There are two ways to use the cloth diapering dictionary. First all the terms are listed alphabetically, then they are color coded according to the following categories: Diapering Systems and Accessories, Fabrics and Materials, Cloth Diapering Terms.  Every listed term has a definition, some words have a pronunciation guide, and some have a text abbreviation that is commonly used on message boards or articles. A couple terms even have pictures to help you see what is described in the definition.

Absorbent – A material that soaks up and holds a liquid.

Adjustable – Can be conformed through snaps, velco, or hooks to fit children in more than one size or shape.

All in One (AIO) – This diaper contains the waterproof outer layer the absorbent middle layer and the stay dry inner layer in one piece.  It is closest to a disposable diaper, just one piece to put on and take off with each change.

Aplix – A hook and loop closure system similar to velcro.

Bamboo – Bamboo has a silky texture, antibacterial properties, is very breathable and is more absorbent than cotton.

Biodegradable – Able to be decomposed by bacterial or other biological agents.

Breathable – A material that allows air through to the skin.

Cloth diaper (CD) – A cloth diaper can be any absorbent fabric or combination of fabric fashioned to contain the excrement of someone who cannot control those functions. These are usually washed and reused rather than discarded after each use.

Casing – Casings are an extra row of stitching. This makes the diaper tighter fitting.

       

                                               Casing                   No Casing

Cotton – Is an absorbent, breathable, and natural material used in prefolds and flats as well as other types of diapers.

Disposable Diaper (DD) – A disposable diaper is made to contain the excrement of someone who cannot control their bowels and/or bladder. It is made from a combination of plastic, paper and a number of chemicals and is meant to be discarded after a single use.

Doublers – Doublers are added to a diaper to increase absorbency. A doubler does not go into a pocket, instead it is used on top of the diapering material. For instance you can add a doubler to an all-in-one to increase its absorbency.

Environmental impact – The total effect a material or activity has on the environment when all factors surrounding its use are taken into account.

Fitted Diaper – A fitted diaper is shaped to fit a baby and uses velcro or snaps as a closure. This type of diaper requires the use of a cover since it is absorbent but not water resistant.

Fleece – Fleece wicks moisture away from the skin and is a very soft material.

        

Hemp – Hemp is absorbent, durable, natural and has an anti-microbial quality.

Inserts – Inserts are used inside a pocket diaper to add absorbency to the diaper.

Microfiber – A super absorbent material because it has many small fibers which gives more surface area to hold liquid.

Pocket - A pocket diaper is a diaper with a waterproof outer layer and a stay dry inner layer.  The diaper easily fastens with snaps, hooks or velcro. There is a pocket inside that can be stuffed with one or more absorbent inserts to fit a variety of situations. This makes them very versatile. They are also less bulky than some other cloth options for wearing under clothes.

Polyurethane Laminate (PUL) - This is a waterproof material used as the outer layer in many AIO and pocket diapers, as well as the material used for most wraps and covers. This fabric consists of polyester or cotton knit laminated to a thin layer of polyurethane. This produces a soft and flexible, totally water proof barrier for the outside layer of many diapering systems.

Repelling – This is when a material resists liquid and becomes incapable of absorbing it or letting it pass through. In the diapering world, repelling usually occurs to the top stay-dry lining when it gets a waxy or oily build-up from detergents, rash creams, or anything else.

Reuseable diaper – A diaper that is able to be washed an reused rather than disposed of. Many now call cloth diapers ‘reuseable diapers’ to get past people’s negative associations with old fashioned cloth diapering.

Stripping Diapers – This is the act of removing any build up on your diaper to get it to function properly again. If you have repelling you will need to strip your diapers.

Sodium polyacrylate – (sō'dē-əm  päl·ē′ak·rə′lāt) This is a super absorbent polymer used in disposable diapers that starts as a powder and forms a gel when it comes in contact with a liquid. These are the little gel beads that some disposable diaper users find on their baby’s bottoms. This chemical was banned in 1985 from use in tampons because of its link to Toxic Shock Syndrome.

Training pants - Training pants are made for children in the potty training stage or for potty trained children who need protection over night. They are able to be pulled up and down by the child so that they can use the potty, while also being as absorbent as a diaper.

Velcro­ – Hook and Loop closure system. Really quick and easy to put on and take off.  This allows for a great fit because it can hold any number of postions.

Vinyl – Commonly used in the 1980’s and earlier as the water proofing material for covering cloth diapers. This type of cover, often termed ‘plastic pants’, was not as breathable as todays covers.

Waterproof – A material that is impervious to water.

Water resistant – A material that hinders the penetration of water.

Water soluable – Able to be dissolved in water. Babies who are entirely breastfed have water soluable poop so it will wash out in the washing machine without needing to be removed first.

Wet bag – This is a water proof bag that is used to transport used diapers home to be washed.

Wicking - Wicking is when moisture passes through a material and into another one. It can be used to describe moisture wicking through the 'stay dry' liner and into the absorbant insert. However the term is usually used when the outer waterproof PUL (polyurethane laminate) layer has a build up that allows moisture through. It isn't always the end of a diaper since cleaning it with a good detergent and drying your diapers on high heat can often reseal the PUL.