Understanding Common Cloth Diapering Terms and Abbreviations

The cloth diapering industry is full of unique language, terms and acronyms that can be overwhelming for beginners. Understanding these cloth diapering terms is crucial for navigating the cloth diaper community effectively.

Whether you are a seasoned pro or a newbie in the cloth diapering world, this comprehensive guide will break down popular industry terms and acronyms to help make sure you understand cloth diapering terminology.

A 

AIO or All in One 

An All-In-One Cloth Diaper is a convenient option that integrates all absorbent materials and the waterproof layer into one piece—everything is attached! This design makes it easy to use as it goes on and off like a disposable diaper. While AIO diapers are simple and user-friendly, they can take longer to dry compared to other types of cloth diapers and can be more challenging to customize to meet your baby's unique needs.

AI2 or All in Two

An All-In-Two Cloth Diaper consists of two separate pieces: a waterproof cover and an insert. The insert can be snapped into the cover, making it economical as the cover can be reused with a fresh insert until soiled. AI2 diapers are space-saving and ideal for on-the-go use.

Aplix

Aplix is another manufacturer of Hook and Loop closures. This is also sometimes called Velcro. 

B

Bacon or Baconing

Natural fibers, particularly hemp and cotton, tend to shrink a lot in the dryer. For this reason, sometimes laundered inserts can look like crispy, wavy bacon.

BLW

Baby lead-weaning is a form of introducing solids to a 6 mo+ baby. This process skips purees, and goes straight to soft, finger foods. (Always consult with your pediatrician before introducing solids)

Booster

A cloth diaper booster, also known as a doubler, is an additional layer of absorbent material that can be added to a cloth diaper to increase its absorbency. Boosters are particularly useful for heavy wetters or overnight use.

BST or B/S/T 

A "BST page" typically refers to a Facebook page dedicated to Buy, Sell, and Trade (BST) activities. These pages serve as platforms for users to list items they want to sell, trade, or buy within a specific community or interest group. 

C

CBI

Charcoal Bamboo Insert. A Charcoal Bamboo diaper insert is a cloth diaper insert made from a blend of charcoal-infused microfiber and sometimes bamboo. It is designed for high absorbency and odor control.

CD

Cloth Diaper. A cloth diaper is a reusable diaper made from absorbent materials, designed to be washed and reused, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to disposables.

Cloth Wipes

Reusable baby wipes are environmentally friendly alternatives to disposable wipes, made from materials like bamboo or cotton. These washable wipes can be used for cleaning babies, children, and adults, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution.

CO/Coconut Oil

Using coconut oil as diaper cream is a natural and gentle way to soothe and protect your baby's skin from diaper rash, leveraging its antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.

D

Diaper Cover

If using flats and pre-folds a diaper cover is an outer-shell needed to make your cloth diaper water resistant. One notable feature of diaper covers is that they do not have a moisture-wicking inner lining, making them easy to wipe down between diaper changes and reuse with a fresh absorbent layer. This design promotes cost-effectiveness and convenience for parents.

Diaper Sprayer

A cloth diaper sprayer is a device designed to make cleaning cloth diapers easier and more hygienic. It typically attaches to the toilet's water supply line and features an adjustable high-pressure spray nozzle that allows users to rinse messy cloth diapers directly into the toilet before washing them in the machine. Cloth diaper sprayers eliminate the need for manual dunking and soaking of diapers, making the diaper cleaning process more efficient and less messy.

DG or Double Gussets

A cloth diaper double gusset refers to an extra set of elastics sewn into the leg area of the diaper, providing additional leak protection. There are two main types of double gussets, External and Internal Double Gussets.

Doubler

An extra insert that can be added to the diaper to “double” the absorbency.

E

EBF or Exclusively Breastfed

EBF stands for Exclusive Breastfeeding, which refers to the practice of feeding an infant only breast milk for the first six months of life without any additional food or drink, not even water. EBF poop is water-soluble and doesn’t need to be rinsed before tossing in your washing machine.

ECF or Exclusively Chestfed

An inclusive alternative to EBF following the same definition as above.

EC

Elimination Communication is a diapering method where caregivers learn to recognize a baby's cues for needing to eliminate, then hold them over a toilet or potty. It aims to reduce diaper use and foster early potty awareness.

F

Fitted Diaper

Made from absorbent material shaped like a diaper with elastic around the legs and waist. Fitted diapers are secured with either snaps or hook and loop fasteners. They look like a diaper but are not waterproof and require a diaper cover.

