Cloth Diaper Dictionary

This cloth diaper dictonary was created to help families understand more about cloth diapering. The cloth diaper industry has countless definitions & endless terminology that can be very overwhelming to parents. Below is a complete cloth diaper glossary to help parents understand the lingo with clear explanations.

AIO / All-In-One Diapers - AIOs are one piece diapers that have everything included.  It is exactly like a disposable diaper accept that its made of cloth instead of disposable materials.  They are fitted diapers with a waterproof outer layer.  The absorbent insert soaker material is usally sewn into the inside of diaper.  AIO's are often made with velcro tabs so its easy to put on, then you just take it off and toss into the wash.  Once it is dry its ready to be used again.  No additional cover is needed.  These are the most convenient type of cloth diapers.  AIO's take longer to dry than most other cloth diapers.

AI2 / All-In-Two - These are very similar to AIO's accept that the soaker is seperate piece from the diaper, it is not atteched or sewn into the diaper.  The drying time for these diapers is shorter than the traditional AIO.

Aplix - Aplix® is a hook and loop fastener often used on cloth diapers.  It is similar to Velcro® and Touch Tape® brands.  This is used to secure diaper in place.

Bamboo - It is made from Bamboo trees and feels velvety soft and is naturally breathable.  It is environmentally friendly.  It is naturally antibacterial. For babies with sensitive skin and allergies bamboo is a great option.

Birdseye Pique - This is a woven pique textured fabric.  It is sometimes referred to as a diaper cloth.  It can be easily confused with diaper flannel.

Burley Knit Terry - A long looped absorbant terry cloth used in soaker pads and doublers.  The knit on the back appears bulky, and long, thick loops on the front.

CPF / Chinese Prefold Diapers - These are 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.

Cloth Diapers - A cloth diaper is a washable, reusable diaper available in many different types of materials and fabrics.

Contour Diapers - Contour diapers are hourglass shaped.  They do not have an elastic band in the legs, waist, or back. The wings are held together with snappis, pins, or a hook and loop style diaper cover. These diapers are not waterproof, therefore a diaper cover is required. 

Cotton Fleece - This is a soft fabric made from 100% cotton.

Cotton Velour - Velour feels similar to velvet.  It is soft and thick and can be used in diapers next to baby skin or for outer parts of diaper as well.   It is absorbent and does not have wicking properties like polyester fleece. 

Thirsties Diaper Covers $11.50

Diaper Rocks - When old towels are used as soakers they can get stiff inside a diaper and even fray to form hard little balls called "diaper rocks".

DD - Disposable Diapers

Diaper Wrap - A cover that is designed to wrap around the diaper. A wrap will have a snug fit holding the diaper in place.  No fasteners requiered.

Double Napped Flannel - Flannel that is brushed on both sides.  It is thick and is fuzzy on both the front and back.

DSQ / Diaper Service Quality Diaper services use only the highest quality fabrics to make their diapers because they undoubtedly get lots of use and go through countless washes.

Doublers – Cloth Diaper Doublers are used to soak up liquids.  These soakers are added to diapers to make them more absorbant.  They work well for nightime and for heavy wetters.

Fitted Diapers - Very similar to disposable diapers accept that they must be worn with a diaper cover. 

Flats - Diaper Flats have a single layer made of cotton.  These are the old school diapers that your grandmothers used.  Pins are required to secure them in place.  One of the most economical diapering options.

Fleece - Fleece is a plastic, man made cousin to Wool.

Flannel - Diaper flannel is very soft.   Flannel is loosely woven twill weave with a slightly napped surface. Fibers often are made of cotton or wool.

Killington Flannel -  A thick, strong, & durable flannel that is unbleached.  Slightly heavier than diaper flannel.

Fitted Diapers - Fitted diapers are contoured and have elastic around the legs and waist similar to disposable diapers. They attach with hook & loop or snaps.  A waterproof diaper cover must be worn over them. 

Flatfold Diapers - Often confused with prefold diapers. These diapers are a single layer of fabric that drys quickly and allow you to fold several ways to ensure a good.  They are secured with pins or Snappi's.  Very economical.

FSOT - For sale or trade

Hemp - Hemp is a fiber made from the inner bark of the hemp plant. It is extremely durable and absorbant.  Hemp also contains natural anti-microbial properties.  Hemp is made from the cannabis plant, the same plant marijuana originates from, but it doesnt have any the drug found in the leaves of the plant, oTHC (tetrahydrocannabinol).  Hemp fabrics become stiff after the first few washes and will soften with continued use.

Hemp French Terry - Made with hemp which feels like soft terry cloth.

Hook & Loop - This is the closure material on a diaper that many people commonly know as Velcro. The Velcro brand is not very soft, many diapers are made using Aplix or Touchtape brands.

ISO or IDSO - In (dire) Search Of.  This term is used when buyers are searching for a specific item relating to cloth diapers.

Inserts - The absorbant materials used to stuff pocket diapers. Often made of materials such as microfiber, hemp, cotton, and sometimes bamboo.

Lanolin - Found in wool, it is a greasy and yellow substance made by sheep and other animals to keep their wool dry and soft. It keeps moisture away and also helps prevent bacteria from growing.  Lanolin will neutralize baby pee too!

Liners - Liners are thin layers of cloth or paper that are placed inside the diaper to assist in the cleaning of solid waste. They help protect the actual diaper from staining. 

Longies - Longies are wool soakers that have longer legs. They are great for cold temperatures.  Also known as soaker pants or sweater pants.

Merino - A type of wool that is made from pure-bread Merino sheep wool.

Microfiber Terry - These are very popular inserts for pocket diapers.  Natural fibers are not used to make microfiber Terry, it is a synthetic material that holds moisture molecules between the plastic fibers. 

