Cloth diapers are economical and baby-bum friendly, but they’re not always easy to figure out. That’s why we’ve put together this cloth diapering series, to take away the guesswork.
Cloth Diapering – An Appendix of Terms
You may have heard some of these abbreviations and terms floating around the internet before and wondered what the heck they meant. (Confession: sometimes us cloth-diapering mamas forget that not everybody is a cloth expert!) So, here you go, I’ll explain.
CD – Cloth Diaper
Cover – Waterproof outer shell
Insert – Absorbent, [usually] multi-layer fabric that goes inside the cover
Hook & Loop – Generic term for Velcro (aka aplix).
Pocket Diaper – Diaper-shaped, waterproof shell sewn to a fabric inner with one edge left open, creating a pocket, which can then be stuffed with one or more cloth inserts
OS – One-size diaper that will adjust to fit baby as he/she grows with the use of snaps at varying levels
AIO – All-In-One – Waterproof shell and absorbent insert sewn together as one
AI2 – Al-in-Two – Similar to AIO, but with two pieces instead of one
Hybrid – Separate waterproof cover and absorbent insert, sometimes with snaps or velcro to attach the two “allows for multiple uses of cover before washing
Flat – A single-layer square of fabric that can be folded in several ways to adjust absorbency and fit
PF – Prefold diapers – three-sectioned flats with more layers in the middle section for increased absorbency
Fitted – Absorbent cloth base with leg gussets and tabs sewn in, but still requires a waterproof cover
MF – Microfiber, a type of polyester fabric commonly used in inserts
PUL – Polyurethane laminate, a common fabric for waterproof covers
Stash – A collection of cloth diapers
Strip/Stripping – Process of removing detergent or other buildup in the fibers of cloth diapers
Nappy – European word for diaper
Sposies – Disposable diapers
Revisit the beginner’s guide to cloth diapering, check out Stephanie’s extensive Modern Cloth Diapering series, or let us know if we missed anything on our Facebook page!
