Which Cloth Diaper Systems are the Best? A Comparison of All Systems
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Cloth diapers offer a sustainable alternative to disposable diapers. There are various approaches to meet the different needs of parents. Common systems include All-in-One diapers, prefolds with covers, and pocket diapers. Each system has its advantages and limitations. Judes combines the best of all cloth diaper systems into a well-thought-out concept that is simple, flexible, and suitable for everyday use – ideal for families seeking a practical and skin-friendly solution.
How do I find the right cloth diaper system? The right cloth diaper system depends on your individual needs. Consider whether ease of use, flexibility, or low cost is most important to you. Systems like All-in-One diapers are user-friendly, while prefolds are cost-effective. Judes cloth diapers, on the other hand, offer the ultimate combination of simplicity, comfort, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.
Below, we present the most well-known cloth diaper systems and their advantages and disadvantages. We'll also show you why Judes cloth diapers are the best solution for easy and sustainable diapering.
What are the common cloth diaper systems?
Cloth diaper systems differ in structure and handling to meet the needs of parents and babies. The most well-known systems include:
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Judes cloth diapers: Judes consist of two parts that are perfectly coordinated. The inner diaper is made of organic cotton and has a high absorbency that keeps your child dry for up to 12 hours. The outer diaper, on the other hand, serves as a leak-proof barrier. Judes are as easy to put on as disposable diapers and fit perfectly to your child's body shape thanks to flexible cuffs.
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All-in-One diapers: Here all components, like the absorbent insert and leak-proof barrier, are combined in one unit.
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Prefolds with covers: This system consists of absorbent inserts worn in a separate cover.
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Pocket diapers: They have a pocket into which the absorbent materials can be individually inserted.
Each of these systems has advantages and limitations that parents should consider when making their choice.
Judes

Judes was founded by Leon and Nele – parents who were themselves looking for a practical, eco-friendly, and skin-friendly alternative to disposable diapers. Their vision was to make cloth diapers so simple and everyday-friendly that they are suitable for any family – even those with no prior experience of cloth diapers.
Judes combine sustainable organic materials with a well-thought-out design, that is just as easy to use as disposable diapers. With just two parts, we've created a cloth diaper system that uniquely combines comfort, health, and environmental awareness.
Advantages:
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Easy to put on and care for.
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Flexible cuffs on the back and legs perfectly fit the shape of your child's body and prevent leaks.
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Slim diapers due to innovative weaving technology.
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Skin-friendly and sustainable materials that are gentle on your baby's skin.
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Two sizes for the entire diapering period.
Judes uses a system that combines the advantages of prefolds with the user-friendliness of an integrated system. This means that using Judes cloth diapers is similar to All-in-One diapers, but is simpler, more flexible, and cost-effective.
All-in-One Diapers

Picture by Šárka Hyková on Unsplash
All-in-One diapers are fully integrated systems where all necessary components, such as the absorbent insert and waterproof outer shell, are permanently connected. This concept closely resembles how disposable diapers are used.
Advantages:
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No separate parts, everything is contained in one unit.
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Less effort needed for assembling or sorting after washing.
Disadvantages:
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Longer drying times as the fixed layers dry more slowly.
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Larger quantities needed due to long drying times, which increases costs.
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Less flexibility in adjusting the absorbency.
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Create a bulky diaper bottom, often requiring clothing to be purchased a size larger, which may not fit optimally.
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Frequently leaks as no flexible adjustment is possible.
Prefolds and Covers

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This system consists of absorbent fabric layers (prefolds), which are pre-folded and worn in a separate cover. The prefolds absorb moisture, while the cover protects the clothing.
Advantages:
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The covers can be used multiple times, while only the prefolds need to be changed.
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The absorbency can be flexibly adjusted by using different inserts.
Disadvantages:
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Using these diapers requires additional preparation, such as folding the prefolds.
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Putting on can be more time-consuming, especially for inexperienced parents.
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Material knowledge is necessary to combine the right inserts.
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Often result in a bulky diaper package.
Pocket Diapers

