Cloth diapering 101
When beginning to cloth diaper, or even when you begin researching cloth diapers the information and abbreviations can be overwhelming. I want to give a breakdown of all Te basics. I will also insert pictures for all you visual learners
Let’s start with some of the basics. Types if cloth diapers and there definitions.
AIO (all-in-one): an AIO diaper requires no "stuffing" an insert or cover. It has a waterproof shell; typically made with PUL (we will get to that one later). The insert/soaker material is sown directly into the diaper. There are different variations to an AIO.
When beginning to cloth diaper, or even when you begin researching cloth diapers the information and abbreviations can be overwhelming. I want to give a breakdown of all Te basics. I will also insert pictures for all you visual learners
Let’s start with some of the basics. Types if cloth diapers and there definitions.
AIO (all-in-one): an AIO diaper requires no "stuffing" an insert or cover. It has a waterproof shell; typically made with PUL (we will get to that one later). The insert/soaker material is sown directly into the diaper. There are different variations to an AIO.
AI2 (All-in-two): are very similar to AIO except that the absorbent
material is not sewn into the diaper. You place a second liner within the
diaper. These typically have a faster drying time than AIO. Some have snaps
that fasten in the back. This allows you to place different parts of the diaper
in the dryer or air dry.
Pocket diaper:
Pocket diapers are amount the more common. They allow you to adjust the insert/soaker material to fit the needs of your baby/toddler. (We will also discuss inserts later.) they typically have an opening at the back top of the diaper where you will insert the soaker material. They also have a waterproof outer shell.
Fitted diapers:
Fitted diapers do not have a waterproof outer layer and require some sort of cover. Fleece, wool or a PUL cover are the most common. The fitted diaper is made with several layers of absorbent material. Some have snaps, while others require pins, snappi’s or other types of diaper fasteners.
Hybrid fitted diapers:
Hybrid fitted diapers are commonly made by WAHM's (work at home mom) they have a hidden layer of poly fleece making them water resistant. Most parents that cloth diaper notice that there child can go 2-3 hours before the outer layer getting wet. However if you plan to use these overnight, in the car, or for an extended period of time it is recommended you use some sort of cover. Again these are similar to “regular” fitted diapers and can require pins, snappi’s or other fasteners. Most do come standard with snaps.
Prefold/flats:
This is what most people think of when they think "cloth diapers" they think of white cloth you have to fold and pin around the baby. Now days most moms find that they prefer to stuff these into their pockets. Prefolds/flats are the most economical and therefore, make them perfect for newborns that require 10-20 diaper changes a day. These are also perfect for parents who want to cloth diaper but have limited funds to build a stash. Prefolds/flats do require some type of cover.
Pocket diaper:
Pocket diapers are amount the more common. They allow you to adjust the insert/soaker material to fit the needs of your baby/toddler. (We will also discuss inserts later.) they typically have an opening at the back top of the diaper where you will insert the soaker material. They also have a waterproof outer shell.
Fitted diapers:
Fitted diapers do not have a waterproof outer layer and require some sort of cover. Fleece, wool or a PUL cover are the most common. The fitted diaper is made with several layers of absorbent material. Some have snaps, while others require pins, snappi’s or other types of diaper fasteners.
Hybrid fitted diapers:
Hybrid fitted diapers are commonly made by WAHM's (work at home mom) they have a hidden layer of poly fleece making them water resistant. Most parents that cloth diaper notice that there child can go 2-3 hours before the outer layer getting wet. However if you plan to use these overnight, in the car, or for an extended period of time it is recommended you use some sort of cover. Again these are similar to “regular” fitted diapers and can require pins, snappi’s or other fasteners. Most do come standard with snaps.
Prefold/flats:
This is what most people think of when they think "cloth diapers" they think of white cloth you have to fold and pin around the baby. Now days most moms find that they prefer to stuff these into their pockets. Prefolds/flats are the most economical and therefore, make them perfect for newborns that require 10-20 diaper changes a day. These are also perfect for parents who want to cloth diaper but have limited funds to build a stash. Prefolds/flats do require some type of cover.
Contoured diapers:
Contoured
diapers are hourglass shaped and do not contain elastic. They are held together
with pins, snappi’s or other diaper closures and do require some type of diaper
cover. Pouch:
Pouch diapers are made by Gdiapers. They have a cotton outer layer and a pouch that is made with waterproofing material. The pouch allows you to lay the insert in the diaper and it touches the baby. Note: you will want to use a natural fiber. Such as cotton, bamboo, hemp, etc. microfleece is NOT save to put next to the babies skin. (Will expound upon later)
Flip diapers:
"Flip diapers" are similar to the pouch diapers. You simply lay the insert in and "flip" the insert under the small "pockets" in the front and back of the diaper. The insert will touch the baby so remember to use a natural fiber.
Diaper covers:
There are several different options when it comes to covers. You can choose fleece, wool or a PUL cover.
*Fleece is the most economical when it comes to prices. I have seen WAHM's sell them starting at around 8.00. Fleece comes in different styles: longies, shorties, skirties, etc. fleece does not require washing after each use either. You can simply change the inner diaper and reuse the fleece cover.
*Wool: wool is more expensive than fleece. It also requires special care to keep it from becoming scratchy.
Snappi’s are a plastic alternative to diaper pins. They work very similarly to the metal ace bandage type fasteners.
Soakers:
Soakers are typically referred to as the absorbent material.
AIO:
All in One diaper
AI2:
All in Two diaper
BF:
Breastfeed
CD:
Cloth diaper
CPF:
Chinese prefold
DSQ:
Diaper Service Quality
EC:
Excellent condition
EUC:
Excellent used condition
F&C:
Free and Clear (Typically referring to detergents.)
FLer:
Front loader washing machine
FS:
For Sale
FSOT:
for sale or trade
HE:
High efficiency
ISF:
Indian Prefold
ISO:
In search of
LMK:
Let me know
NB:
Newborn
NAK:
nursing at the keyboard
OS:
One Size (diaper)
PUL:
Polyurenthane Laminate
SAHM:
stay at home mom
TLer:
Top Loader washing machine
WAHM:
work at home mom
If I have forgotten anything please let me know.
Thanks,
Shannon
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