Destination Hybrid Diaper

Poo happens. That is something you’re going to have to accept as the parent of an infant. Your bundle of joy is going to poop, and you are going to see, smell and even come in contact with the poop whether you go down the route of cloth or disposable diapers. However, if you are one of those squirmish parents who has resisted cloth diapering because of poop, a hybrid diaper—in some cases called a 2-part diaper—might be a good introduction for you. It can also help in the realm of laundry and travel.

A hybrid diaper is either all reusable or part reusable, part disposable/ biodegradable. The two parts tend to consist of:

1.)    Diaper Cover: This is the part you will always reuse; watch my video on prefolds to learn about some covers

2.)    Insert:

a.       disposable or biodegradable insert

b.      cloth insert

c.       snap-in cloth insert

The most commonly known hybrid diaper is the gDiaper, as it can be purchased at Babies-R-Us. The gDiaper consists of cloth covers in different sizes and colors, and two different inserts: cloth and “flushable”. However, if one has old pipes, it is not recommended to flush the so-called flushable inserts; in Vancouver  there are reports of problems with these inserts in septic systems, making it forbidden to flush them down the loo. So, in essence, they are disposable.

gDiaper covers have velcro tabs that secure in the back, so Baby has a harder time removing them

The insert goes into a plastic liner on the inside. You can use brands other than gDiaper in the liner.

The gDiaper cloth inserts. There are better ones on the market.

I have not used the gDiaper, and I have heard mixed reviews. We recently began selling them at The Nesting House as a way to “transition” hesitant parents, but the owner only carries their disposable inserts. Apparently, the cloth ones leak. BUT there are other inserts one can use. Never let yourself get into the mind-set that the brand of insert must be the same as the cover, because there are LOTS of inserts on the market. You can even use tri-folded pre-folds as inserts!

Just three of the inserts (also called doublers because you can add them to diapers for more absorbency) on the market:

The Flip Insert: microfiber with one side of "stay dry" microsuede. Good choice if you have a rashy baby.

Thirsties Doubler: they make them in different blends, such as microfiber with terry or cotton with hemp.

BabyKicks Hemp doubler. Hemp is more absorbent than cotton. However, it is also a bit pricier.

Also, gDiaper is not the only disposable insert. Flip makes a terrific disposable insert, and sells them $4.95 for a pack of eighteen, making them cheaper than the gDiaper and cheaper than even some disposable diaper.

If you have a wiggly baby, and therefore difficulty keeping the insert in place, there are some brands of hybrids that involve snapping the insert into place. You can still use a loose insert in the covers of these brands, but if you want the insert to snap in place then you most likely will be limited to that brand’s insert.

GroVia Diaper

Best Bottoms Diaper

Best Bottoms’ covers are plastic, and can be wiped clean inside after use. GroVia has a soft mesh lining on the inside of their covers, which—if there is a “Code Brown”—can make them difficult to reuse unless they are put in the wash. However, from personal experience, GroVia covers, without the insert, can make great swim diapers!

If you or your partner is hesitant about cloth diapering, hybrids are a nice way to ease into cloth-diapering. They are also nifty for long car rides and airplane flights so you don’t have to lug a wet bag of soiled diapers around.