Which one is better, snaps or velcro?

When deciding to purchase cloth diapers for the first time you have a lot of decisions to make. Which brand, style, system and what type of closure do you get?

The truth is they both serve a different purpose and not all are types of velcro are equal either. 

Here is a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of snaps/velcro so you can make a better decision with your stash.

Snap Closures

Best Selling Point:  DURABILITY – Snaps do a lot better over the long haul and they tend to wear very well. 

Pros

• You don’t have to worry about your toddler taking off his or her diaper. Snaps are simply more secure.

• You don’t have to remember to fold down the tabs (for the washing machine) as you do with velcro. Snaps don’t catch onto things in the washer.

• Snaps generally look nicer and wear better, especially over time.

Cons

• They’re a little bit harder to put on.  Not the best option for a lot of night-time changes or people who have bad hands or low dexterity.

• It is harder to get that perfect fit when the baby is in between the snap sizes.

My Personal Favorite Snap Diapers?
I’ve been cloth diapering for over 5+ years and I can tell you that I’ve never had an issue with snaps wearing out no matter what brand of diaper.

It’s always the PUL or the elastics to go first.

However, my favorite cloth diapers would have to be Thirsties Snap Covers (Amazon aff link) and GroVia One or Hybrid Cloth Diapers. (Aff link)

I’ve also noticed the GroVia snaps are more secure and stronger than the snaps I’ve seen in other diapers.

Velcro is actually a brand of aplix. Aplix or hook & loop is the actual name of the closure.  

Best Selling Point:  EASY – They’re stinking easy, anyone can throw on a velcro diaper!

Pros

• They’re perfect for the newborn night changing stage. The less work at 3:00 a.m. the better!

• These are a great option for the babysitter because they’re so similar to disposables.

• Hook & Loop is easier to replace or repair than snaps.

Cons

• They wear out easily over time. (Especially GroVia which we will talk more about in a second.)

• If you don’t remember to close the tabs they will stick together or on other things in the washing machine, creating a diaper train! (very annoying)

• They’re not as aesthetically pleasing to the eye as cute colored snaps.

• It can be a hassle to un-velcro the tabs while trying to change your squirmy toddler. 

• Curious toddlers can easily un-velcro their cloth diaper. Or disposables for that matter!

My Favorite Aplix Diapers:
I’ve used quite a few brands of diapers that had hook and loop closures over the years. Even though I highly recommend GroVia diapers I don’t like their velcro. In the beginning, it’s super strong but then it becomes useless over time.

My two favorite brands of diapers that feature hook & loop are again Thirsties Hook & Loop Covers and Tots Bots Diapers (Amazon aff links.)

I like Thirsties because they are made here in the USA and have stood the test of time. I like Tots Bots because their velcro is superior to anything else I’ve used.

So there you have it, the pros and cons of both closures.

I honestly enjoy snaps & aplix and advise purchasing both closures to try out.

I tend to use snaps more because of their durability.

If you prefer one over the other, you can just continue to purchase that type. I hope this gives you a little insight into choosing your first cloth diapers!