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CLOTH DIAPER DICTIONARY
All-in-one Diapers (AIO)
All-in-ones are fitted diapers that have an outer waterproof layer built-in and don’t require a separate cover. AIOs are aconvenient diaper for quick and easy changes for daycare or on outings. Sometimes they have fewer absorbent layers thanfitted diapers (to speed drying time) and may require a doubler to be absorbent enough for older babies. A true AIO hasthe soaker pad permanently attached. AIOs are the most expensive cloth diaper option, ranging from $10-$30 each. Theyare the most similar to a disposable diaper.
All-in-two Diapers (AI2)
Many AIO diapers are actually AI2 diapers. These include AIOs with snap-in or lay-in soakers. While not quite asconvenient as a true AIO, they have the added benefit that the waterproof outer layer and absorbent inner layer can bewashed and dried separately. Ideally, you would hang dry the AI2 “shell” for a longer lifespan and machine dry the insertto save time. Sometimes the outer shell can be re-used if the wet soaker is removed and replaced promptly. AI2s dorequire some matching up of the components on laundry day or as you use them.
Aplix
Aplix® is a name brand of 2-part hook and look fasteners commonly used on cloth diapers. Other brands of hook and loopfasteners used on cloth diapers include Velcro® and Touch Tape®
Cloth Diaper (CD)
A cloth diaper is a washable, reusable diaper made of any one (or several) types of fabric. A cloth diaper usually requiresa cloth diaper cover, unless it is an AIO.
Cloth Wipe
A fabric square or rectangle, often of flannel or terry, that is used instead of a disposable wipe. Many people use a specialrecipe of essential oils in their wipe water or plain water with a tiny amount of mild soap may be used to wet the wipes. If you store your wipes wet, change the water every other day to avoid bacteria growth.
Contour(ed) Diaper
A contour diaper does not usually have elastic at the legs or waist. The wings need to be fastened with pins or a Snappi orthe diaper should be used in a snug fitting wrap diaper cover. Contoured diapers require a diaper cover of some type.Some contour diapers that have leg elastic are called “semi-fitted” diapers.
Deo-Disks / Pail Pals
Small deoderizing disks used in diaper pails to control odors.
Diaper Covers
Cloth diaper covers come in all shapes, colors, fabrics and sizes. They are used over a cloth diaper to keep baby's clothesdry. Diaper covers are shaped to fit over a fitter or prefold diaper and fasten with snaps or hook & loop or pull on withoutfasteners. Covers can be made of nylon, PUL, polyester, treated cotton, wool or fleece. Breathable covers like wool andfleece are best for overnight.
Diaper Service Quality (DSQ)
Diaper Service Quality refers to high quality pre-folds. These are generally 100% cotton twill or birdseye and are moreabsorbent and durable than non-DSQ diapers.
Diaper Wrap
Cloth diaper wraps are the same as diaper covers.
Doubler / Booster
Doublers are multi-layered pads that can be inserted between your baby's bottom and the diaper to “boost” absorbency.These are recommended for heavy wetters or for night-time use. Some doublers are topped with wicking fabrics for astay-dry feeling.
 
Fitted Diapers
Fitted diapers have a contoured shape and have gathered edges around the legs and usually the waist. They are fastenedwith either hook & loop or snaps. Sometimes they have no fasteners and can be used with pins or a Snappi. A waterproof diaper cover is generally used over fitted diapers. Many people use fitted diapers around the house with no cover,changing promptly whenever they are wet or soiled. You can also use wool pants (longies) or fleece pants as a diapercover over fitted diapers. Fitted diapers are more expensive than pre-folds ranging from $6 to $18 each. However, they aremuch easier to use since they don’t require folding. The absorbency of fitted cloth diapers varies based on the materialsused in the construction of the diaper.
Flats
Flat diapers refer to the single-ply square shaped diapers that were the original cloth diapers. Any cotton fabric can beused for a flat diaper but the most common are birdseye and flannel. Common sizes are 27x27 and 30x30. Flats requirefolding which can be as simple as folding into a rectangular pad shape or as complex as the multi-step origami fold.
Hemp
Hemp is a natural fiber made from the hemp plant. It is very popular for use in diapers because of its durability,absorbency and natural anti-microbial properties. Most hemp diaper fabrics are really a blend of 55% hemp and45% cotton. It can be a woven or a knit fabric. Some common hemp fabrics are hemp fleece, French terry and jersey.
Hyena / Hyena Diapers / Hyena Cart
A term for diaper-hungry moms who avidly search for the latest and greatest cloth diapers. Hyena diapers are generallyhard to get, popular diapers that are stalked by hyena moms. Hyena Cart is a website that allows WAHMs to easily listand sell products. However, not all products on Hyena Cart are hyena diapers.
Insert / Stuffer
Inserts are absorbent rectangular or contour diapers that fits into a pocket diaper like the Fuzzi Bunz (FB). These can bemade of hemp, microfiber or other absorbent materials. Sometimes they need to be folded, but often they are sewn as amulti-layer pad that can be inserted without folding.
