A-C

AIO (All-In-One)
A type of cloth diaper that is a waterproof cover attached to the absorbency.

AI2 (All-in-Twos)
A type of cloth diaper that is a waterproof cover with a detachable absorbency.

Ammonia Burn
A diaper rash.

Aplix
Velcro.

AP (Attachment Parenting)
A parenting philosophy that emphasizes closeness, including practices like cloth diapering.

AWJ (Athletic Wicking Jersey)
A fabric often used in cloth diapers to wick moisture away from the skin.

Bacon or Baconing
Refers to the wrinkled, shrunk appearance that natural fiber inserts, like those made from hemp or cotton, can develop after drying. This effect makes them look like crispy, wavy bacon.

Bamboo
A semi-synthetic plant-based material that is highly absorbent, lightweight, and soft.

BC (Bamboo Cotton)
A blend of bamboo and cotton fabric used in cloth diapers for added softness and absorbency.

Biodegradable Insert
A disposable insert used inside a diaper cover or AI2 that can be flushed or thrown away. It's often considered a better alternative to traditional disposable diapers, especially for travel or situations where storing dirty diapers is impractical.

Birdseye Cotton
A basic fabric used in diapering, known for its distinctive texture. Traditional and some modern flat cloth diapers are made from birdseye cotton, which is quick-drying and highly absorbent when layered.

BLW (Baby-Led Weaning)
A method of introducing solids to a baby, where they skip purees and start directly with soft, finger foods suitable for their age and development.

Blowout
When a baby's poop escapes from the diaper, often in an explosive manner.

BM (Bowel Movement)
Refers to a bowel movement.

BN (Brand New)
Refers to items that are new and unused.

B/S/T (Buy / Sell / Trade)
Refers to buying, selling, or trading items.

Boingo
Closure alternative to a safety pin.

Booster
An additional insert used to add more absorbency.

Borax
A laundry additive used by some cloth diapering parents to remove odor and buildup. While it is praised for its effectiveness and gentleness on diapers and skin, others argue that it can be too harsh on diaper covers and elastic and may not be eco-friendly due to its mining process.

Calgon
A water softening laundry additive used by parents to address very hard water conditions.

CBI/Charcoal Bamboo
Charcoal Bamboo Insert, usually a misleading product term used to market microfiber inserts that are covered in a grey bamboo fleece.

CD (Cloth Diaper)
Refers to cloth diapers.

Cloth Training Pants/Trainer
A waterproof undergarment for toddlers and children who are potty training. Designed to be pulled up and down or have side snaps for easy removal, they vary in absorbency and waterproofness, intended to handle small accidents rather than replace diapers entirely.

Cloth Wipes
An alternative to disposable baby wipes, can come in 1 or 2 layers, and in a variety of sizes and fabrics.

Cloth Wipe Solution
A mixture used to wet cloth wipes before use.

Coconut Oil
Cloth-safe option commonly used to prevent and treat diaper rash.

Compression Leak
When moisture or liquid escapes the cloth diaper due to pressure put onto the wet inserts, usually from baby bodyweight.

Contoured Diaper
A diaper that is shaped to fit the baby's body more snugly, often used without folding.

Covers
The outer waterproof layer that goes over a cloth diaper, can be used several times before being washed.

D-F

Dawn Strip
A method for removing oil or soap buildup from diapers by using small amounts of blue Dawn dish soap in large amounts of water, followed by multiple rinses.

Delamination/Delaminated
When the waterproofed layer of a cloth diaper becomes damaged, the polyurethane layer can peel away from the fabric, causing it to no longer be waterproof and can result in diaper leaks.

Diaper
The American term for nappy.

Diaper Cover
The outer waterproof layer that goes over a cloth diaper, can be used several times before being washed.

Diaper Cream or Rash Cream
A topical product used to prevent or treat diaper rash.

Diaper Pail
Where dirty diapers are kept until wash day. This can be a laundry bag, a laundry basket or trash can, etc.

Diaper Service
A local service that will pick up, wash, and return cloth diapers to you. Some services provide diapers, others offer washing services for your personal stash of diapers.

Diaper Sprayer
A handheld sprayer that attaches to the toilet and can be used to spray dirty diapers into the toilet, a handheld bidet.

DIY (Do-It-Yourself)
Refers to making or customizing cloth diapering supplies and accessories on your own, rather than buying pre-made items.

Double Gusset
An extra panel of the diaper cover with elastic, this can allow for a more secure fit around the leg and allows space in the diaper for the absorbency.

Doubler
Additional insert used to add more absorbency.

Dry Pail
A method of storing soiled diapers in a pail without water before washing.

