Destination: Contour Diapers

Apologies for no videos yet; our master bathroom is being remodeled, and there has been a lot of noise in our house. Hopefully, I will have some instructions recorded in a few weeks!

Now let us sojourn on to what really interests you, which is most likely NOT my bathroom...

As the name suggests, contour (or fitted) diapers are shaped to fit around the contours of Baby’s tushie without pre-folding. Some contour diapers must still be secured with a Snappi, but many have snaps or Velcro to hold them together. All contour diapers should be covered with a waterproof diaper cover.

Kissaluvs contour diaper. Many cloth diaper users claim these are the best for "blow-outs"; the fabric is very absorbent, and the elastic on the legs helps contain runny infant poo. The variety pictured can be secured with a Snappi, but the company also offers contours with snaps.

Mother-ease offers contour diapers in a variety of natural fibers, including bamboo (which is very soooooft!). Available in different sizes or an adjustable all-sizes diaper, these can be snapped securely onto Baby. 

Thirsties offers "fitted" diapers in an assortment of colors (which, despite being cute, is a bit pointless because the diaper will be covered by a diaper cover). However, the front snaps make the diaper adjustable as Baby grows, and the velcro around the middle gives the diaper a snug fit.

The main reason some people might "upgrade" to a contour diaper from a prefold is to avoid folding. Like a prefold, a contour diaper can be washed while the cover still reused. Most contour diapers come in natural fibers, such as cotton, hemp and bamboo. This is a plus if your baby is allergic to synthetic materials.

Some contour diapers have an elastic opening around the leg, which is good in the case of “blowouts” (when a young baby hasn't pooed for a few days, then lets it all out in one go).

Like prefolds, contour diapers should be changed every 1-2 hours with a small baby, and every 2-3 hours with an older baby. When the natural fiber becomes wet, it keeps the wetness against Baby’s skin and can cause diaper rash. A microfleece liner can create a “stay-dry” feel against Baby’s sensitive skin; if baby is allergic to synthetic fibers, then diaper ointment (avoid ointment with petroleum or zinc oxide) with a rice paper liner will work best.

In terms of pricing, contour diapers cost a bit more than prefolds. A contour diaper costs between $12-$17 each new, so at an average of $15 per diaper, and 24 diapers needed for a two day rotation, you're looking at a $360 investment; add to that approximately $13 per diaper cover, of which you will need 4-5 for a two day rotation.