The LINGO
Cloth
Diaper Dictionary
From AIO to Z – Your adorable guide to cloth diaper terms
A
AIO (All-in-One): A diaper where the absorbent layer and waterproof cover are sewn together—easy to use, like a disposable.
AI2 (All-in-Two): A diaper system with a waterproof shell and a snap-in or lay-in absorbent insert, allowing reuse of the shell between changes.
Ammonia: A strong smell often caused by urine buildup in cloth diapers—can signal detergent or wash routine issues.
B
Blown elastics: When the elastics wear out or relax, reducing the diapers effectiveness
Booster: A small absorbent pad added to a diaper for extra absorbency, often used for overnight or heavy wetters.
Breastfed Poop: Baby poop that’s water-soluble and can go straight into the wash without rinsing—unique to breastfed babies.
Build-up: General term for residue left on diapers from detergents, creams, or hard water
Buttons: The brand of diaper cover we use for our services – they’re the best!
C
Compression leaks: Leaks caused byt pressure on microfiber inserts (like when baby sits) which forces liquid out
Cover: A waterproof outer layer (often made of PUL or wool) used over prefolds, flats, or fitteds.
Closure: Refers to how a diaper fastens—typically snaps or hook-and-loop (Velcro-style).
D
Delamination: When the waterproof layer (PUL) separates from the fabric backing, usually due to high heat or wear and tear
Detergent Build-Up: Residue from too much detergent that can cause repelling or odor issues in diapers.
Diaper Pail: A container for storing used cloth diapers until wash day.
Double stuffing: Using two inserts inside a pocket diaper to increase absorbency
E
EC (Elimination Communication): A method where parents learn a baby’s cues to go diaper-free or use a potty part-time.
Elastics: The stretchy material sewn into the leg openings, back, and sometimes front of a cloth diaper
Esembly: A modern cloth diaper brand known for its two-part system.
F
Fitted Diaper: A highly absorbent diaper that needs a cover for waterproofing—great for overnight.
Flats: Large single-layer squares of fabric that are folded around the baby and secured with a fastener or cover.
Fleece Liner: A stay-dry layer placed between the diaper and baby’s skin to wick moisture away
Fluff: A cute nickname for cloth diapers and diapering in general.
G
Gussets: Elasticized leg openings that help contain messes; some diapers have double gussets for extra protection.
H
Hemp: A natural fiber used in inserts for it’s excellent absorbency and slim profile
Hook-and-Loop: Also called Velcro; a closure system that’s easy to adjust but can wear out faster than snaps.
Hybrid Diaper: A system that allows use of both cloth inserts and disposable inserts in the same shell.
I
Insert: The absorbent part of a diaper, usually used in pocket or AI2 systems.
J
Journey (Cloth Diapering): Not a technical term—but the cloth diaper journey is one full of learning, cuteness, and sustainability!
K
Kawaii: A popular cloth diaper brand known for affordability and cute prints.
L
Lanolin: A waxy substance used to waterproof wool diaper covers.
Line Drying: Air drying diapers to preserve elastics and extend lifespan—also sunshine helps with stain removal!
M
Microfiber: A synthetic material used in some inserts—absorbs quickly but can compress and cause leaks.
Minky: A soft, plush fabric sometimes used in diaper outer layers or linings—adds softness and cuteness.
N
Natural Fibers: Fabrics like cotton, hemp, or bamboo—preferred for their breathability and absorbency.
Night Diapering: Using a more absorbent setup or combo (fitted + cover, boosted AIO, etc.) for overnight use.
O
One-Size (OS): A diaper designed to fit babies from infancy to toddlerhood using adjustable snaps or elastic.
Overnight Diaper: A cloth diaper setup that’s super absorbent for longer wear time.
P
Pail Liner: A washable waterproof bag that lines a diaper pail and keeps smells and moisture contained.
Pocket Diaper: A diaper with a pocket where an insert is stuffed; allows customization of absorbency.
Preflat: (see Flat)
Prefold: A rectangular cloth with extra layers sewn into the center; folded around baby or trifolded into a cover.
PUL (Polyurethane Laminate): Waterproof fabric used in diaper covers and shells.
Q
Quick Dry: Refers to diaper designs or materials that dry faster—like flats or AI2s with snap-out inserts.
R
Repelling: When a diaper stops absorbing properly, often due to detergent build-up or fabric softener.
Rise Snaps: Snaps on the front of one-size diapers that adjust the height to fit different-sized babies.
S
Snappi: A stretchy T-shaped fastener used in place of pins for prefolds and flats.
Snaps: Durable plastic closures on diapers, preferred for longevity and toddler resistance
Soaker: Another term for an insert or the absorbent layer inside a diaper.
Stripping: A special wash process to remove build-up or residue from cloth diapers.
Stash: Your personal cloth diaper collection—often shared with pride!
Swim diaper: A non-absorbent diaper meant only for pool use to catch solids (HINT – you can use diaper covers as swim diapers!)
T
T&T (Turned and Topstitched): A finish on a diaper where edges are sewn inward for a smooth and soft look.
Trifold: A quick and simple fold where a prefold or flat is folded into thirds and laid in a cover.
U
Upcycled: Diapers or inserts made from repurposed fabric (like t-shirts or towels)—eco and budget-friendly!
V
Velcro: Common name for hook-and-loop fasteners, used for easy on/off diapers.
W
Wet Bag: A waterproof bag used for storing dirty diapers on the go or at home—comes in various sizes.
Wicking: When moisture spreads through fabric—can be helpful in liners, but unwanted if leaking out!
Wipeable cover: A diaper cover with an interior that can be easily wiped clean between uses (often found in AI2 systems)
Wool Cover: A natural fiber cover used over fitteds—requires lanolizing and special care but very breathable.
Wrap: Another word for a diaper cover, especially used in the UK
Z
Zorb: A super absorbent fabric made of bamboo/cotton blends often used in inserts.