Cloth Diaper Terminology

Table of Contents

AIO - All in One - This fitted diaper is the easiest to use.  It's totally self contained.  There is no pockets to stuff.  No covers needed.  However, many of them take a longer time to dry because they tend to be thicker.  These are the closest to disposable diapers in ease of use.  They are very babysitter and daddy friendly.  I have tried to stock brands that are better at drying.  The hybrid versions of an AIO have a pocket as well, so you can add extra stuffing if you want for nap time and night times.  These tend to be quicker drying versions of the AIO diaper.

AI2 - All in Two Diaper - An AI2 is like an AIO but it is constructed in such a way that the inner parts will seperate for washing.  The inner soaker is often a sewn in flap.  This removes the disadvantage that AIO's have of taking longer to dry (although some soaker pads may take time depending on how they are constructed).  Some AI2's may snap apart, so you will have to keep track of what insert goes with that diaper. This can be a more economical option as the pads are generally cheaper, and you only need 1 cover for say 4-5 soaker pads.  You only need to wash the cover when it is soiled.

Pocket Diapers - Could be considered an AI2 as well.  Basically, a pocket diaper is just the cover and liner sewn together and there is either a slot at the front or back in which you can slide an insert or folded prefold.  The big advantage of these is you can stuff them with as much insert as you need. For instance, for night time, you could use double inserts.  Because the inserts come out for washing, they wash and dry very easily.  It does not take alot of time to stuff the pockets.  I personally do it while watching TV or watching the kids at bath time.

Contour Diapers - These diapers are shaped diapers.  They are shaped much like an hour glass.  There is no elastic or velcro.  They need to be held together with pins or a snappi.  They need a cover to make them waterproof. 

Fitted Diapers - A fitted diaper is a shaped diaper, generally with elastic in the legs to achieve a good fit.  Often they will also have elastic at the waist.  They generally close with snaps or velcro.   It is made of several layers of absorbent fabric. A fitted diaper requires a waterproof cover over the top.

Flat Fold Diapers - A flat fold diaper is a single layer square or rectangle of fabric.  They can be made of cotton, bamboo, hemp or other fabrics.  You will need to fold a flat fold diaper into shape to fit the baby and then fasten it with pins or a snappi.  A waterproof cover is required with these diapers.

Pre-Fold Diapers - A prefold diaper is a rectangular shaped diaper with more layers in the center than on the outer two thirds.  You will see these layers refered to as "4x6x4" ply or other similar numbers.  In this case, it means that the outer layers have 4 layers of fabric and the center has 6 layers.  Prefold diapers are generally made of cotton and you will see them described as "Chinese Prefolds" or "DSQ" (diaper service quality).  A prefold diaper still needs to be folded into shape.  You can use pins or a snappi to fasten.  You can also fold them into thirds and lay inside a velcro closing diaper cover.  A waterproof cover is required with these diapers.

Diaper Covers - Covers come in many styles and shapes, but their function is to provide a waterproof outer layer for non-waterproof diapers. 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.

Inserts and Doublers - These are a pad of fabric that is place inside the diaper, either in a pocket or directly inside the diaper to add extra absorbency.  They can be made from a variety of fabrics such as microfiber, cotton, bamboo and hemp.

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. Cloth liners must be washed, but aid in laundering. They also help protect the actual diaper from staining.  Liners are also good to use when using diaper creams.  Diaper creams can cause your diapers to repell.

Wet Bags - Zippered bags are bags made of an outer cotton layer that is a fun fabric, and an inner waterproof PUL layer.  They have a zipper closure. You can also get wet bags that have a draw string closure, that are made of just PUL.  These are not quite as good as a zippered bag, but they are a cheaper option (and are far better than a plastic bag!).  There are wet bags that close with velcro, but I found these to be very difficult to use as the velcro would stick to everything that it shouldn't, hence I do not stock them in the store. Wet bags are used to carry soiled diapers and clothing.  They also work great for wet swimwear.  They come in different sizes, the larger ones can be used as a dry pail.

Pail Liners - A pail liner is a large bag that can be used to line a diaper pail or trash can.  It can also be hung from a hook or door knob. The liner is made of a waterproof PUL fabric.  The liner can be washed with the diapers.  A pail liner cannot be used in a wet pail.

Training Pants - These are used when your child is learning to potty train.  They generally have a waterproof outer.  Some have a pocket where you can stuff an insert in, which is good for nap time or night time wetters.

Swim Diapers - These are diapers that can be worn by untrained or nearly trained little ones when swimming.  They do not have any absorbency as this could get heavy and weigh the little one down.  They are designed to contain any solid messes, not absorb urine.