What kind of one-size diapers should I get?

I see this question a lot so I’m thought I would throw my two cents into the mix.

What kind of one-size diapers should I get? 

What are the kinds of one size diapers systems are you considering using. 

There are four main types: 

Snap down rise adjustment: 

By far these seem to be the most popular kind on the market.  Most brands of these claim to fit 12 pounds and up.  And therefore will not fit most newborns.  I found my skinny legged 10 month old (he was that old when I started my cloth diapering journey) did not fit well in snap down rises. He seemed to change sizes from week to week (both bigger and smaller size changes) and leak if I didn’t catch the size change.  Often this would happen to my husband who did not really understand how the snaps worked for the most part. 

Button hole elastic adjustment (in the legs and sometimes waist as well): 

These have quite a bit of adjustability to them, and can often fit a newborn all the way to potty training.  I’ve tried one button hole adjustment system and I am currently working out the best way for these to fit on my now 22 month old.  I must admit I do not love the way they are fitting on him but they do not leak it is more of an aesthetic thing for me.  I just dislike the way they look in the front on him.  But I believe this is very much because of him being a skinny boy. But I have contacted the maker and she has offered to give me some tips and I am holding judgment until I see if it will make difference.

Elastic/rope toggle adjustment (in the legs): 

These, to me have the most adjustability.  Most of these systems will fit a newborn, right up to until potty training.  I tend to use these more often out of all my other diapers. But my current favorite brand does not often come in snaps. So I converted mine as my baby, ok toddler, likes to take his diaper off and the snaps prevent him from doing this (for now). 

Fold down rise adjustment (with or without snaps): 

These can be very similar to the snap down rise but differ in that they are folded down at the top rather than snap down rises that fold down under the Velcro/Aplix or snaps used to close the diaper.  These are also very versatile and some brands do clam to fit newborns but may be very bulky for quite a while. This I have not used in a small form when I received the ones I have my baby already fit into the largest setting so I don’t have any real personal experience with them. 

So if you have a new born or a small baby keep in mind some one-size styles won't fit for a while. You may want to buy a few size small or x small to use before you will be able to use your one size diapers.  But for larger babies, 3 months and up, most one-size diapers will fit great.

Sized diapers also have a place as well.  I have 4 large all in ones I use with a hemp doubler for overnights.  And I’d love to have small and extra small diapers for my next newborn.   But I see most sized diapers as a waste of money.  Why should I have to buy a new size every time my baby grows a bit?