Picture by Šárka Hyková on Unsplash
Pocket diapers are designed with a pocket, into which absorbent inserts can be individually placed. This system allows parents to adjust the absorbency according to the baby's needs, e.g., for day or night. The outer shell provides wetness protection, while the inner layer directs moisture to the insert.
Advantages:
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Adjusting absorbency through different inserts.
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The separation the of inserts and the cover l allows for shorter drying times.
Disadvantages:
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Requires additional preparation, as inserts must be placed in the pockets before each use.
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After use, the inserts need to be removed, making cleaning slightly more laborious.
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Outer diaper not reusable, requiring larger quantities.
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May not be leak-proof.
Pocket diapers offer customization options but require more effort in care and preparation. In comparison, Judes allow flexible use while being easier to handle, as no separate preparation of inserts is required.
What makes Judes a unique and better cloth diaper system?
The Judes cloth diaper system is based on a well-thought-out All-in-Two approach that combines the best features of All-in-One diapers, prefolds, and pocket diapers. Compared to other systems, Judes are easier to handle, as well as more flexible and sustainable than disposable diapers. The removable inner diaper makes changing easier and significantly reduces drying time. At the same time, the waterproof outer diaper can be reused multiple times, similar to prefolds, but without the time-consuming preparation. Additionally, Judes do not require pockets or complicated folds – they are ready to use immediately and are designed for the everyday life of families.
To use Judes, you need:
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Inner diapers made of organic cotton, skin-friendly, sustainable, and absorbent.
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Waterproof covers - reusable and perfectly matched to the inner diapers. Flexible cuffs on the legs and back provide optimal support and prevent leaks.
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Booster inserts to increase absorbency, perfect for night and long car rides.
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Large wet bag for storing and hygienically washing used diapers.
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Small wet bag for changing with cloth diapers on the go.
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Poo Paper for catching and easily disposing of stool.
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Judes Family Care detergent for hygienically washing cloth diapers.
Simplicity and Everyday Durability
Judes cloth diapers are just as easy to use as disposable diapers – many parents even report that they find Judes even easier. The coordinated absorbent inserts and precise fit make putting them on and changing them especially quick and easy – ideal for parents looking for a practical solution.
Unlike other cloth diaper systems, Judes require no preparation, such as inserting or folding inserts. Also, after washing, they are immediately ready for use again, as they can simply be dried in the dryer.
The everyday suitability of Judes convinces parents who value efficiency and comfort without compromising on skin-friendliness or environmental sustainability.
Sustainability and Health
Judes relies on organic cotton and recycled materials to protect your baby's skin while promoting sustainable practices. The organic cotton used is not only gentle on sensitive skin, but also breathable and supports a healthy skin climate. Its antibacterial properties provide additional protection against irritations and infections – ideal for the sensitive diaper area. More reasons why Judes are made of organic cotton can be found on our blog.
Environmental awareness is also taken into account in the design. Judes diapers are designed to be durable and resource-friendly, reducing environmental impact. Every decision – from material to processing – reflects the goal of doing something good for both families and nature.
Innovative in Fit and Tightness
Judes diapers impress with a slim fit that does not restrict your baby's freedom of movement. Additionally, flexible cuffs ensure they sit comfortably without leaving pressure marks. This combination ensures your baby feels completely comfortable – whether crawling, playing, or sleeping.
The materials are woven to provide maximum absorbency with minimal thickness. This keeps the diapers reliably tight while barely adding bulk – an advantage many parents appreciate. Compared to other cloth diaper systems, Judes diapers retain moisture better, even during extended wear times. Visit our shop now to find the right cloth diaper size for your baby.
The Cloth Diaper Systems in Direct Comparison

Photo by @maryyy_may
Now that we have introduced the different cloth diaper systems, we would like to provide you with a clear overview. The following table summarizes the advantages and differences of the systems so you can make the best choice for you and your baby.
Judes |
All-in-One Diapers |
Prefolds & Covers |
Pocket Diapers |
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Structure |
All-in-Two System: separate, reusable shell and interchangeable inserts. |
Complete System: All components are firmly connected. |
Two-part System: Prefold insert and separate cover. |
Outer diaper with pocket for individually usable inserts. |
Simplicity |
Ready to use immediately, easy to change, no preparation required. |
Quick use as everything is connected. |
Requires folding of inserts and separate combination. |
Preparation needed by inserting the inserts. |
Fit & Comfort |
Slim fit, soft cuffs, skin-friendly materials. |
Good fit, but may seem thicker. |
Flexible adjustment, but cumbersome to put on. |
Individually adjustable, but requires proper preparation. |
Cost |
Cost-efficient due to reusable components and durable materials. |
Higher price as a larger quantity is needed. |
Individual parts are cheap, but requires several different components. |
Medium costs, depending on the choice of inserts used. |
Drying Time |
Short drying times due to separable shell and inserts. |
Longer drying time due to fixed connections. |
Fast drying of inserts, covers are dried separately. |
Fast drying time as shell and inserts are washed and dried separately. |
Flexibility |
Flexible by adjusting absorbency with booster inserts. |
No adjustment options due to firmly connected components. |
Very flexible due to different prefolds and covers. |
High flexibility through inserts, but requires much experience and preparation. |
Environmental Friendliness |
Sustainable through organic cotton and recycled materials, durable design. |
Less sustainable due to synthetic materials and shorter lifespan. |
Environmental friendliness depends on material choice. |
Environmental friendliness depends on material choice. |
Skin Friendliness |
Organic cotton, breathable and antibacterial, minimizes skin irritation. |
May irritate the skin due to synthetic materials. |
Skin friendliness depends on material choice. |
Skin friendliness depends on material choice. |
Each system has advantages and disadvantages. However, Judes offers an ideal combination of user-friendliness, flexibility, comfort, and sustainability – a solution that makes family life easier while protecting baby's skin.
Conclusion: Judes Combines the Best of All Systems into the Most Innovative Cloth Diaper System
Cloth diaper systems like All-in-One diapers, prefolds with covers, and pocket diapers have their respective strengths. However, they also have their limitations due to factors such as complicated handling, longer drying times, or a lack of flexibility.
Judes combines the advantages of all systems in a well-thought-out All-in-Two design. It is as simple as an All-in-One diaper, as flexible as prefolds, and as individually adjustable as pocket diapers. Judes remains sustainable, skin-friendly, and easy for everyday use. Now test the Judes cloth diaper system with the trial set and see for yourself.