Dryer Balls
Felted wool balls used in the dryer to reduce drying time by helping to separate laundry and improve airflow.

Dunk and Swish
The process of dunking and swishing a soiled diaper in the toilet bowl by hand to remove solids before placing it in the diaper pail or wet bag.

EBF (Exclusively Breastfed)
Refers to a baby who is only fed breast milk.

EC (Elimination Communication)
A diaper-free method for teaching how to use the toilet.

Elastic
The stretchy material used around the legs and waist of cloth diapers to ensure a snug fit.

Encased Elastic
A method of sewing elastic around the legs of a diaper by creating a channel to fully encase the elastic within the fabric. This style is commonly used in most diapers. The opposite style is known as un-encased elastic.

Enzyme
Proteins in laundry detergent that speed up chemical reactions to help break down stains and dirt.

EO (Essential Oil)
Natural oils used for various purposes, including scenting and antibacterial properties.

EUC (Excellent Used Condition)
Refers to used items that are in excellent condition.

Factory Seconds/Seconds
New, unused diapers with minor flaws or blemishes that prevent them from being sold at regular prices. Flaws can range from minor issues like a smudge or missed stitch to more significant problems like crooked stitching or staining. These diapers are usually sold at a discount.

Fitted Diaper
A diaper shaped absorbency with elastic around the legs and waist, some may have snaps on the front and tabs for closures, pair this with a cloth diaper cover.

FL (Front Loader)
Refers to a type of washing machine.

Flat
“Old-school” diapers, a large square of cloth that can be folded in a variety of ways to create a diaper that is held together using a pin, snappi, boingo, etc.

Fleece
A synthetic fabric that is sometimes used as a wicking layer.

Fleece Liner
A reusable liner made from fleece fabric that helps wick moisture away from the baby's skin.

Fluff Mail
The term for receiving a shipment of cloth diapers.

FOE (Fold Over Elastic)
Elastic used to finish the edges of cloth diapers.

FST (Flour Sack Towel)
An inexpensive alternative to a traditional flat.

FSO (For Sale Only)
Refers to items that are available for purchase only.

FSOT (For Sale or Trade)
Refers to items that are available for purchase or trade.

FT (For Trade)
Refers to items that are available for trade.

FUC (Fair Used Condition)
Refers to used items that are in fair condition.

G-I

Gaping
When a part of the diaper, such as the waistband or leg, does not sit flush against the skin, increasing the risk of leaks.

GN (Gender Neutral)
Refers to items that are suitable for any gender.

GUC (Good Used Condition)
Refers to used items that are in good condition.

Hard Water
Water with high mineral content, often requiring additional steps in the laundry process to prevent buildup.

HE (High Efficiency)
Refers to washing machines designed to use less water and energy.

HFT (Hard to Find)
Refers to items that are rare or difficult to find.

Hip Snap
A feature on some cloth diapers to help adjust the fit around the hips.

HTF (Hard to Find)
Refers to items that are rare or difficult to find.

Hook and Loop
A type of closure used on diapers, similar to Velcro.

Hybrid
A cloth diapering system that combines features of both disposable and cloth diapers.

Infant Insert
A small, highly absorbent insert designed for use with cloth diapers on younger babies.

Insert
The absorbent layer inside a cloth diaper.

Interlock
A type of fabric with a knitted structure often used in cloth diapering for its durability.

ISO (In Search Of)
Refers to items that someone is looking to purchase or trade.

J-O

Lanolin
A natural oil derived from sheep’s wool used in cloth diapering to treat wool covers.

Lanolize
The process of treating wool diaper covers with lanolin to maintain their water-resistant properties.

Launder/Laundering
The process of washing cloth diapers.

Laundry Tabs
Small, Velcro-like tabs that are used to keep diaper closures from sticking together during washing.

Liner
A thin layer placed between the diaper and the baby’s skin for added protection or comfort.

MCN (Modern Cloth Nappy)
Refers to a cloth diaper designed with modern materials and features.

MF (Microfiber)
A highly absorbent synthetic fabric used in diaper inserts.

Minky
A plush, soft fabric often used in diaper covers or as a lining.

MMAO (More Money Available Offer)
An offer to pay more for an item if needed.

Nappy
The term used in other countries (like the UK) for what Americans call a diaper.

NB (Newborn)
Refers to the smallest size of cloth diapers, designed for newborns.

Non-HE
Refers to washing machines that are not high-efficiency.

NWT (New with Tags)
Refers to items that are new and come with their original tags.

NWOT (New Without Tags)
Refers to items that are new but do not have their original tags.

NIP (New In Package)
Refers to items that are new and still in their original packaging.

