Cloth diaper terms and abbreviations: a short glossary

Cloth diaper terms and abbreviations: a short glossary

Cloth diaper listings and parent groups use a lot of shorthand. This glossary explains the common abbreviations and terms, grouped by topic so you can jump to the one you need. The definitions are general, so the maker's product page and care label are the authority for any specific diaper.

Diaper styles: AIO, AI2, OS, pocket, fitted

  • AIO (all-in-one): one piece, with the absorbent layers sewn into the waterproof outer. Nothing to stuff or assemble.
  • AI2 (all-in-two): a waterproof cover plus a separate insert that snaps in or lies inside. If the cover is still clean, it may be used again with a fresh insert, depending on the maker's guidance.
  • OS (one size): made to adjust across a range of baby weights, with snaps or other adjusters. Check the weight range on the listing.
  • Pocket: a waterproof outer with a sewn-in inner layer that forms an opening, so you slide inserts in. The La Petite Ourse One Size Pocket Cloth Diapers with Bamboo Inserts, Beige, 10 Pack is listed as both one size and pocket.
  • Fitted: an absorbent diaper cut and elasticized to fit, with its own closures. It is not waterproof, so it needs a cover.
  • Prefold and flat: squares or rectangles of cloth that are folded to fit and fastened, with a cover over the top. A prefold has a thicker centre panel, and a flat is a single layer.
  • Cover or outer: the waterproof layer worn over an absorbent part. The Esembly Cloth Diaper Bundle, 3 Inners and 1 Outer, Botanic Gardens, Size 1 uses the words inners and outer in its title.

Fabrics: PUL, TPU, microfibre, bamboo, hemp

  • PUL (polyurethane laminate): fabric with a thin waterproof film bonded to one side, used in covers and wet bags.
  • TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane): another waterproof laminate used for covers.
  • Microfibre: a synthetic absorbent fabric that soaks up liquid quickly. Many makers advise against letting it sit directly against skin. The ALVABABY Pocket Cloth Diapers with 12 Microfibre Inserts, Yellow & Green, 6 Pack lists microfibre inserts in its title.
  • Cotton: a natural fibre, including organic cotton. It can need several washes to absorb well.
  • Bamboo: a plant-derived fabric used in absorbent layers and sometimes blended with other fibres. Check the listing for the blend.
  • Hemp: a plant fibre used in inserts and sometimes blended with cotton.
  • Stay-dry: a lining fabric meant to feel drier against the skin than the absorbent layer beneath it.

Parts of a diaper: rise, gusset, soaker, tab

  • Rise: the length from the front waist to the back waist, passing between the legs. On many one-size diapers, rows of rise snaps shorten or lengthen it.
  • Gusset: a strip of fabric, sometimes with elastic, along the leg opening to help contain mess.
  • Soaker: the main absorbent layer, either sewn in or removable.
  • Tab or wing: the flap at each side of the waist that closes with snaps or hook-and-loop.
  • Hook-and-loop: the grippy fastening tape used on some diapers instead of snaps.
  • Laundry tab: a patch that a hook-and-loop tab folds back onto, so it stays closed in the wash.

Absorbency words: insert, booster, doubler, liner

  • Insert: a removable absorbent pad that goes inside a pocket or lies in a cover.
  • Booster: an extra absorbent layer added to an insert for naps or nights.
  • Doubler: another name for a booster. Some makers use it for a thinner or shorter pad.
  • Liner: a thin layer between your baby and the diaper. Disposable liners catch solids and are lifted out, and reusable liners are washed with the diapers.

You can see these words in use on the listings in the cloth diaper inserts and liners collection, and the style names from the first section in the cloth and reusable diapers collection.

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Laundry words: prep, strip, pre-wash, main wash

  • Prep: washing new diapers before first use. Natural fibres can need several cycles.
  • Pre-wash: a short rinse or cycle before the main wash, to move soil off the diapers.
  • Main wash: the longer cycle with detergent.
  • Strip: a deep-clean wash aimed at removing built-up residue. Methods vary and some makers advise against it, so check before trying anything.
  • Dry pail: storing used diapers dry in a lidded bin or wet bag until wash day.
  • Wet bag: a waterproof bag, often with a zipper, that holds used diapers at home or on the go.
  • Wet pail: soaking used diapers in water. Some makers advise against it, and standing water is a safety risk around children.

Fit and leak words: wicking, compression, wing droop

  • Wicking: moisture travelling along fabric to somewhere it should not reach, such as an insert edge touching clothing.
  • Compression leak: liquid squeezed out of the absorbent layer when pressure, such as sitting, presses on a wet diaper.
  • Wing droop: the side wings sag instead of staying snug at the waist, which can leave a gap.
  • Blowout: solids escaping above the waistband or out of the leg openings.
  • Gap: space between fabric and skin at the legs or waist, a possible cause of leaks.

Common questions

What does one size really mean?

It means the diaper is designed to adjust across a range of weights, not that it suits every baby. Check the range on the product page.

Which style is simplest for beginners?

Some families pick all-in-ones because nothing needs stuffing or assembling. The joined layers can be slower to dry, so think about your drying setup before you decide.

Do I need to strip my diapers?

It is not a routine step. If diapers leak or hold smells, check the fit and your laundry routine, and ask your diaper maker before trying a strip. For red or sore skin, ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Is a liner the same as an insert?

No. An insert is the absorbent part. A liner is a thin layer that sits on top of it to catch solids or to feel drier, and it adds little or no absorbency.

If a listing has a term you cannot decode, send us a message through the contact page and we will explain it and help you choose.