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Cloth Diaper Definitions
When we got into cloth diapering, we spent countless hours on the internet looking at every possible website and FAQ page there was to read. It was completely overwhelming and I feel that we really 'over' researched something that is very simple. You'll do a lot of your own research on cloth diapering. What I hope to do here on our 'Getting Started in Cloth Diapering' page is to give you the basic and simple explanations and information on cloth diapering. Sometimes too much information can be confusing - my goal here is to make it as easy as possible for you to start cloth diapering!
Here's a list of some basic cloth diapering terms and their definitions/abbreviations:
All-In-One (AIO) Diaper - AIOs are fitted diapers that have a waterproof outer layer. The outer layer usually consists of fabric that has a PUL (polyurethane) backing, fleece, or wool. These are the closest in similarity to disposable diapers since they are a one-piece diapering system. These diapers are usually fastened with hook/loop or snap fasteners (no snappis or pins needed). The absorbent soaker material is often sewn into the diaper or it may be detachable. These are preferred by parents who want the convenience of disposables but the environmental advantages of cloth. You do not need a separate diaper cover for an AIO. To check out our selection of AIO's - click here.
Pocket Diaper - Pocket diapers are like AIOs. They have an outer layer of a waterproof material and an inner layer of a stay dry material, like microfleece or suedecloth. They close with Velcro or snaps. They have a pocket opening that allows for the absorbent material (liners, doublers, inserts) to be stuffed in the pocket and then removed for laundering. The inserts can be made of micro terrycloth, regular terry cloth, hemp or your pre-fold diaper. Pocket diapers are a popular choice among cloth diapering parents because you can customize the amount of absorbent material (you can stuff more than one insert/doubler at nap time or bed time if your baby is a heavy wetter). You do not need a separate diaper cover for Pockets. Click here to check out our selection of Pocket Diapers.
One-Size AIO/Pocket Diapers - The newest introduction to cloth diapering is the One-Size pocket/AIO diaper. Most of these diapers will grow with your baby - from newborn through potty training. A great investment, especially if you have more than one child. The diapers come with multiple layers of snaps to adjust to baby's growing body. These have the same waterproof outer liner, so no separate diaper cover is necessary. We personally like the Happy Heiny's One-Size, Wahmies One-Size & BumGenius 3.0.
Pre-Folds - Pre-fold diapers are rectangular shaped diapers that must be folded into the shape of a diaper. They often have 2-4 layers of absorbent material on either side and 6-8 layers in the middle. The amount of layers varies according to the size you choose which generally ranges from preemie to toddler. You may see a pre-fold described as being 4x8x4. This describes how many layers there are in the outer and inner sections, 4 layers in both outer sections and 8 layers in the inner or middle section. Pre-folds are usually the cheapest type of cloth diapers available. You will need to use a diaper cover with prefold diapers. To see our selection of pre-folds, click here.
Contour Diapers - Contours are hourglass shaped diapers with no elastic in the legs or back. They must be held together with snappis, pins, or a diaper cover. These diapers are not waterproof so a cover will be needed.
Fitted Diapers - Fitted diapers closely resemble disposable diapers. They are contoured and fitted with elastic around the legs and back. They fasten with Velcro or snaps and a waterproof cover must be worn over them. They are the next step up from flat pre-fold diapers and much easier to use. They may come with the absorbent lining attached or detached. You can add more liners/doublers to increase absorbency. To see our selection of fitted diapers, click here.
Diaper Cover - Covers come in many styles and shapes but their function is to provide a waterproof outer layer for non-waterproof diapers (all except AIOs and Pockets). They are often fitted with elastic and fasten with snaps or Velcro. Some covers pull-up, like underpants. Diaper covers are usually made from polyester, Polyurethane laminates (PUL), waterproof nylon, fleece or wool. This is where you can get creative! There are so many different designs and colors (and you can even get some personalized!) You do not need to wash the diaper cover after every use, they can be reused until they get dirty or retain an odor. To see our great selection of diaper covers, click here.
Doublers – Doublers are pad-like absorbent soakers that can be added to a diaper to increase absorbency. You can use them at nap or bed time if you know you need extra protection. To see our selection of doublers, click here.
Liners - Liners are thin layers of cloth or paper that are placed inside the diaper to aid in the cleaning of solid waste. In the case of paper liners, the solid waste collected on the liner can be removed from the soiled diaper and either thrown away or flushed (follow manufacturer instructions). You can wash cloth liners with your diapers, they help to reduce staining and laundering of your diapers. To see our selection of liners, please click here.
Inserts - Inserts can be made from Hemp, Fleece, or Cotton. They may come with the diaper, or be purchased separately. They are inserted into the 'pocket' of pocket diapers or as an extra layer in AIO's or prefolds. Inserts or doublers must be used in pocket diapers for absorbency. You can view our selection of liners here.
Snappi - A plastic mechanism that fastens a cloth diapers. These are often times used instead of diaper pins.
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