Types of Diapers
AIO= All In One a diaper and cover sewn together. Just like a disposable but you wash it.
Contour= Usually an hour glass shaped diaper, no elastic. Must be worn pinned or use a Snappi. You can use them under a tight fitting wrap.
Cover= A cover is something that must be placed over a diaper too provide the water proof barrier. Covers can come in PUL (discussed later), Fleece or Wool.
CPF= This is a Chinese pre folded diaper, made in
Doubler= A doubler is a few layers of an absorbent material that can be laid inside an existing diaper to give you more absorbency for a long trip or over night.
Fitted= A fitted diaper is a pre formed diaper with elastic at the legs and sometimes the back. These can close with snaps or hook and loop.
Flat= A flat diaper is a layer or two of absorbent material that need to be folded into the shape you desire.
Hook and
Insert= Insert are generally a few layers of absorbent material that can be placed inside a pocket diaper (discussed later)
IPF= Indian pre folded diaper, made in
Longies= A knitted or crochet pair of pants that act as a diaper cover, usually made out of wool.
Micro Fleece= Micro fleece is a moisture wicking material placed next to baby. The liquid will pass through the MF and get absorbed into the layers below. Helps keep babies bottom feeling dry.
Pocket= A pocket diaper is a diaper with a water proof layer and a moisture wicking inner layer (next to baby) with an opening between the two layer in place and insert (discussed above)
Prefold= A prefold is a flat diaper with layers of absorbent material usually 2-4 layers on either side and 4-6 layers in the middle. These need to folded and pinned or the use of a Snappi to secure the diaper on baby.
PUL= Polyurethane laminate. A laminate that is placed on fabric polyester PUL has less chance of wicking then cotton PUL. The cute patterns are usually cotton PUL.
Snappi= A T shaped piece of rubber with teeth at all three points to hold a pre fold, contour or flat diaper to baby with out using pins.
Soaker= A knitted or crochet diaper cover made from wool.
Suede cloth= Suede cloth works the same as micro fleece but is thinner and not as fluffy feeling.
Wet Bag= A bag made out of PUL cotton or polyester closed with hoop and loop to use in transporting your dirty cloth diapers while out.
Wrap= Wrap is another term for a diaper cover.
Written by Christine Bradt 10-19-06
