Deciphering Diaper Lingo

Sometimes deciphering the cloth diaper code feel like learning new language. Contact me with any questions…or if you have a suggestion to add!

All in One Diaper (AIO): This is a diaper that has the absorbent layer permanently attached and has a waterproof outer layer. The closures are adjustable, using either aplix or snaps. This is a more expensive way to cloth diaper, but is the easiest to use. This is great for the daycare setting.

All in Two Diaper (AI2): This is a diaper that has the absorbent layer or soaker attached with snaps and has a waterproof outer layer. The soaker can be removed for washing and then snapped back in. The closures are adjustable, using either aplix or snaps. This is an expensive way to cloth diaper, but is the easiest to use. This is great for the daycare setting.

Aplix: A type of closure used in cloth diapering. It is much like Velcro, but is known to be softer and last longer.

Contours: Somewhere between a fitted and a prefold. These diapers work great for newborns and help expand your stash economically. Requires a waterproof cover.

Cover: Anything that "covers" a fitted or prefold cloth diaper. It is usually waterproof. A cover can be made of cotton, fleece, PUL, fleece or wool.

Diaper Pail Liner: A bag used to store dirty diapers. It can be either a washable, waterproof bag that can be washed with diapers or it can simply be a kitchen trash bag. Both can be used inside a hinge-lid trash can.

Doubler: This is used to "double" the absorbency of a diaper. It is used typically in fitted or prefold diapers and is place on top of the diaper, next to baby's skin.

Dry Pail: This is a method of storing dirty diapers until wash day. Simply place in diaper pail liner after shaking any solids into toilet.

Fitted Diaper: A cloth diaper that is shaped to fit your baby. It is usually made of cotton and/or hemp and closes with either snaps or Velcro/Aplix. This type of diaper requires a waterproof cover.

Flushable Liner: This is a liner that is placed next to baby's skin inside the diaper. It makes changing poopy diapers easier because it is flushed into the toilet along with the poop.

Hemp: A naturally absorbent material, that when combined with cotton or fleece makes a great fitted diaper, insert or doubler.

Insert: This is a layer of material typically used in a pocket diaper to add absorbency. It can be customized to your child's needs. An insert can be made of bamboo, cotton, hemp or micro-terry.

Lanolize: To prepare/wash wool diaper cover with a mixture of lanoline and soap to create a waterproof diapering system.

Micro fleece Liner: This is a liner that is placed next to the baby's skin inside the diaper. Fleece is known to repel stains, making the upkeep of cloth diapers easier. Simply remove the fleece liner from the diaper, shake the solids into the toilet and rinse if needed, then place liner and diaper in dry pail for washing. This is not used for absorbency, but can be helpful in drawing moisture away from baby's skin.

Minkee: An ultra soft material used as an inner fabric in some cloth diapers.

One-Size: Some AIOs, AI2s, Pocket Diapers, Covers, and Fitted Diapers have been developed to grow with your baby. They are great for families who don’t want to purchase multiple sets of diapers. They generally work from 8-35 pounds.

Pocket Diaper: A two part diapering system makes for easy washing. This type of diaper has a "pocket" at the front or back of the diaper for stuffing with either prefolds or inserts and has a waterproof outer layer. The ability to stuff the diaper makes it a very customizable system. It is a little more expensive, but very convenient. It works really well in daycares.

PUL (polyurethane laminate): PUL is simply fabric in which a waterproof laminate has been applied to the back. This makes for an extremely thin, soft fabric that is waterproof and easy to care for.

Prefold: A flat diaper that comes in varying sizes and thickness and is folded to fit baby. This is an economical way to cloth diaper. This type of diaper requires a waterproof cover.

Snappi Diaper Fasteners: These are easy to use fasteners for prefold diapers. Tiny teeth grab the diaper and hold it in place. Pins are so old school!

Soaker: This either refers to a diaper insert or a wool cover that is made to handle heavy wetting.

Stripping: This is a method of removing detergent residue from cloth diapers. Please see Washing Cloth Diapers for more information.

Wet Pail: This is a method of storing cloth diapers until wash day. Diapers are stored in a pail with water and soak until wash day. This is not a recommended way to store diapers because of the risk of drowning. If you choose this method, please make sure you have a locking lid.

Wet Bag: A waterproof bag used to hold dirty diapers when out of the house. This bag closes with a drawstring, snaps or zipper.

Wicking: This happens when the wetness from the inside of the diaper is drawn to the edges of the diaper and causes the babies clothes to get damp - much like when a disposable diaper "leaks". This can be prevented by making sure that detergent is completely rinsed from your diapers and adding extra layers of absorbency when needed.

Wool Cover: A wool cover can be either hand-knitted or manufactured and is worn over a fitted or prefold diaper. The cover keeps moisture in while letting air circulate. Wool covers often need to be lanolized in order for them to be "waterproof".

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