Cloth diapers: compared

The more Ninja Stars the better...5 stars is the highest and most favorable rating!

Diaper systems

	Diaper / Insert Fabric	Cover Required	Convenience	Cost	Drying Time	Customizable absorbency	Trim fit
Flats	Cotton	Yes	1	4 1/2	4	2	1
Flats	Hemp/Bamboo	Yes	1	4 1/2	3	2	2
Prefolds	Cotton	Yes	2	5	2	2	2
Prefolds	Hemp/Bamboo	Yes	2	5	1	2	2 1/2
Fitted	Cotton	Yes	3	3	2	2	3
Fitted	Hemp/Bamboo	Yes	3	2	1	2	3 1/2
Pocket	Cotton insert	No	4	2	4	5	4
	Hemp/Bamboo insert				2 1/2
	Microfiber insert				4
All-in-one	Organic Cotton insert	No	5	1	1	2	5
	Hemp/Bamboo insert			2 1/2	1		4
	Microfiber insert			2 1/2	1 1/2		4

Diaper fabrics

	Absorbency	Drying time	Trimness	Cost
Cotton	2	4	2	5
Cotton	Advantages available in organic and unbleached can be washed at very high temperatures breathable fabric keeps skin cool in summer and warm in winter durable; used by most diaper services Disavantages less absorbent than other natural or man made fibres so you require more fabric to achieve sufficient absorbency in non-organic cotton, pesticides, fungicides and fertilizers are commonly used in growing process and residues may remain in the fabric
Microfibre	3	5	3	4
Microfibre	Advantages absorbs liquid quickly dries quickly wicks moisture away from the body to keep skin cool and dry great for top layer of multi-layer insert Disavantages once wet, liquids can leak upon compression non-biodegradable not made from renewable resources
Hemp	4	3	4	3
Hemp	Advantages natural fiber, naturally organic antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial very absorbent breathable very durable and long lasting renewable source Disavantages can become stiff after many washing dries stiff when hung to dry requires prepping before it can be used due to natural oils; hemp should be washed 2-4 times separately before washing it with your other diapers. Hemp is most absorbent after 6-8 washes.
Bamboo	5	2	5	2
Bamboo	Advantages natural fiber, naturally organic antibacterial, antifungal, antimicrobial very absorbentand quick to absorb very soft fabric breathable and wicks moisture away highly renewable resource Disavantages more expensive than other fabrics takes longer to dry due to high absorbency needs to be prepped before use; bamboo should be washed 4-6 times before use, and is most absorbent after 8-10 washes