Microfleece - This material is very soft and light in weight.  It is a double-sided micro-fiber fleece that doesnt pill like other fleece materials.  It is soft and stretchy.

Nappy - The European word for diaper.

Nordic Fleece - Also known as Polar Fleece, sometimes feels waxy and many times has a fuzzier appearance than traditional fleece. This material sometimes pills in the wash. It sometimes is used as a diaper cover or for All-in-One diapers for the outer fabric. 

Nylon Pants - Similar to plastic pants but are designed using nylon material that is more breathable.

OS / One Size Diaper - A one size diaper 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 to a smaller size. Many one size diapers include pockets so that the level of absorbancy can be adjusted based on your babies needs by adding or removing inserts. Popular one size diapers are mady by bumGenius, Happy Heinys, & Wahmies.

Organic Cottons - 100% Certified Organic Cottons is produced without chemical fertilizers.  When grown the plant is not modified genetically in any way. Environmentally friendly.

Plastic Pants - Plastic pants are made of vinyl.  Vynil is not recommended to use as diapers as it releases dioxins when warmed and can easily cause a diaper rash for you baby as it doesnt allow air to circulate.

Pocket Diapers - Pocket diapers have a pocket opening usually in the back of the diaper that allows for inserts to be stuffed in for absorbancy.  They close with applix or snaps.  They have a waterproof outer later, (usually PUL), and an inner layer of microfleece or suedecloth so the baby has a stay dry feeling. A diaper cover is not required, the entire diaper is put on the child, used once and then washed.

Polar Fleece - Also known as Nordic Fleece, sometimes feels waxy and many times has a fuzzier appearance than traditional fleece. This material sometimes pills in the wash. It sometimes is used as a diaper cover or for All-in-One diapers for the outer fabric. 

Polyester - Polyester is a manufactured fiber that is often combined with other cloth diaper materials like cotton to increase durability.  It is known for crease resistance, quick drying, shape retention in garments. Polyester requires minimal care to maintain.

Polyester Fleece - Polyester fleece is a synthetic fabric. This fiber will keep moisture contained.  Polyester will not absorb, but instead traps moisture between its fibers.

Prefold Diapers - Prefold diapers are commonly thought of by most people when they first think of cloth diapering, many assume they require pins however times have changed and there are now "Snappi fasteners" that make using prefold diapers much easier.  They can also be used without snappi's if placed inside a diaper cover.  A prefold diaper is rectangular shaped and must be folded before using.  They allow you to shape the diaper however you like to best fit your baby.  They have several layers of absorbant material.  They are available in many sizes.  Prefolds are usually the least expensive diapering option for families.  Covers must be worn with prefold diapers.

PUL / Polyurethane Laminate - Waterproof Fabric usually made of a polyester knit, tricot, or a combination of poly and cotton.  The fabrics are bonded to the urethane material to make it waterproof.  Much more durable & better quality than the old fashioned plastic pants our parents used.

Pull-on Pants - These are similar to the rubber pants our parents are most familiar with accep that they are new and improved, they will not crack or discolor and are a much higher quality.  Pins are needed as this diapering option has a loose fit.

Sherpa - A Stretch Knit Terry that is heavier in weight.  One side is very soft and feels similar to fleece.

Sherpa Knit Terry - This material is very soft.  It is less bulky than Burley Knit terry, but more bulky than Stretch Knit Terry.  They make excellent material for soaker pad fabrics.

Snappi - A plastic item that is used to fastens a cloth diapers. These frequently used instead of diaper pins.

Soaker Pants - Also known as longies, they are wool soakers that have longer legs. They are great for cold temperatures.  Also known as soaker pants or sweater pants.

Soakers - The middle section of the diaper that absorbs moisture.  They are used in various ways, they can be sewn into the diaper, sometimes partially sewn to form a flap, can be snapped inside the diaper, or can be laid on top of the inside of the diaper.

'sposies - Disposable diapers.

Suedecloth - 100% polyester fabric that works like microfleece.  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 microfleece over suedecloth becuase they say it will keep your baby dryer but others prefer suedecloth as it will not pill up like microfleece.  

Stretch Knit Terry - A very absorbant, soft, & stretchy terry material that is often used for the inner layer of diapers.  It's knitted and usually thinner than towel materials.

Terry Cloth - A typical uncut pile weave fabric, often used to make towels and bath robes.

Towel Terry / Terry Toweling - Diapers made by using a cheap washcloth folded into thirds and sewn in as the soaker pad.   Great to use if you're trying to save some money.  These are highly popular in Europe.  Many parents stay away from this option as claim "diaper rocks" are formed with this material is used.  (see diaper rocks above).

UBCPF - Unbleached Chinese Prefold Diaper.

Velour - A medium-weight, closely-woven fabric with a thick pile that resembles velvet material. 

WAHM - Work At Home Mom.

Windpro - A breathable polar fleece material used for all-in-one diapers and diaper covers.  It is waterproof. 

Wool - Natural fiber that is extremely breathable and does an excellent job repelling liquids.  Not as soft as other materials.  Cannot be washed with regular clothing detergents, must be washed instead with a wool wash.  Wool contains natural lanolin to ensure it functions properly, if your diapers stop working correctly you may need to re-lanolize them by soaking them in diluted Eucalan Wool Wash. 

WIO / Wool-In-One - An all-in-one diaper made with wool outer fabric. The absorbent layers are snapped into a wool shell so it can be removed as wool materials must be washed differently than other fabrics such as the inserts, soakers, & liners.

Woven Cottons - Woven fabrics are not stretchy like other fabrics are but are often more durable. 

Wool Soaker - A diaper cover made exclusively of wool.

We hope this cloth diaper dictionary helps you understand cloth diaper terminology, it can be overwhelming so please contact us at anytime shall you have any further questions.