Wednesday 11 May 2011

Cloth Diaper Dictionary

All-in-one Diapers (AIO’s): Diapers that have an insert sewn into the pocket. The diaper usually consists of a PUL layer, insert of hemp, microfiber, cotton or bamboo and a fleece layer to keep baby dry. AIO’s often take longer to dry but fit trimmer. They are the closest to disposables and the easiest to use.
Aplix: A hook and loop fastener used as closures on some cloth diapers.  Some brands have the option of Aplix or snaps.
Bamboo: Fabric made from Bamboo trees and is soft and naturally breathable.
Birdseye Fabric: A gauzy material made of 100% cotton. Often used for flat diapers and also make good burp cloths. 
CPF / Chinese Prefold Diapers:  The flat diapers that most of our mothers used back in the day.  Available in several absorbencies and sizes. Comes in two colors, white and unbleached.
Contour Diapers: Hourglass shaped diapers that require a diaper cover and snappis or pins.   
Diaper Covers: Used over pre-folds, flats and fitteds, covers are the waterproof layer to keep baby’s clothes dry. Covers are made in one size or fitted options and close with Aplix or snaps. Covers can be made of PUL, vinyl, polyester or wool.
Diaper Wrap:  A cover that is designed to wrap around the diaper. Because of its snug fit a wrap does not require fasteners
Doublers: Similar to liners but used for extra absorbency inside diapers. Great for heavy wetters or for naps and overnight. Can be used inside a pocket diaper to double up with a liner.
Fitted Diapers: Look similar to disposables
as they have a contoured shape and gatherings around the legs. They have their own fasteners but need a waterproof diaper cover.
Flats: These are the diapers they used years ago with pins and plastic pants, they are the most economical. The flats you find in the store are not very effective as cloth diapers, generally made of Birdseye cloth.
Hemp: A course fibre made from the inner bark of the hemp plant. It is durable, absorbent and has natural anti-microbial properties. Hemp fabrics become stiff after the first few washes and will soften with continued use.
Inserts: The absorbent materials used to stuff pocket diapers. Often made of materials such as microfiber, hemp, cotton, and bamboo.
Liners: Thin material used between a baby's bottom and the diaper itself. Most liners are used to keep stool away from diapers for easy clean up. Another type of liner is the polar fleece one. These are thicker than their paper/flat sheet counterparts and are great for keeping the baby's bottom dry.
Longies: Wool soakers that have longer legs. They are great for cold temperatures.  Also known as soaker pants or sweater pants.
OS / One Size Diaper: Generally fits babies from birth to 35 pounds.  The size is adjustable by using snaps on the front of the diaper. The front of the diaper can be folded over to reduce the diaper rise to a smaller size.
Pre-folds: Rectangular shaped diapers that are divided lengthwise in 3 sections. They can be enclosed in a Velcro or snap fastened diaper or they can be pinned with safety pins or snappi fasteners.  Pocket diapers: Pocket diapers are two piece diapering systems typically with a piece of fleece that makes up the inner portion of fabric and a waterproof layer that makes up the outermost portion. An absorbent material (insert) is placed inside of the two pieces making the whole system act as an all in one system that keeps babies dry. Pocket diapers once “stuffed” are another easy-to-use alternative to disposables.
PUL / Polyurethane Laminate: Waterproof Fabric usually made of polyester knit or a combination of poly and cotton.  The fabrics are bonded to the urethane material to make it waterproof. The fabric remains flexible and breathable.
Snappi: A plastic item that is used to fasten cloth diapers. These are frequently used instead of diaper pins.
Suede cloth: 100% polyester fabric that works like micro fleece.  It looks like regular suede but is much easier to care for. It doesn't stain easily and washes very well. Often used for the interior of diapers as it does not absorb moisture, and actually wicks moisture away to keep your baby dry.  Many prefer micro fleece over suede cloth because they say it will keep your baby dryer but others prefer suede cloth as it will not pill up like micro fleece.  
Stripping: A process done to remove laundry detergents and other types of residues and build-up.  if your diapers are wicking and repelling liquids, if they have odour problems, or your baby is getting lots of diaper rashes you will need to "strip" your diapers
Wool: A fabric made of fleece of sheep or lamb. Its water repelling properties and breathability are what make it popular for use as a diaper cover. Many save their wool covers for night-time use since it is bulkier than vinyl or polyester. Many choose wool because it is natural. Take special care when washing and drying your wool products or they will dry out and become stiff.

Abbreviations commonly used in the cloth diapering boards:
AIO
All-In-One
CD
Cloth diapers
CPF
Chinese Prefolds
DD
Dear Daughter
DD
Disposable diapers
DH
Dear Husband
DS
Dear Son
DSQ
Diaper Service Quality diapers
EDD
Estimated Due Date
FSOT
For sale or trade
IMO
In My Opinion
LOL
Laugh Out Loud
Sposies
Disposable Diapers
TMI
Too Much Information

WAHM
Work At Home Mom

Please comment any additions you have and I will edit them into this post!

Sunday 1 May 2011

Social Media

I think blogging could be one of the best and worst things I could have found. Since I’ve been thinking of doing this blog I have spent hours and hours (and hours) on the net. I’ve been checking out other people’s blogs, company blogs and pages about blogs. Not to mention all the great cloth diaper and children’s product sites I’ve found.
Before blogging took over my “free” time, I would tease J (my husband) and ask if he had found the end of the internet yet. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve done my fair share of searching for the end before I had kids. I have found that if I spend all day on the computer now, my house will be torn apart; it’s just not worth it now. So I’m working on finding the balance and I think it’s going to take some time.
Somehow I have ended up on Twitter and Facebook (fan page) as well, probably not the best way to find time at home but definitely entertaining!
I have found Twitter to be the best social media source yet and I’m surprised it took me until now to sign up. It is fast info that you can explore further or just take it as the 140 characters or less “tweet”. I have been learning how to limit myself to under 140 and it can be difficult. I’m not sure that this is a great idea to be teaching the next generation but it goes with the times of everything needing to be faster and more efficient.
I will continue to enjoy the breaks I get to blog, read about my readers, and the spare minute I get to “tweet”...but I will also be enjoying my son’s and this beautiful weather headed our way!