The Closure Wars: Snaps vs. Hook and Loop (Velcro)

Posted on July 13, 2012 by Tara — 11 Comments ↓

It’s a debate that makes me scratch my head, simply because I love hook and loop SO much, and despise snaps just as much (NOTE: in that baby-diaper-change-acrobatics phase)–so I posed the question on Facebook: “Why do you like snaps?” Spurred by a rave response from people, I then needed to put up a “Why do you like hook and loop?” post, to ease my worry that I may be the only hook and loop lover out there.

Whew. I wasn’t.

But still, most cloth diaperers prefer snaps over hook and loop. In fact, according to the diaper features survey, snaps scored a whopping 21% higher than hook and loop!

So what ARE the goods and bads of these two closures? I break it down for you, based on the great responses on my Facebook page (thanks awesome followers, yet again!).

Snaps

Pros

Difficult for kid to take off

Wing droop less likely

Cleaner look

The snap sound is fun

Easy to repair

Cons

Difficult to get a good fit when the kid is between the snap settings

Takes longer to put on

Can be difficult to put on with a squirmy baby

May seem complicated to someone looking to switch from disposables to cloth

Hook and Loop

Pros

Ease of putting on

Easy for “skeptics” to use

Easy for kid to take off

Allows you to get a better fit

Ideal for a baby that likes to squirm as you attempt to put a diaper on

Cons

Gets stuck to other diapers in the wash if there are no laundry tabs (or if the laundry tabs aren’t too good)

Can scratch baby

Poop, string, hair, etc can get stuck in it

Shows wear easily

Baby is more likely to take it off

So I am curious, which do you prefer? Was there a pro/con left out?

Posted in Blog Post

Melanie

“Easy for a kid to take off” wasn’t in the cons column for hook and loop? I don’t want my toddler taking it off when I want it on!
Angela

I like them both, for most of the reasons listed. I started with all hook and loop and they wore horribly. By the time #2 came along they barely held on and I had to replace everything. So, to avoid that problem I went all snap. Some diapers have great snaps and enough give to almost always give a good fit. Others, not so much. So, it seems whether you go snap or hook and loop there are always going to be brands that do it better and brands that don’t. I’ve since added some hook and loop back into my stash, mostly for those quick changes, being out and about… and babysitters.
Rachel M.

I like snaps best. I don’t think i would get anymore Velcro.
Sara J

I LOVE my hook and loop diapers. And so does the hubby. We’re an easier-is-better sort of mentality. Although I do have those in my stash that are only available in snap (Kawaii Bamboos) that I adore, and have figured out a good fit, so changes aren’t too bad. The daycare consistently screws up the snaps, though. It’s hilarious bringing our daughter home with her diaper hanging on by just one snap on each side, and usually the wrong snap at that! I think I prefer snaps if they are double rows, not a single row plus a hip snap. Either one works, just go with what you love!
http://www.makingitworkblog.com Carolyn

Hahaha, I love that one of the “pros” for snaps was the sound they make! That’s awesome
http://thelaundryblog.wordpress.com Laundry Lady

Honestly, I have yet to have a good experience with snaps. I really wanted to like them because they claim to be more durable and are harder for a toddler to take off. But I’ve never been able to get a good fit with either of my kids, resulting in leaks and we have even worse wing droop than with hook and loop. I get a tighter, quicker fit with hook and loop every time. Yes they do wear out, but with many diapers and some covers it isn’t that hard to replace if needed.
Kim

I hate hook and loop and I love snaps. I’ve never really had a real problem with fit, usually there is enough give to put it on the tighter one and the stage doesn’t last long enough to damage the diaper.
http://www.doterra.myvoffice.com/elizabethcarbone/ beth c

i love snap closure, but have accidentally snapped my son’s skin in the snaps before , & squashed his penis trying to put my hand in the diaper to snap a hard-to-snap snap before!!! other than that i love snaps!! i like to have hook & loops around for when my momma or hubby watch my son, but yes, they are easier for him to take off!!
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http://www.facebook.com/Ruth.In.KC Ruth Sawyer

I hate hook and loop. HAaaaaaaAAAAAAATE. I’m probably just not careful enough but I destroy aplix in the wash. I have some Thirsties covers that are the only thing that fits on my little man at night, and it’s a constant fight to keep it attached.
Lauren

I absolutely LOATHE hook and loop closures. They are scratchy against my baby’s skin, they wear down a lot easier than snaps, stick to other diapers in the wash, and come undone easier causing the fit to change. I have a few, but only because I got them for free with diaper orders. Companies are just giving them away! LOL
Melissa Mendez

I love hook and loop because they go on quick and you can get a better fit. I don’t mind snaps, but I just really prefer hook and loop. For snaps, I like it better when there’s two rows at the waist. I just think it looks better.
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