing

>This is part 3 of my ramblings on the future of cloth.  See Part 1 and Part 2 if you missed them!

As modern cloth evolves, I expect to see more “hybrid” diapers like the Amp Duo Diaper and the Softbums Omni.  Diapers that allow you to use them as a pocket diaper, all-in-two, or a cover with prefolds.  So you don’t necessarily have to choose and invest in just one type.  We’ve already seen a pretty big boom with the hybrid/all-in two styles with wipe-able shells like the Best Bottom Diapering System, the Flip and others.

I also hope/expect to see even more insert options, more natural fibers, trim inserts, perhaps combined with a soft, wicking fabric on top, like microfleece.  I think if there were even more disposable/flushable/compostable inserts available, it would help people test the waters with cloth, and realize that washing the inserts really isn’t a big leap!

One-size diapers have gained enormous popularity in the past few years.  When I researched cloth in 2004 for my daughter, I don’t recall seeing any pocket diapers with the “snap down” rise one-size feature that is so common today.  Bumgenius was founded in late 2005, but I don’t know who was the first to do this style.  I believe the “one size” fold down rise that’s common on fitted diapers today, was introduced by Mother-Ease.

While they are great, in the future I see more companies considering a two-size system like the Thirsties Duo Diaper.  I didn’t start cloth diapering my son until he was about 14 pounds at 4 months old, so I don’t have experience cloth diapering a newborn.  Many “one size” diapers claim to fit starting at 6 or 8 pounds, but I hear many say they didn’t fit well until about 10 pounds, and I don’t at all doubt that is truth.  This means that most people will need to purchase newborn/extra-small diapers, unless they plan to use disposables in the beginning.

On the other end of the spectrum, Moms with larger babies or late potty trainers (learners) say the “one-size” diapers didn’t fit through potty training.  Not only that, but you can’t necessarily expect a diaper that’s been in constant use for 2 1/2-3 years, to last through another child.

The two size diapers seem to be the perfect compromise between sized and one-size diapers.  No need to buy newborn, one-size and extra-large, or newborn, small, medium etc.  Two sizes truly cover the range from newborn to potty training.  it seems like such an ingenious idea to me, I’m surprised more companies haven’t caught on.  I am still hoping that Bumgenius will come out with a mini-one size pocket diaper!

I think I’m going to stop here since I’m trying not to make these posts tl;dr worthy (too long, didn’t read!)  I have more on my mind about the future of cloth, so stay tuned!