Liners
Liners are thin material used between a baby's bottom and the diaper itself. Liners have two purposes: to keep poop awayfrom diapers for easy clean up, and to provide a “stay-dry” layer against baby’s skin. Single use liners are available thatare flushable and biodegradable. These include liners made from rice paper or other fibers. Reusable liners are made of fabric instead of paper. Polyester fabrics that provide a stay-dry effect include suedecloth, microfleece and power-dry.Natural fabrics that provide a similar effect include knitted silk, wool and cotton velour.
Longies
Longies are wool or acrylic pants that can be used instead of diaper covers over fitted diapers or securely fastenedprefolds/flats. They may be sewn from wool yardage, knitted, crocheted or sewn from recycled sweaters. The fabric maybe felted (shrunk before construction) for a tighter weave and less stretch. Some have an elastic waist while others have adrawstring. Longies have a huge price range; from free (homemade from recycled sweaters) to over $200 for customcrafted, embellished pairs.
Microfiber
Microfiber is a super-absorbent synthetic polyamide fiber that resembles a fluffy terry cloth with loops from 1/16”- 1/4”long. It can be purchased as yardage online or more commonly, found locally in the automotive and housewares sectionsof major retailers as 12x12, 14x14 or 16x16 squares. These squares make excellent pocket inserts when trifolded.Microfiber should not be used against baby’s skin as the tiny fibers can irritate delicate skin. Microfiber retains itsabsorbency better when it is line dried.
Nappy
Nappy is the European word for diaper.
Nylon Pants
Nylon pants are styled similar to the traditional plastic pants but are made of breathable nylon material. Nylon can be dyedwith kool-aid or food coloring if you don’t like plain white.
 
One-Size Diapers (OS)
A one size diaper claims to fit a child from birth up until about 30 or 35 pounds. This sizing is usually achieved by specialplacement of fasteners on the front and back of the diaper that allows for the front of the diaper to be folded over and forthe closures to be snapped on top of each other. As the baby grows, several snap settings allow for waist and leg growth.These frequently fit best between 15-25 pounds, with a variable fit at either end of the size range.
Organic
Fabric derived from plant material that is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides is considered organic.Organic fabrics come in both knit and woven styles and many different kinds including birdseye, flannel, terry, jersey,cotton fleece and velour. Some are only available in natural color, but others are available dyed or printed with low-impact dyes. Organic fabrics are more expensive than regular fabrics in almost every case.
Pill
Pills form when fabric fibers twist around each other and form small balls on the surface. Pills on natural fibers such asflannel and birdseye will generally wear away with continued washing. Synthetic pills can be removed with a sweatershaver.
Plastic Pants
Plastic pants were commonly used in the 50s – 70s and are still available from Gerber. They are made of vinyl,a material that releases dioxins when warmed and can crack and degrade with regular washing/drying. They arenot the best choice, but are economical and waterproof. Vinyl does not allow air circulation so rashes can be aproblem if vinyl covers are used exclusively.
Polar Fleece / Alpine Fleece
Polar and alpine fleece are brand names for a synthetic polyester fabric that is fluffy, breathable and does not holdmoisture. The best quality fleece comes from Malden Mills (MM) and was originally designed for outerwear garments. Itcomes in many styles, sometimes referred to by weight. 200 & 300 weight are good for covers and the outside of AIOs/AI2s. Windpro & windbloc are especially water-resistant due to the way they are manufactured. Fleece frequentlyhas a durable water repellent (DWR) chemical applied to it. Microfleece is a thinner version that allows moisture to passthrough it to the absorbent layers below, providing a “stay-dry” effect. Microfleece is used to top doublers, as single-layerliners, or as a full inner layer. Some babies are sensitive to fleece, especially if it pills up and loses its softness.
Pocket Diapers
Pocket diapers are a wonderful innovation added to the diapering world by Tereson (Dupuy) Thomas in 1998 with theFuzziBunz (FB) brand. Pocket diapers are two part diapering system with a piece of microfleece or suedecloth that makesup the inner portion of fabric and a waterproof layer outside. An absorbent insert or “stuffer” is placed inside of the twopieces, creating an AIO when assembled. Inserts can be made of microfiber terrycloth, hemp or prefolds. Pocket diapersare also available without the waterproof layer, as fitted pockets which need a separate cover. Pocket diapers are excellentchoices for overnight and any time you want to customize the absorbency of a diaper. They are considered a quick drysystem but do require assembly of the pieces before use. The entire concept of pocket diapers (regardless of pattern orfabrics) is patented and a license is needed for sales.
Prefolds (PF, CPF, UBCPF, IPF, UBIPF etc.)
Prefold diapers are rectangular shaped diapers that are divided lengthwise in 3 sections by stitching. They are the mosteconomical diapers, averaging about $2 each. Most diaper services offer prefolds. The outer sections usually have fewerlayers than the middle section. This gives prefolds greater absorbency where it is needed most. Prefolds are designated as4-6-4, 4-8-4 or more rarely 2-4-2. These numbers refer to the layers of cloth in each section from left to right. Prefoldsrequire a cover unless you are at home and changing frequently. They can be trifolded into a snug cover, or fastened withsafety pins or a Snappi. There are many creative ways to fold prefolds, including the newspaper fold, modified angel fold,the bikini twist and the jelly roll. Prefolds are available in white and unbleached. Unbleached diapers have not gonethrough a whitening process and retain some of the original cotton oils. Unbleached fabrics require more washing to reachfull absorbency, but generally are softer than bleached eventually.
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