In the end it comes down to personal preference, rather than which is best, for snaps or aplix on diapers.  (Aplix is like velcro but better for diaper applications).

I have both aplix and snap diapers in Braden’s stash and this is what I have observed with the two types of closures.  Oh and both are way better than nappy/diaper pins!

A snap closing diaper - Rump-a-Rooz

Snaps don’t form a diaper train in the washer and dryer.  Diaper train you say?  What is that?  It is what I call the tangled mess that gets made of diapers with aplix closures when they stick to themselves, other diapers, wipes or anything else they can grab on to.  While most of Braden’s aplix diapers have “laundry tabs” to stick the aplix to, somehow some of them never stick to the tabs, but manage to stick to everything else just fine.  The train forms more readily in the dryer than the washing machine I find.  So during the summer when I line dry, I don’t have a super big problem with it.

Aplix is easier to use for many, especially casual caregivers and many dads.  This includes my husband.  He far prefers being left to watch his son with aplix closing diapers.  They are more like disposables to close.  So if you have a resistant spouse, grandparent etc to cloth diapering, aplix is in my opinion far easier for them to use.

Aplix diaper versions of the same diaper often are priced cheaper.  This is true for several of the brands I stock.  It seems alot of diaper companies price their snap versions a buck or two higher than their aplix versions.

Snap closing diapers are harder for tots to pull off.  It is very easy for a determined toddler to rip off many brands of diaper using aplix closures.  So many parents like using snaps because it is tougher for them to undo.  Although I have heard of some very dexterous tots who can master the snap too :)

Aplix Closing Diaper - Rump-A-Rooz

Aplix is not as long wearing as snaps.  Aplix gets gunk in it, it curls and eventually just wears out.  I have replaced quite a bit of aplix on diapers but next to no snaps.  Snaps will last longer than the diaper fabrics themselves will.

And a final observation.  Snap diapers make my very ticklish son giggle and squirm when I do them up!  Because I need to put a finger underneath the flap of the diaper, it tickles my son’s tummy and sometimes he giggles and squirms so much its tough to do up his diaper!

As to which do I prefer personally?  Well I have not really decided either way.  I have both in Braden’s stash and I will continue to buy both.  I know that with some brands of diapers where you can choose the closure, I have found I prefer one snap closing type over another.  For instance, Rump-a-rooz, I like their snap closing version better than their aplix closing version.  They seem to fit on Braden better.  Same with the bum genius organic all in one diaper.  The snap closing one is nicer than the aplix closing one.  They no longer make the aplix closing version though.

So tell me, which one do YOU prefer.  Please post a comment. I am curious as to what others think.

2 Responses to “Snaps vs Aplix”