Flat Diaper

A square of fabric, often cotton, folded around your baby to form a cloth diaper. Flat's also require a diaper cover.

Fluff

A fun slang term for cloth diapers, often used in the cloth diaper community. You may hear another parent call their child's cloth diaper a "Fluff Butt" in a playful way.

FST or Flour Sack Towel

A Flour Sack Towel is an affordable 1ply cotton towel you can find in the kitchen towel isle of most stores, including WalMart, Target and Amazon.

FSO

For sale only.

FSOT

For sale or trade.

H

HE

HE stands for High Efficiency, referring to washing machines designed to use less water and energy while effectively cleaning clothes, including cloth diapers, making them eco-friendly and cost-effective. HE machines require HE compatible detergent. 

Hook and Loop

Hook and loop refers to the fastening system used in some cloth diapers, similar to Velcro. This closure method allows for easy adjustments and secure fastening.

I

ISO

In Search Of

Insert (Diaper Insert)

Rectangular or contoured strips of material that is inserted into the pocket opening of a pocket-style cloth diaper, or laid in a cover. Common types of inserts are MicroFiber, Bamboo, Hemp, and Cotton. 

J

K

L

Liner (Diaper Liner)

A liner is a cloth or disposable material that is placed on top of the cover for easy clean up of poos. They serve two main purposes: keeping solids away from the diaper for easier cleaning and providing a stay-dry layer against the baby's skin. Sometimes Liners are confused with Diaper Inserts when speaking however these are different things. 

M

MF / Microfiber

Microfiber inserts are absorbent cloth diaper inserts made from synthetic fibers. They are low cost, lightweight, absorbent, and dry quickly, making them popular for cloth diapers, but they require a stay-dry layer. Microfiber is also very prone to compression leaks. 

N

NWT

New with Tags

NWOT

New without Tags

NIP

New in Package

NOOP

New out of Package

O

OS or One Size fits Most

A one-size cloth diaper is designed to fit babies from birth to potty training, typically adjustable through snaps or Velcro, accommodating a varied weight range. Kinder pocket diapers fit most babies from 7 to 60 pounds.

P

Pin or Safety Pin

A traditional fastener used to secure cloth diapers.

Prepping

The process of washing new cloth diapers before first use to enhance absorbency.

Pre-Fold

A pre-fold is a type of cloth diaper that consists of a rectangular piece of fabric with multiple layers, typically made from natural materials like cotton, bamboo, or hemp. These diapers are designed with extra layers in the center panel for increased absorbency in the wet zone. Pre-folds are versatile and can be folded in various ways to fit a baby's size and shape, offering a customizable and cost-effective diapering solution. They require folding before use and are secured in place with pins or Snappis, then covered with a waterproof diaper cover.

Pocket Diaper

A pocket diaper is a type of modern cloth diaper that features a waterproof outer layer with a pocket opening to insert absorbent inserts. These diapers are adjustable and suitable for babies from birth to potty training. Pocket diapers are known for their ease of use, eco-friendliness, and versatility.

PUL

Polyurethane Laminate or PUL is a waterproof material commonly used in cloth diapers, wet bags, and other reusable products. It provides the necessary water resistance to keep diapers leak-proof.

R

RLR

RLR is a specialized laundry additive used for stripping cloth diapers and other fabrics. RLR Laundry Treatment works by removing particles, suspending them in water, and preventing them from being redeposited on fabric. It is effective in removing build-up from various materials like cloth diapers, kitchen rags, towels, shirts, chef wear, and aprons. 

S

Snappi

A Snappi is a type of diaper fastener used as an alternative to traditional diaper pins. It is designed to hold prefold or flat cloth diapers in place without the need for pins, providing a secure and convenient way to fasten diapers. Snappis feature grippers with teeth on each end that grip onto the fabric of cloth diapers, pulling the points to the center and ensuring that the diaper stays in place without bunching up under a cover.

Soaker

another term for insert

Sposies

Disposable Diapers

Stash

Your collection of diapers

T

U

V

W

WAHM

Work at Home Mom

Wet Bag

A wet bag is a reusable bag designed to store wet or soiled cloth diapers when you are away from home. It helps contain odors and moisture until you can wash the diapers.

Wipe Solution or Wipe Bits

The soap used to wet cloth wipes. Plain tap water is fine, or you can mix your own wipe solution or buy wipe bits that dissolve in water. 

X

Y

Z