NOOP (No Other Offers Please)
Indicates that no additional offers are needed or desired.

OBO (Or Best Offer)
Indicates that the seller will consider the best offer rather than a fixed price.

Organic Cotton
Cotton grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.

OCV (Organic Cotton Velour)
A soft, absorbent fabric made from organic cotton.

OBV (Organic Bamboo Velour)
A plush, absorbent fabric made from organic bamboo and cotton.

OS (One Size)
Refers to diapers designed to fit a wide range of baby sizes.

OSFM (One Size Fits Most)
Refers to diapers designed to fit most babies from birth to potty training.

OT (On Trial)
Refers to items that are being tried out for a short period before making a decision to purchase or keep them.

OTB (Out of the Box)
Refers to items that are used or tried and are no longer in their original packaging.

OTW (On the Way)
Refers to items that are in transit or being shipped.


OV (Organic Velour)
A soft, absorbent fabric made from organic materials.

P-S

Pail Liner
A washable liner used inside a diaper pail to keep it clean and make diaper disposal easier.

PIF (Pay It Forward)
A term used when someone offers an item to another person for free, with the hope that the recipient will do the same for someone else.

Pilling
Small balls of fabric that form on the surface of cloth diapers from wear and washing.

Pin or Safety Pin
A tool used to fasten cloth diapers.

PL’ed (PUL)
Refers to a type of waterproof fabric used in cloth diapers.

PM (Personal Message)
Refers to private communication between individuals.

Pocket Diaper
A type of cloth diaper with a pocket between the waterproof layer and the inner lining where absorbent inserts are placed.

Prefold
A type of flat cloth diaper that is pre-folded and sewn into a rectangular shape.

Prepping
The process of washing new cloth diapers before their first use to increase absorbency and remove any manufacturing residues.

PT (Pre-Teen)
Refers to a child who is in the pre-teen age range.

PUL (Polyurethane Laminate)
A waterproof fabric used in cloth diaper covers and pockets.

PPD (Prepaid)
Refers to payment that has been made in advance.

Pre-loved
Refers to used items that have been previously owned.

PSA (Public Service Announcement)
A message intended to inform or educate the public.

QD (Quick Dry)
Refers to fabrics or materials that dry quickly.

Repelling
When a fabric no longer absorbs moisture and instead allows it to bead up on the surface.

RLR (Rockin’ Green Laundry)
A laundry detergent brand used by some cloth diapering parents for cleaning and stripping diapers.

SC (Stash Custom)
Refers to custom-made cloth diapers or accessories.

Seconds Quality
Items that are new but have minor imperfections or flaws.

Shell
The outer layer of a cloth diaper that is waterproof.

Snappi or Snap Conversion
A type of fastener used as an alternative to pins for fastening cloth diapers, or the process of converting a diaper from hook-and-loop to snap closure.

Soaker
An absorbent layer of a cloth diaper, often sewn into the diaper or used as a separate insert.

‘Sposies
A colloquial term for disposable diapers.

Stash
A collection of cloth diapers and related accessories.

Stripping
The process of removing buildup or residue from cloth diapers.

Sunning
The practice of placing diapers in the sun to remove stains and disinfect.

Surge
Refers to an absorbent insert or layer added to increase absorbency.

T-Z

Terry Cloth
A fabric with loops of thread that are used for absorption, often used in cloth diaper inserts.

Trifolding
The method of folding a flat diaper into thirds for use.

TTO (Tea Tree Oil)
An essential oil used for its antibacterial properties, sometimes added to cloth diaper laundry routines.

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane)
A type of waterproof fabric similar to PUL, used in diaper covers and pockets.

Upcycle
The process of repurposing old or used items into new products.

VGUC (Very Good Used Condition)
Refers to used items that are in very good condition.

WAHM/P (Work At Home Mom/Parent)
Refers to individuals who run their own businesses from home.

Wash Routine
The process and steps followed to clean cloth diapers.

Wet Bag
A waterproof bag used to store soiled diapers until they are washed.

Wicking
The process of drawing moisture away from the skin and into the absorbent layers of the diaper.

Wipe Solution or Wipe Bits
A mixture used to moisten cloth wipes.

WOOLIE
A wool cover or longies made from 100% wool, used to cover cloth diapers.

Zorb
An ultra-absorbent material often used in cloth diaper inserts.

 

Congratulations!

You’re now armed with all the lingo you need to navigate the cloth diapering world with confidence and ease. I hope this glossary makes it easier to ask the questions and find the answers you are looking for.

Get ready to rock those adorable diapers and embrace the adventure ahead.

Happy diapering, and welcome to the cloth diapering community!

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