Monday, April 4, 2011

The Lingo

So I jumped right in with this blog assuming that everyone is familiar with the lingo in the cloth diapering world.  Here I’m going to go back to my teaching roots and define some of the more common cloth diaper terms.  This by no means is a complete list of the vocab you may come across when reading/talking about cloth diapers.  Instead it is a brief list of definitions to familiarize yourself with these words, and I listed the names of the diaper companies that Green Baby Elephant LLC has in stock for each term.  Hopefully this helps in your search to find the right cloth diaper(s) for your baby and you. 
Cloth Diaper Lingo 
Pre-fold diapers are rectangular shaped diapers consisting of cotton or a cotton/hemp blend. They have several layers with more layers in the middle. Pre-folds are often the most economical type of cloth diaper. They can be folded in many different ways.  They must be used with a cover as they are not waterproof.
Brands: Thirsties, BabyKicks
Diaper Covers are used to create a waterproof barrier.  They come in either snaps or hook and loop.  Often they are used with prefolds, inserts or fitted diapers.  Covers are made up of either PUL (polyurethane laminate) or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), which is the waterproofing aspect of the cover. Covers may also consist of waterproof nylon, fleece, or wool.  They may be used multiple times or until soiled.
Brands: GroVia, Thirsties
Fitted diapers are diapers that do not have a waterproof outer layer.  They are more contoured, and the elastic is gathered more at the legs and back.  They come in either snaps or hook and loop closures.  Fitted diapers come in cotton, cotton/hemp blends, or cotton/polyester blends.  Often they are used at nights since the whole diaper is absorbent.  A waterproof cover must be used.
 
Thirsties Fab Fitted with Aplix








Inserts/Soakers are similar to prefolds, except no folding is necessary.  They can be either cotton, cotton/hemp blend, microfiber, or a stay-dry microfiber.  They fit inside a waterproof cover or inside of a pocket diaper.
Brands: GroVia, Thirsties, BabyKicks
Doublers are used to add extra absorbency without a lot of bulk.  They are added in addition to a soaker or insert.  They may be cotton, cotton/hemp blend, or microfiber.
Pocket diapers are diapers with a waterproof outer layer and an inner layer that is often fleece or another stay-dry fabric.  The pocket opening can be in the back or front.  Inside the pocket an insert is placed.  Multiple inserts can be used to customize the absorbency needed.  These are like disposable diapers in the sense that once they are used, they must be washed.  Often these are an easy option for husbands, grandparents, and other caretakers.  Closures are either snaps or hook and loop.

FuzziBunz Pocket






All-In-One (AIO) diapers have the soaker attached to the waterproof cover.  These come with snaps or hook and loop.  Often these are the easiest to use since they do not require any stuffing like pockets or have a learning curve like prefolds do. 
 
GroVia AIO

Brands: GroVia
All-In-Two (AI2) diapers or hybrid diapers consist of a waterproof cover and an insert that can be replaced when soiled.  This insert is either cloth of some sort or disposable.  These are great for travel as washing machines are not always available. 
Brands: GroVia



Liners can either be cloth or paper.  The purpose of liners are to make cleaning up poo easier and/or protecting the cloth diaper from rash cream/ointments.  Cloth liners can be washed and paper liners can be flushed.
Brands: GroVia
Wet Bags/Pail Liners are lined with PUL (polyurethane laminate) to create a waterproof barrier.  Wet bags and pail liners are used to hold dirty diapers.  Wet bags come in many sizes and can be used while away from home to hold used diapers.  Pail liners are used to line a trash can (with a lid).  Both wet bags and pail liners may be washed.  Closured may either be zipper or drawstring. An added bonus: These are great in the summer when swimming to put in wet suits, towels, and clothes or on vacation as a laundry hamper.

FuzziBunz Hanging Pail

Brands: FuzziBunz, GroVia





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