Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Cloth Diapering 101: Velcro vs. Snaps



Before I started using Cloth Diapers, I had no idea that there were "closure options." I had only seen the "snaps". I then received a Free Diaper in the mail which had a "aplix" closure. I wanted to share some of my thoughts on the two closures...


Aplix - this is your typical hook and loop closure, sometimes called Aplix. Notice that most Aplix Closure Cloth Diapers have a Washing Tab where you can put the velcro on while you wash it so it doesn't get tangled with any other diapers



PRO's
  • Quick and Easy Closure
  • Usually get a better/closer fit
  • Easier on inexperienced Cloth Diaper Users
CON's
  • Can Damage other items while laundering
  • Can wear out quicker than snaps
  • May scratch baby
  • Older babies may learn how to unhook the velcro...lol
Snaps - are plastic snaps sewn onto the diaper and reinforced for everyday wear and tear. The advantage to the plastic is that they will not rust or warp like metal


PRO's
  • Tends to last longer
  • Easier to wash
  • May fit a smaller baby better
  • Harder for a toddler to get off


CON's
  • Takes a little longer to snap in place
  • Fit may not be as precise as with velcro 






So in the end, both types of closures have their time, place, and use! Personally most of my CD's are Snaps. I have a few aplix Diapers which I absolutely love too! The jury is still out here! I am liking the aplix more and more, but adore snaps too!

What are most of your Cloth Diapers? 


Do you prefer aplix or snaps? 


What are your reasons for picking one closure over another?? 

19 comments:

  1. i have recently converted to using bot snap and velcro!! how about you julie?

    ReplyDelete
  2. most of our diapers are aplix, but i definitely prefer snaps. as you mentioned, the fit may not be as precise with snaps as aplix, but snaps look sooooo much nicer!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Until recently I was more of a fan of snaps, but now my 8 month old is starting to squirm and roll over so much it takes for-e-ever to get the snaps done. Aplix would be easier, but they sure do wear out faster. It's a dilemma. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for posting this! I was thinking about using aplix, but after all the talk about them, I think I prefer the snaps. Although aplix may be easier to use on newborns?

    ReplyDelete
  5. I prefer the snaps myself.. I heard the velcro overtime can damage in the washer/dryer.. and snaps last longer. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I LOVE snaps. I am defiantly a snap person. Have had a few aplix diapers but none of them have held up over time.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I like Aplix, but I feel like it never sticks on the laundry tabs... so I prefer snaps!

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is so helpful! I'm getting induced on the 16th of this month & I have absolutely no clue on the advantages of Velcro vs snaps are. My fiancé & I are looking into cloth diapers, we bought one cloth diaper & it's velcro so hopefully all goes well lol.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I use a Snappi on most of my diapers (fitteds) but my covers are a mix and I'm undecided which I really like better since I've had some belly scratches but I've also had a hard time getting a good fit with snaps.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I really like the ease of hook/loop but the care and long life of snaps. I have a mixture of both though since some of the nb diapers only come in hook and loop.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Most of my diapers are snaps but I have a few tried and true aplix diapers that work great and I love them! I think a lot depends on the diaper and how sturdy the aplix is.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Overall I prefer aplix, since I'm able to get a better fit with cloth diapers on my daughter.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I prefer snaps mostly b/c they hold up over the long haul (I'm cd-ing my third child now) and none of the aplix from #1 has held up. I was able to convert some old BGs into snaps, though, and they have turned into my favorite overnight solution! I found out with my third chunky monkey baby that aplix can rub a fat belly. I am always learning something new! So, now I really have to do snaps so that she's not getting hurt by her diaper!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I prefer snaps (aplix always seems to stick to other dipes in our laundry) but the hubs prefers aplix because it's easier for him to get a better fit. So, that just means we need twice as many diapers! HAHA!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hmmm...this was really good to read. I was thinking of going all snaps, but I like that you get a better fit with aplix. And, since I am brand new to cloth diapering this sounds like it might be better for me. Thanks for giving me more useful info on this topic!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I researched this before starting my stash and went with recommendations that snaps were better for longevity. My husband prefers the aplix because they are easier and more like disposable diapers (he is not a cloth diaper fan). I have some of both and so far both have held up nicely.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for the info! I was confused when registering for our first baby shower on what the difference was/if it was a BIG difference and what was better for us. This really helped!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I prefer snaps for my skinny bum kid. I'm tired of velcro laundry ropes!

    ReplyDelete
  19. i really prefer snap closure....especially now that my baby can unhook the velcro! lol now that it's warmer out sometimes he just wears a shirt and then a cute cloth diaper and yes, he often just rips it off if it's velcro!

    ReplyDelete