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

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