Cloth Diaper Lingo

Over the past few months I have been searching through tremendous amounts of information on Cloth Diapering (CD).

I made a decision to CD my third child who will be here in a few weeks. I wanted to learn about what really works for moms who CD. I wanted to know what worked what didn't.

During this time I realized that there is CD Lingo/ Terms. The lingo can be overwhelming as with all the information available. I put together a list that is hopefully helpful to Moms or Moms to be.

All in One Diaper (AIO): This is a diaper that has the absorbent layer permanently attached and has a waterproof outer layer. The closures are adjustable, using either aplix or snaps. This is a more expensive way to cloth diaper, but is the easiest to use. AIOs are great for the daycare setting.

All in Two Diaper (AI2): This is a diaper that has the absorbent layer or soaker attached with snaps and has a waterproof outer layer. The soaker can be removed for washing and then snapped back in. The closures are adjustable, using either aplix or snaps. This is an expensive way to cloth diaper, but like the AIO, AI2s are easiest to use. AI2s are a good choice for daycare settings.

Pocket Diaper: A two part diapering system makes for easy washing. This type of diaper has a "pocket" at the back of the diaper for stuffing with either prefolds or inserts and has a waterproof outer layer. The ability to stuff the diaper makes it a very customizable system. It is a little more expensive, but very convenient.

Prefold: A flat diaper that comes in varying sizes and thickness and is folded to fit baby. This is an economical way to cloth diaper. This type of diaper requires a waterproof cover.

Cover: Anything that "covers" a fitted or prefold cloth diaper. It is usually waterproof. A cover can be made of cotton, fleece, PUL, or wool.

Fitted Diaper: A cloth diaper that is shaped to fit your baby. It is usually made of cotton and/or hemp and closes with either snaps or Velcro/Aplix. This type of diaper requires a waterproof cover.

One Size (OS): A single diaper that will adjust to fit multiple sizes.

Insert: This is a layer of material typically used in a pocket diaper to add absorbency. It can be customized to your child's needs. An insert can be made of cotton, hemp or micro-terry.

PUL (polyurethane laminate): PUL is simply fabric in which a waterproof laminate has been applied to the back. This makes for an extremely thin, soft fabric that is waterproof and easy to care for.

Doubler: This is used to "double" the absorbency of a diaper. It is used typically in fitted or prefold diapers and is placed on top of the diaper, next to baby's skin.

Dry Pail: This is a method of storing dirty diapers until wash day. Simply place in diaper pail liner after shaking any solids into toilet.

Diaper Pail Liner: A bag used to store dirty diapers. It can be either a washable, waterproof bag that can be washed with diapers or it can simply be a kitchen trash bag. Both can be used inside a hinge-lid trash can.

Wet Bag: A waterproof bag used to hold dirty diapers when out of the house. This bag closes with a drawstring, snaps or zipper.

Wicking: This happens when the wetness from the inside of the diaper is drawn to the edges of the diaper and causes the babies clothes to get damp - much like when a disposable diaper "leaks". This can be prevented by making sure that detergent is completely rinsed from your diapers and adding extra layers of absorbency when needed.

Stripping: This is a method of removing detergent residue from cloth diapers