Lingo
| All-in-one Diapers (AIO): | Fitted diapers that have a waterproof outer layer and function exactly like a disposable, except you don’t throw them away. Generally, they are the most expensive of cloth diapers but definitely convenient. These diapers are especially great for outings and night use. |
| Booster: | A rectangle piece of material that is inlayed in the diaper for extra absorbency. A less bulky (less absorbent) version of a diaper doubler. |
| “Chinese Diaper”: | Chinese Cotton pre-fold diapers that look thin and flat, but quilt up when laundered. They are very durable and absorbent. This term can be used generically for this style of diaper so be sure you ask if they are truly made of Chinese Cotton when purchasing. |
| Cloth Diaper Layette: | A suggested list of necessities to get you started with cloth diapering. |
| Contour Diaper: | Cloth diapers that are shaped to allow them to fit into a cover without folding. They reduce bulkiness and often have side wings that can be pinned. |
| Diaper Covers: | go over cloth diapers (except all in ones) to protect baby's clothing from getting wet. They fasten with snaps, Velcro, or slip-on like underwear. They are usually made of polyester or vinyl but are available in wool and polar fleece. *You will need a few of these in case of accidents and to switch out every few changes. They do get damp with constant use and need to air dry. These come in a variety of sizes and styles. They are not as adjustable as diapers, so you will need to buy more as your baby grows. |
| Diaper Doubler: | Rectangular pieces of material that lay inside a diaper for extra absorbency. They are available in Cotton, Terry, Hemp, Flannel, and blend versions. |
| Diaper Duck: | An inexpensive plastic tool that allows you to rinse a soiled pre-fold diaper in the toilet and wring it out, without getting your hands wet (and dirty). |
| Diaper Liners: | Rectangular pieces of material (often Fleece) that lie inside a diaper, like a Doubler, but have no absorbency. Their main purpose is to keep the baby feeling dry. They can even be used on top of a Doubler. Flushable versions are available to make easy cleanup with Poopie diapers! |
| Diaper Pail: | A container used to hold dirty diapers until you are ready to wash. Any functional container will work, but make sure that it has a secure lid and you don’t leave children alone near it if you are using a Wet-Pail cleaning system. |
| Diaper Pail Liner: | (1) A waterproof sack that lines your diaper pail (Dry-Pail system only). It can go into the wash with your diapers. These help keep your pail clean and odors to a minimum. (2) Mesh bag (Wet -Pail system) that makes easy removal of diapers from soiled water. |
| Diaper Pins: | Specially designed slide-locking safety pins with either metal or plastic heads. Used to fasten pre-fold or contour diapers. The slide lock prevents them from popping open. Many people stick them in a bar of soap for easy handling/storage and to keep the tips “waxed”, which makes them slide smoothly through cloth. |
| Diaper Service: | Local Companies that supply you with cloth diapers and some accessories on a weekly basis. They take soiled diapers from your doorstep and leave you with a fresh stock! Call before your due date to get set up pre-baby. This makes a great gift for moms to be, but ask them first! |
| Diaper Service Quality (DSQ): | Refers to pre-fold diapers that are actually durable enough for cloth diapering. Non-DSQ pre-folds are often used as burp cloths and cleaning rags. |
| Diaper Sprayer: | A hand held water sprayer that attaches to the flexible hose that runs from the wall to the toilet tank. It is used to rinse soiled diapers over the toilet. |
| Dry-Pail System/Method: | A method of storing soiled diapers until you are ready to wash them. Simply sprinkle baking soda in your pail and toss in dirty diapers or insert a pail liner and throw diapers in. |
| Dirty Diaper Tote: | Waterproof tote bags designed to hold dirty diapers while you are away from home. |
| Fitted Diapers: | are shaped much like disposable diapers and have gathered edges around the legs. They fasten with either Velcro or snaps and are usually adjustable, to grow with your baby. A diaper cover is necessary when using fitted diapers. They are more expensive than pre-folds but are easier to use for many people, and come in fun colors. |
| Flat fold Diapers: | the “old school” single-ply square shaped diapers. They also make great doublers/liners and burp cloths. |
| Hemp: | is a fiber from the hemp plant. It is becoming popular for use in diapers because it is durable, absorbent and is naturally anti-microbial. |
| Polar Fleece: | A synthetic material used for diaper covers and liners. Popular because it wicks moisture away from the skin. Fleece liners are often recommended for nighttime wear. |
| Pre-fold Diapers: | rectangular shaped diapers divided lengthwise in 3 sections. The outer sections usually have a thickness of 4 layers. The middle section can have 6 or 8 layers. This gives pre-folds absorbency in the middle, where it is most needed. They are often described as 6-ply, 8-ply, or even as 4-6-4, 4-8-4 etc. These numbers refer to the layers of cloth in each section from left to right. Pre-folds are usually the cheapest diapers. They can be folded and enclosed in a diaper cover, velcro or snap fastened diaper, or they can be pinned with safety pins or snappis and used with pull-on covers. Pre-folds also make great burp-cloths! |
| Pocket Diaper: | is a 2-piece diapering system. Typically, a piece of fleece makes up the inner portion of fabric and a waterproof fabric makes up the outer portion. An absorbent material is placed inside a “pocket” between the inner layer and outer covering, making the whole system act as an all in one diaper. |
| Re-usable Wipes | Baby cleaning wipes that are typically made from cotton or bamboo. These can be as simple as bulk washcloths or as luxurious as velour blends. Many are made to fit in wipe warmers and are moistened with water or baby friendly cleaning solutions. See “CHOICES” for cleaning solution ideas. |
| Sherpa: | A knit terry fabric that is brushed and washed to raise the fibers and give a “fluffy” feel. Made from a blend of Cotton and polyester. |
| Snap-to-Fit Diapers: | Adjustable Fitted diapers with snaps that are located just below the fasteners that are lined up vertically. This allows you to adjust the size of a diaper as your baby grows. These minimize the need to buy diapers in different sizes, which can save you money in the long run! |
| SNAPPI®: | A T-shaped plastic device that replaces diaper pins. They stretch and have “grippers” on each end to keep diapers closed. They are a “safer bet” for those that shy away from traditional diaper pins; and they come in fun colors! Usually sold in packs of 2 or 3. |
| Soakers: | (1) water resistant wool or polar fleece diaper covers. They allow some wetness to wick through from the diaper but still manage to keep clothes dry. Great for overnight use, to go over regular covers or alone. (2) The middle, more absorbent layer of a diaper. |
| Square Diapers: | Usually Muslin or Cotton square shaped diapers that require folding and securing with diaper pins or SNAPPIES. Because of the many folding styles and versatility, they are often used on newborns when everything else is too big. |
| Swim Diapers: | A specially made diaper that is accepted at public pools. Made from Nylon with a mesh lining and designed to hold in solid waste. Do not put cloth diapers inside these! |
| Wet-Pail System/Method: | Pre-soak method of storing dirty diapers before washing. Partially fill your diaper pail with water/your selected pre-soak solution and toss dirty diapers in. A mesh liner can be used in the pail for easier removal and drainage of diapers. Be careful to keep this pail securely closed and make sure little ones are not left alone around it! |
| Wool: | A natural fabric made from the fleece of sheep. It is water resistant and breathes, making it popular for use as a diaper cover. It is especially good for nighttime use (see soakers). Wool needs special care when washing though, so do your homework before you invest in it. |
