Can you explain the terminology?

All In One (AIO, AI1)

All in one nappies are the closest in convenience you will find to a disposable. These usually consist of the outer water resistant (PUL) cover with built in absorption layers sewn in. Sometimes AIOs have pockets to allow for boosting inserts to be added.

All In Two (AI2)

All in two nappies usually consist of a water resistant (PUL) cover and separate inserts that either lay in or snap into the nappy cover. The outer cover of an AI2 can also be called a wrap.

Bamboo (Viscose)

A semi synthetic fabric derived from bamboo, with a high level of absorption.

Bamboo Charcoal

Some inserts are made of charcoal fleece bamboo material outer layers with inner layers of microfibre. Bamboo charcoal is made from burning bamboo plants and has absorbent qualities. The charcoal colour also helps reduce staining.

China Cheapies (CCs)

Any inexpensive nappies that are made in China.

Cloth Wipes

Cloth wipes are a reusable alternative to disposable baby wipes. They are usually squares of fabric (terry, cotton, bamboo, microfleece, flannel).

Cotton

A natural fabric with a high level of absorption.

Cover

The cover is the water resistant outer part of the nappy (usually made of PUL or wool). These can also be referred to as a shell.

Delamination

Image from: http://doablediapers.blogspot.com/2012/01/delaminated-diapers.html

Delamination occurs when the PUL laminate or waterproof component separates from the printed outer fabric. The most common cause for delamination is putting it in the dryer or wshing it above 60 degrees Celcius. Otherwise, it can happen with age, UV exposure, prolonged soaking, or poor quality PUL. Delaminated nappies can still be used, but they are much more prone to leaking and tearing. They still make great swim nappies.

Fitted

A fitted nappy is made entirely of absorbent material. They can be boosted with additional inserts and require an additional water resistant cover over the top.

Flats

Flats are the traditional square or rectangular shaped cotton fabric. These require folding (there are HEAPS of ways to fold them), a fastener and a water resistant cover.

Hemp

A naturally derived fabric with a high level of absorption.

Insert

Inserts are the absorbent part of the nappy. They can be made from cotton, microfibre, hemp, or bamboo. They can also be layered to tailor absorbency levels for your baby.

Liners

Liners are used against babies skin inside a nappy to catch solids and make washing easier. They can be disposable or reusable. Reusable liners can be washed in your nappy washing routine. Disposable liners SHOULD NOT BE FLUSHED. disposable liners do disintegrate, but not before they reach the waste treatment facility. They can AND DO block plumbing.

Microfibre

Microfibre is a synthetic fabric that has a high absorption and liquid retention level. Due to its high liquid retention, once saturated and compressed, leaks can occur. This fabric works well in conjunction with a natural fabric, place this on top and the natural underneath to catch any compression leaks.
Due to its high absorption, this fabric should never be placed directly against skin as it can cause discomfort and a rash. This fabric dries quicker than natural fibres.

One Size Fits Most (OSFM)

A one size fits most nappy can be adjusted with rise snaps to accommodate for most sizes of baby.

Pocket

A pocket nappy is usually a water resistant (PUL) cover with separate inserts that are stuffed in between the inner and outer layers of the nappy cover.

Prefolds

A prefold is a square or rectangular insert that can be folded and used like a flat with a fastener and water resistant cover, or stuffed into a pocket style nappy. Typically, the middle is made of more layers for added absorbency.

PUL

PUL stands for Polyurethane Laminate. PUL fabric is a type of laminated fabric used to make most water resistant cloth products (nappy shells, menstrual pads, change mats, etc.).

Rise

The rise is the front part of the nappy.

Sized

A sized nappy is designed to fit a particular weight range of baby. They nave no rise snaps and are only adjustable for waist fit.

Snappi

Snappi’s are a modern fastener for prefolds and flats, to be used instead of nappy pins.

Snaps

Snaps are the round plastic press studs on nappy covers and inserts used to join two pieces of fabric together.

Strip and Sanitise (S & S)

A strip and sanitise refers to a cleaning technique used to strip the cloth products of harmful chemicals, bad odours, and other residue that builds up over time. Visit Clean Cloth Nappies to find out more about when you might need to strip and sanitise your stash, and how you might go about it.

Swim Nappy

Swim nappies are nappy covers that are designed to contain solids, not liquids. They are not absorbent.

Velcro Tabs

Easy and quick to use, especially for those inexperience with cloth nappies. A great option for childcare.

Wet Bag

A wet bag is a bag made with an outer water resistant (PUL) fabric to carry wet and/or dry cloth products whilst out and about. They come in a range of sizes and styles, including single or double compartments. They also have many other amazing uses, like storing washing powder whilst camping, or for wet clothes at the beach or pool.

Wicking

Wicking fabrics are fabrics that are designed to draw moisture away from the body. They absorb very little water.

Wool Cover

Wool covers are available in knitted or felted finishes. When well lanolised, wool covers provide a water resistant option while still allowing evaporation (specifically useful over night nappies). Wool can absorb up to three times its own weight in moisture before becoming wet.

Work At Home Mum (WAHM)

A WAHM nappy has been made by work at home mums.

Helpful InformationJessica Chalk16 October 2019Glossary, terminology, MCN, inserts, booster, fabric, types, AIO, AI2, Cloth, cover, liners, nappy liner, OSFM, Pocket, prefold, rise, snappi, wet bag, faq, faqs, question, answer, dictionary