Cloth Diaper Definitions

One of the most intimidating factors of researching cloth diapers is all the terminology! When we started with cloth diapers, we didn't know an AIO from a FB from a cheerio. Sometimes I bought diapers just to see what the acronym meant! (Ohhhh, I get it All In One!) Hopefully we can save you a little trouble by gathering some of this information on these pages. First, let's sort out what's what.

Cloth Diapers

Prefold Cloth Diapers, Chinese Prefolds, DSQ Prefolds- All of these terms refer to the same thing- a rectangular diaper made of several layers of fabric, sewn into thirds, the middle panel having extra layers. The most absorbent prefolds are DSQ (diaper service quality) prefolds with 4 layers on each outer third and 8 layers in the middle- written as 4x8x4. They come in bleached and unbleached. We only carry the unbleached variety as the chlorine bleaching process used to obtain white diapers is a nasty one! Prefolds can be folded to fit inside a wrap-style cloth diaper cover, pinned or snappi-ed. They are not waterproof and all require a cover. Be leary of buying big-box-store-brand prefolds- most are not 100% cotton, are fewer layers than DSQ prefolds, and will not be very absorbent. DSQ prefolds quilt up after several washes, becoming more absorbent with every wash. These will literally last generations, if not as diapers, then as dust rags, shoe polisher, dish towel, etc. Prefolds and flats are the most economic way to cloth diaper!

Flat cloth diapers- Flat diapers are the kind our mothers used! Rectangle in shape and one layer of fabric, these diapers require pins, a snappi, or can be folded and laid in a wrap-style cloth diaper cover. One advantage with flats is that they dry quickly, a major plus if you don't have a clothes dryer.

Fitted Diapers- Fitted diapers are cloth diapers made of several layers of absorbent fabric, cut to fit your baby's shape, and usually fastened on using snaps or velcro. They have elastic in the back and around the thighs. These cloth diapers are not waterproof and require a diaper cover.

Contour Diapers- Can also be considered a fitted diaper, but without the snaps or velcro, so you will need a snappi or diaper pins to fasten them. They are cut to fit a baby, but usually don't have any elastic. These are also not waterproof and will require a cover.

Pocket Diapers- Pocket diapers require two pieces to be functional- the pocket and the insert. They are sometimes called "pocket style all-in-ones" because once they are assembled, they function like an all-in-one diaper. They comprise 2 layers- an outer waterproof layer and an inner layer of microfleece or suedecloth (or other fiber that is non-absorbent, but function to wick moisture away).. These two layers are sewn together on three sides, creating a pocket in which you stuff an absorbent insert made of hemp, terrycloth, microfiber, a prefold or whatever your heart desires. When your baby pees, the moisture is wicked through the microfleece or suedecloth and into the absorbent insert, so baby's bum stays dry. To change the diaper, unsnap or un-velcro the diaper and shake out the inserts. For best pocket diaper maintenance, it's a good idea to store the pockets and inserts separately so the urine-soaked insert is not against the pocket for several days. If you are washing frequently, storing them together is fine.

AIO cloth diapers- All-In-One cloth diapers are just as they sound- one piece, all in one. These are the most similar to disposable diapers in use, but usually also the most expensive. They require no stuffing, no diaper cover, and no pinning. AIOs are the most user-friendly of all the cloth diapering systems available. The only drawback to an AIO is that it usually takes a long time to dry because it's several layers thick. You are also limited to the absorbency sewn into an AIO- which may be fine- but many people prefer the pocket diapers because you have the freedom to add more absorbency in the form of extra inserts when needed.

Diaper Covers
If it's not a pocket diaper or AIO, it needs a diaper cover! Diaper covers come in a number of different styles- the most popular being the wrap- style cover in which you can just lay a prefold and velcro or snap the cover over the diaper. They also come in pull-on pant styles. The majority of modern cloth diaper covers use the following three fibers:

Wool- If you want a diapering system of totally natural fibers, you'll need to get wool covers. Wool is a wonderful fiber that will absorb moisture without feeling wet. If you haven't already done so, read our wool page here. Be sure to get covers that are 100% wool- you don't want any acrylic blended in. Wool needs to be handwashed, but only about twice a month or if gets poopy on it. Handwashing is easy- just swish in the sink with wool wash and lay flat to dry. Periodically it also need lanolizing, which just means you'll need to add a little melted Lansinoh (or other lanolin product) to your wash water every now and then. I didn't think I'd be the "wool type" but I was so, so wrong! I am now an addict through and through.

Fleece- Fleece is a man-made fiber constructed of 100% polyester- much of which comes from recycled plastics! It is very soft to the touch, lightweight, and doesn't absorb water. As a cloth diaper cover, it provides waterproofing by keeping moisture in while remaining breathable.

PUL (polyurethane laminate)- PUL is a waterproof coating used on polyester or cotton to make a waterproof, mildew proof, washable, wipeable diaper cover. As long as it doesn't get soiled, diaper covers made of PUL can be aired out between diaper changes and reused several times.

Accessories

Snappi- Snappis are these amazing diaper fasteners that can be used in lieu of diaper pins. They are T-shaped with little claws at each end that grip tight to the diaper fabric. They don't work well with very dense fibers, including certain hemp diapers. These are only used with flat, prefold, and contour diapers (and are not mandatory, but do hold the diaper on nicely and prevents slippage)

Wet Bag- A waterproof, odor-proof bag to stash dirty diapers when you are out and about to play group, the mall, church, or wherever. They usually fit 2-8 diapers, depending on the size. We liked having 2 wet bags, so if one was dirty, one was available. These are a must-have for daycare settings (make sure to get a wet bag that is large enough to hold a day's worth of diapers and is easy enough for day care workers to use)

Pail Liners- Pail liners protect your diaper pail from getting messy, and can be washed with your diapers. Line your diaper pail (we like kitchen size garbage pails with loose-fitting lids) with the pail liner just as you would a garbage bag. On wash day, lift the liner out and dump the diapers in the washer, throwing in the pail liner as well. The Happy Tushies Pail Liner can be used to line your pail, or can be hung separately from a hook or doorknob to be a hanging diaper pail.

Inserts- This term is most appropriately used when describing the absorbent pad that is used with pocket diapers. (Some people also use the word inserts to describe what we call doublers) Inserts are shaped to fit well inside the pocket of a pocket diaper, and are made of several layers of fabric sewn together to be very absorbent. Inserts are most commonly made from microfiber terry and hemp.

Doublers- Doublers are anything that you use to increase the absorbency of your cloth diapers. Doublers can be made of microfiber terry or any natural fibers. If made of only microfiber terry, they are to be used only to augment the absorbency of the insert in your pocket diaper. If a natural fiber, they can be used with any diapers.

Liners- Some people will use this term to desribe doublers, but to avoid confusion, we only use liners to describe thin pieces of fabric or fiber that are used to line the inside of diaper to make poopy clean-up easier, and to wick moisture away from baby's bottom.