All-in-One (AIO)
This nappy is like a fitted with a cover already attached, or a pocket nappy with the absorbent material sewn into it. This means it goes on just like a disposable, with no extra bits needed. Some styles may also include added boosters to reduce drying time.
Advantages
As simple to use as a disposable (very baby sitter, grandparent and husband friendly);
No need for stuffing or covers;
Convenient for having in your nappy bag when going out.
Disadvantages
Slower drying due to the many layers that make up the nappy;
Can be expensive.
Pockets
Generally pocket nappies are made with an outer of PUL and a a fleece inner, and have an opening at the back (or sometimes the front) into which you place the absorbent "boosters'" or "stuffers". The fleece inner allows the moisture to pass through to the absorbent core of the nappy, leaving baby feeling dry.
Advantages
It is easy to adjust the nappies absorbency by simply altering how much stuffing you put in (make a trim nappy for day or add more absorbency for night);
You can use any absorbent material as the filling - purpose made "boosters", face-washers, hand-towels, terry flats or even microfibre cleaning cloths;
Pocket itself comes out of the wash almost completely dry, which makes for a very fast drying nappy. Furthermore, if you are using something like a flat nappy or face-washers to stuff the nappy, they will unfold and also be quick to dry;
Can be stuffed ahead of time and can be just as easy to use as disposables.
Disadvantages
If the pocket is made from PUL, the PUL can deteriorate over time;
Some people might find it annoying to have to stuff the pockets each time, and to un-stuff them prior to washing;
Buying the pocket nappies and boosters can be more expensive than using fitteds and covers (as you only need a few covers).
Fitted nappy
A fitted nappy is similar in shape to a disposable nappy but the whole nappy is made of absorbent material. For this reason fitted nappies require a cover to stop clothing getting wet. When they are changed it is usually possible to either put the same cover back on (particularly if it is made of PUL and can be wiped clean ), or to have a few covers that are rotated throughout the day and allowed to dry between changes. This practice reduces the number of covers you need.
Advantages
Covers are able to be used multiple times before being washed, which lengthens their lifespan, particularly if the cover is made from PUL which can deteriorate over time.
You can add extra boosters to the fitted nappy (just lay them in) to make it more absorbent.
A fitted nappy that has become too small can be used as a booster inside a larger nappy
Disadvantages
Slower drying due to the many layers that make up the nappy
When it is ‘nappy change time’, you are changing both a cover and a fitted nappy which can be fiddly if you have a wriggly baby.
You may need to add a microfleece liner to keep bub's skin dry.
Prefolds
These are a version of a flat nappy. They are generally a rectangle of cotton, hemp or bamboo, that is divided into 3 sections with stitching lines The centre third has extra layers of absorbency.
To use the nappy on a baby, fold the nappy into three, then flare one end out, place baby on it and bring the unflared end up between his/her legs, with the flared ends making the "wings" used to secure the nappy around your baby's waist. Alternatively fold the nappy into three, lay it inside a snug fitting cover and put it on your baby.
Advantages
It requires less folding than a ‘flat’ or ‘terry nappy’;
It has more absorbency in the wet-zone where you need it;
Hemp (the usual composition of them) is more absorbent than cotton;
They can also be folded and used to boost other kinds of modern cloth nappies;
Relatively quick drying because it unfolds.
Disadvantages
Can be difficult to get the right fit;
Can be bulky;
May not be absorbent enough on their own;
Need a good fitting cover to avoid poo blowouts;
More expensive than a flat;
Generally not made of loopy terry fabric, so can not be used with a snappi.