If you’ve just begun searching for cloth diaper information, you are probably feeling overwhelmed by all the choices! You’ve come to the right place!

The Mama at Go, Baby, Go! Has put together a cheat sheet of cloth lingo to get you started:

Abbreviations: What do they mean?

• PUL- Polyurethane laminate. Polyester fabric that has been laminated to make it waterproof. TPU is a similar product, the polyurethane having been applied to the polyester using heat instead of chemicals.
• AIO- All-in-one. These are diapers that have everything you need to put on the baby in one convenient package. AIO’s tend to be more expensive and wear down quicker because of the heavy duty washing & drying.
• AI2 or Hybrid- All-in-two or hybrid diapers usually have 2 parts: the waterproof outer cover or shell & the absorbent inner portion. The absorbent layer usually snaps in or connects in some way to the waterproof outer. These are also called hybrids because many of the brands have a disposable option that is flushable or biodegradable.
• OS- One-size diaper. Meant to fit babies from approximately 8-35lbs. A row of snaps along the front allow you to adjust the rise as the baby grows while the fastener tabs usually allow crossover at the waist for a tight fit.
• PD- pocket diaper. This is a popular style of diaper that allow you to customize the absorbent portion of the diaper. There is a layer of waterproof PUL sewn together with a layer of soft fabric (microfleece, suedecloth, organic hemp fleece, etc) leaving an opening or pocket in which you stuff an absorbent insert (microfiber, hemp, cotton, etc).
• PF- prefold diaper. Prefolds are the workhorse cloth diaper and the most affordable option. Look for DSQ (diaper service quality) in either regular 4x6x4 layers (3 sections of the diaper, with the center being the most absorbent) or premium 4x8x4 layers. Sizes range from newborn to toddler fitting babies from 6lbs up to 40lbs. Preemie size is available for babies under 6lbs. Need help folding a PF?
• NB- newborn size, generally 6-10lbs but varies by brand.

Terms: What do they mean?

• Contour Diaper- Usually an absorbent fabric cut to a contour shape, rather than a rectangle like a PF. Can have fasteners like snaps or velcro, or none at all.
• Fitted Diaper- This is a type of diaper that is shaped to “fit” a baby much like a disposable. It can close with snaps or velcro and may have elastic leg openings to improve fit and contain messes.  It can also be an AIO or PD, or it can be a diaper that requires a waterproof cover. Can be sized or OS.
• Cover- This is the waterproof layer of a two-part diaper system. It can be made of PUL, organic cotton, wool, fleece, etc. Closes with snaps or velcro and often has leg gussets to contain messes.  Can be sized or OS.
• Soaker- This has two meanings: 1. Soaker refers to a cover made of fleece or wool. These types of covers are not completely waterproof, but “soak” in some of the wetness without wicking. 2. An inner layer of absorbent material in a diaper.
• Insert- This is the absorbent part of the diaper, made from microfiber, hemp, cotton, etc. And are typically used to stuff pocket diapers.  Inserts made from natural fibers can be simply lain in a waterproof cover.
• Liner- This also has more than one meaning: 1. Absorbent liners (also called doublers) increase the absorbency of any diaper. (for instance, using a NB PF in a larger PF makes it a liner or doubler for overnight absorbency) 2. Some liners are not absorbent, but allow moisture to pass through & keep solids on top where they are easier to remove from the diaper. Can be biodegradable &/or flushable or reusable (made from microfleece or flannel).
• Wet bag- tote bags made from PUL are reusable bags for storing dirty or wet diapers. Can be washed with the diapers.

Anything else you need to know? Just ask us! Would you like more information about cloth diapers? Contact us with your questions or Find an Independent Consultant near you!