Frequently used Terms and Definitions

Cloth Diaper lingo can be a bit overwhelming in the beginning.  So many terms, abbreviations and so on.

We put together a reference guide to define commonly used terms and explain their uses. *This is not a complete list of every possible diapering system. This is a simplified guide defining common cloth diaper terms.*

A Cloth diaper is made of two parts; absorbent material closest to baby and a waterproof/ repellent material outside to keep clothes and caregivers dry. Diaper systems can be mixed and matched. Features can be added or omitted. Combinations of several different systems are possible. Absorbency and water resistance are the two elements that all systems share. 


 
First we’ll go over Absorbency. 
Hemp, Cotton and Bamboo are Absorbent Natural fibers.

(Note: microfiber is commonly used. It is a synthetic material that is not safe against skin. It is sometimes used as a hidden inner layer. None of our products contain microfiber. More on this topic below)

Hemp, Cotton and bamboo are common materials used for Absorbency. They vary in fiber content and weight. They are sometimes blended together during manufacturing. Most cloth diaper absorbency is made with a combination of these Natural materials. They are layered and shaped differently, then given a new name. For example: Insert, Booster, Flat, Preflat, Fitted, Trifold and so on.

Diaper Absorbency can also include a stay dry layer on top to keep baby’s skin dry. Velour and AWJ (athletic wicking jerseys) are common. 
 
Velour - An extremely soft, almost velvety fabric. Can be blended with Cotton, Bamboo and Hemp. Our bamboo velour OBV is a premium quality knit fabric, hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, thermal regulating and very absorbent, while wicking moisture away. Low maintenance as it sprays and washes well. 

AWJ (athletic wicking jersey) -  A polyester knit designed to wick away moisture, keeping baby’s skin cool and dry. 


 

Below you’ll find each Absorbency style term with it’s description.

 

  Insert - Layers of absorbent material cut to the size of a typical diaper. 
  
  Booster - Smaller Insert for additional absorbency in certain places without adding bulk to the whole diaper. Placing a booster towards the front is ideal for boys and tummy sleepers. Placing one towards the back is Ideal for back sleepers.

 Extended Length Insert (snake insert) - Same width as a traditional Insert but almost twice as long. The length allows you to fold over where you need extra layers of absorbency without adding bulk. 

 Trifold / Prefold- Layers of absorbency shaped as a square or rectangle. Folding into thirds will triple your absorbent layers. 

  Flat - Traditional large square of absorbent material. Can be folded around your baby numerous ways and secured using diaper pins, snappi, boingo or diaper belt. Can be folded into the shape of a traditional insert. There are many variations of flat. Single layer, multiple layers even stretchy ( spandex added to natural fiber during manufacturing)

 Preflat - Trifold / prefold with wings ( wings extend from baby’s side and wrap around to the front). The body of a Preflat is made of multiple layers of absorbent material shaped as a square or rectangle. It is folded into thirds and brought up through baby’s legs. The wings are brought around on each side to the front and secured with pins, snappi, boingo or diaper belt. There are numerous shapes and variations of a preflat. These are usually sized meaning a different size for newborns, infants and toddlers 

 Fitted - Multiple layers of absorbent material shaped into a traditional diaper. Elastics are added to create a seal around the legs and back. They can feature adjustable plastic snaps, Velcro or be secured with pins, snappi, boingo or diaper belt. These are usually sized meaning a different size for newborns infants and toddlers.

 

  Each of the above need to be covered by something waterproof/repellent. Wool, fleece, or PUL are common choices. Each will be described below.

 

 PUL - Polyurethane Laminate is laminated fabric. The lamination allows material to become waterproof. There are several diaper products made from PUL. 

Covers, Pocket Diapers. AIO (all in one) AI2 (all in two) and shorties

 Covers - Single layer of PUL with elastics and adjustable snaps. Change out absorbency as needed. Can be wiped clean between uses unless soiled. Secured absorbency options ( flats, preflats, fitted) can be covered with this system. 

Pocket diapers - Single layer of PUL and a layer of stay dry material create a pocket to place absorbency inside of. Stay dry material can be AWJ ( athletic wicking jersey) Microfleece and Suede Cloth. Stay dry lining keeps baby’s skin dry and cool. Elastics and adjustable snaps/Velcro are added. There are several variations of Pocket Diapers. Need to be washed between uses. *Secured absorbency options ( flats, preflats, fitted) can be covered with this system.

 AOI (all in one) - Absorbency (commonly containing microfiber) is attached to PUL.  Faster at the changing table but longer dry time. Features elastics and adjustable snaps/Velcro.
 

 AI2 (all in two) - Absorbency can be attached to and removed from PUL using fixed snaps/Velcro. Features elastics and adjustable snaps/Velcro. (Pocket diapers are a form of AI2) *Secured absorbency options ( flats, preflats, fitted) can be covered with this system. 


 PUL Shorties- Single Layer PUL Pull on diaper cover resembling shorts. Waist and leg bands are made of micro fleece. Used with secured Absorbent diaper options; flats, preflats, fitted diapers ect. 

 Fleece Covers - Made with Anti-Pill Fleece. The Fleece is water repellent and will send moisture back into your absorbency. Pull on over secured absorbent diaper options; flats, preflats, fitted diapers ect.. can be washed with your normal diaper laundry. 

 Wool - Wool comes in many variations. Shorties as describe above, Longies ( pants) wrap around and more. Knit, Interlock and more. Some Wool is machine washable. Wool does require special treatment but only every few weeks unless soiled. It needs to be Lanolized to keep it waterproof. The process can be simple and I encourage you to research the benefits. It can be a bit expensive but it will last for multiple children and the resale value is high. Wool covers are used over secured absorbent diaper options; flats, preflats, fitted diapers ect…

 

Diaper liners are another term you’ll hear frequently. They are designed to help make clean up easier as well as protect your diapers if non cloth diaper safe creams are needed periodically. 

Diaper Liners - Diaper liners lay closest to baby regardless of diapering system. They work similar to a coffee filter. Their job is to catch solid waste and allow liquid to pass through to absorbency.

They are available in disposable and reusable forms.

Disposable liners - Made of bamboo fibers and resemble a dryer sheet. Some are marketed as flushable but it is not recommended.

Reusable liners are made of anti-pill fleece. Shake or spray off solids and wash with normal diaper laundry. 

 Microfiber continued - Microfiber is a widely used absorbent material for mass produced diaper products. It does absorb quickly and meets absorbency needs for some. Others find that is prone to compression leaks or looses absorbency over time. Microfiber should never be used directly against skin. It draws natural moisture out of skin and will cause irritation. 

I hope you have found this reference helpful in deciding which Diaper System works best for you and your family. Just like no two snowflakes are the same.. neither is your journey! You may find that you like many systems at different times and stages for different reasons. 

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From all of us at Pamp Camp,

   Happy Trails!