When most people conjure up thoughts of cloth diapers, they think of babies running around in soft, white square diapers loosely wrapped around the legs and waist, fastened with giant safety pins and partially falling down. Those are the diapers of old. Modern cloth diapers have very little in common with the old ones, except that they are soft and babies still run around in them. Modern cloth diapers have a number of features that make them more convenient for parents and more comfortable for babies than their counterparts of yesteryear.

Better Fit

One of the most noticeable changes to cloth diapers is the fit. They are now more form-fitting. They come in a variety of styles, including fitted, contoured and prefolded diapers. Depending on the brand and style, cloth diapers are now available in a variety of sizes and one-size-fits all. Fitted styles are made of washable fabric, but are gathered at the leg to prevent gaps and leaks. Some brands offer replacement leg elastics to prolong the life of the diaper.

Colors

The white cloth diaper is still around, but it has been joined by a vast selection of colors and patterns. Depending on the manufacturer, they are now seen in pink, blue, green, yellow, aqua and even red. For the super trendy baby, floral prints and stripes help make an early fashion statement. Brightly colored piping around the waistline and legs are another hip feature.

Closure

While some styles offer the old-fashioned safety pin closure, there are now other closure systems available. Snaps at different intervals allow the baby to grow without outgrowing the diaper. Hook and loop closures are another option, and create an adjustable waistband so that the garment does not fall off.

Liners

A revolutionary step in baby diapering is the addition of liners. A biodegradable liner is placed inside the diaper for extra absorbency. This prevents the rest of the garment from being soaked through or becoming very dirty and stained. The soiled liner is removed and replaced during changing. It is similar in fabric to a diaper wipe and can be flushed down the toilet. This prolongs the life of the diaper and reduces the number of garments needed every day.

While the appearance and convenience of cloth diapering has changed significantly over the years, two things have not changed. It still does the job, and it is still an affordable way to keep babies warm and dry.