Glossary of terms for Cloth Diapers

All-In-Ones (AIOs)

The entire diaper comes on/off similar to a disposable.  Entire diaper needs to be washed after use.

Back to topClose window

Contour Diapers

These diapers are cut in an exaggerated bone shape to minimalize the bulkiness caused by folding flat/prefold diapers.  Requires an outer cover or "wrap" to be moisture-proof.  May need a fastener if the outer wrap does not fit snugly.

Back to topClose window

CPF

This is an abbreviation for "Chinese Prefold". These are the stereotypical cloth diapers. They require folding, but the first few folds are sewn in so that the middle layer is thicker.  Requires an outer cover or "wrap" to be moisture-proof.  May require a fastener if the outer wrap does not fit snugly.

Back to top Close window

Trim Fitting

The more trim fitting a diaper is, the less bulky it will appear under clothing and on Baby's bottom.

Back to topClose window

WOW Appearance

Diapers that rank high for "WOW Appearance" are pleasing to look at.  They either come in cute colors and prints and/or are eye-catching to those new to cloth.  They look quite different from the typical cloth diaper of twenty years ago.

Back to topClose window

WAHM

Stands for Work At Home Mom.  These diapers are made in the homes of moms who are dedicated to being home with their children.  Sometimes referred to as SAHM (Stay At Home Mom).

Back to topClose window

Diaper System

Cloth diapers now come with choices.  There are a few basic styles or "systems" of cloth diapers from which to choose.
All-In-Ones (AIO): The entire diaper comes on/off similar to a disposable.  Entire diaper needs to be washed after use.
Pocket Diapers: The entire diaper comes on/off similar to a disposable.  Entire diaper needs to be washed after use.  Requires an insert for absorption to be placed in the inner "pocket".
Flat Diapers: These are most likely the diapers your mama used.  Requires folding.  Requires an outer cover or "wrap" to be moisture-proof.  May need a fastener if the outer wrap is not a snug fit.
Prefold Diapers: These are the stereotypical cloth diaper.  They require folding, but the first few folds are sewn in so that the middle layer is thicker.  Requires an outer cover or "wrap" to be moisture-proof.  May require a fastener if the outer wrap does not fit snugly.

Contour Diapers: These diapers are cut in an exaggerated bone shape to minimalize the bulkiness caused by folding flat/prefold diapers.  Requires an outer cover or "wrap" to be moisture-proof.  May need a fastener if the outer wrap does not fit snugly.

Fitted Diapers: These diapers do not require folding, often come with elastic at the legs and waist, and self-fasten at the waist, eliminating the need for a diaper fastener.  They require an outer cover or "wrap" to be moisture-proof.

Back to topClose window

Pocket Diapers

The entire diaper comes on/off similar to a disposable.  Entire diaper needs to be washed after use.  Requires an insert for absorption to be placed in the inner "pocket".

Back to topClose window

MOE

MOE is an abbreviation for the company Mother of Eden which makes Fuzzi Bunz pocket diapers in addition to many other cloth diapering products.

Back to topClose window

Flat Diapers

These are most likely the diapers your mama used.  Requires folding.  Requires an outer cover or "wrap" to be moisture-proof.  May need a fastener if the outer wrap is not a snug fit.

Back to topClose window

Prefold Diapers

These are the stereotypical cloth diaper.  They require folding, but the first few folds are sewn in so that the middle layer is thicker.  Requires an outer cover or "wrap" to be moisture-proof.  May require a fastener if the outer wrap does not fit snugly.

Back to topClose window

PUL

PUL stands for polyurethane laminate. It is often used as the waterproof outer layer of All In Ones or pocket diapers.

Back to topClose window

 

Fitted Diapers

These diapers do not require folding, often come with elastic at the legs and waist, and self-fasten at the waist, eliminating the need for a diaper fastener.  They require an outer cover or "wrap" to be moisture-proof.

Back to topClose window

Fastener

A fastener holds a flat, prefold, or contour diaper in position once folded and placed on the baby.  Fasteners in the past have most often been the typical diaper pin.  Types of fasteners have broadened today to include rubber and hook fasteners.

Back to topClose window

Rise

The rise of a diaper is the crotch to waist measurement.  Think of "Low-Rise" jeans and you've got the picture.

Back to topClose window

Close window

UTN

This abbreviation stands for the fair trade company Under the Nile which makes many organic products from Egyptian cotton.

Back to topClose window

Close window