Check out the cloth diaper terminology below.  If there is a term you’d like to see on this list, please comment below, and I will add it as soon as I can!

Diaper Fabrics

PUL (polyurethane laminate): PUL refers to fabric that has a layer of waterproof, polyurethane laminate adhered to the back side. PUL was designed with hospitals in mind who clean their waterproofing fabrics at very high heats.  Most of the time, you will find PUL affixed to polyester fabrics, however sometimes, it is added to cotton.

Hidden PUL:  You will see this term often.  This is when a layer is PUL is placed just under a cute outter fabric (usually a print) so that the diaper is waterproof, yet it still has an insanely cute outer!

Polyester Fleece (heavier weight):  This fabric is mostly used in making diaper covers and outter layers of fleece AIO or AI2 diapers.  It is machine washable, can be waterproof (depending on the weight/thickness), and it’s very durable.

Cotton/Bamboo/Hemp:  These fabrics are used as absorbent soaker layers for diapers.  Whether they are sewn into an AIO, snapped or laid into an AI2 or used to stuff a pocket, these are the fabrics that soak up the wetness.

MicroFleece/Suedecloth (aka Stay-Dry):  These fabrics are usually used as inner fabricsof a diaper, the part that touches the baby’s skin, to pull moisture away from the baby and lock it into the soaker layer.

Microfiber:  This is a quick absorbent fabric that is made of synthetic fibers.  Microfiber is most often used as an AIO soaker layer or inserts for pocket diapers.  This fabric should never be placed directly on the baby’s skin as it can dry the skin and cause sever rashes. (Not to be confused with microfleece.)

Diaper Closures

Aplix: You’ll see this term often.  Aplix is a softer, more durable brand of Velcro type closure for a diaper.

Snaps:  Of course, these are self explanatory.  In cloth diapering, you’ll mostly see polyresin snaps.

Hooks:  Although rare, some diapers come with hooks sewn in!

Snappi:  Technically an accessory, Snappis are an an easy to use diaper fastener that came along to replace diaper pins.  They hook into looser weave diapers to keep them on your baby.

Diaper Accessories

Snappi:  See above

Insert: An insert is made of several layers of  absorbent fabric (mentioned above) and “inserted” or stuffed into the pocket of a pocket diaper.  You can stuff as many or as few inserts into a pocket as  you need to fit your baby’s needs.

Doubler:  A doubler is an extra, lay-in, soaker layer for your diaper.  If you need just a little more absorbency, but you aren’t looking for added bulk, a doubler usually lays right on top of the diaper against your baby’s skin.

Liner: Liners are usually used for two reasons.  The first  reason actually has two purposes. 1) Keep rash ointment from getting on your diapers. 2) Allow you to dispose of solids easier.  These can either be disposable or reusable. Disposable liners are generally flushable, and reusable liners are usually made of fleece or suedecloth.  The second reason to use a liner is to add a stay-dry barrier between the diaper and your baby’s bottom.  Here’s a tutorial on how to make your own simple and cheap diaper liners!

Wet Bag: This is a waterproof bag to take with you in your diaper bag to put your baby’s soiled diapers in while you’re out an about.  They usually zip closed or can be pulled closed by a drawstring.

Diaper Pail Liner: These are waterproof or water resistant bags that fit inside a diaper pail to hold your diapers until it is time to wash!  (You can also get a form of these that hang on a door knob rather than fit in the pail.)

Diaper Types

Prefold: A rectangular diaper that comes in many different sizes that have a thicker panel of fabric down the middle.  These are what your parents likely used on you as a baby.  Prefolds are usually the most economical way to cloth diaper, however, you will likely need a fastener, and they do require a cover to make them waterproof.

Flat:  A flat diaper is a large square of fabric, usually made from linen or cotton, folded into a rectangular shape and pinned or snappied onto the baby.  This is also an economical way to diaper, however, it’s not widely used any longer, and it requires a cover to make it waterproof.

All in One (AIO):  An All in One Diaper is also known as an AIO.  An All in One is just that – an entire diaper from an absorbent inner layer to a waterproof outer layer. The absorbent soaker is sewn into the diaper.  These diapers require no additional absorbency or cover to function properly.  They fasten with either velcro or snaps, and they can either be purchased in an exact size or in a one size option.

All in Two (AI2): An All in Two diaper is pretty much like an All in One, except that it is two pars – a shell and an absorbent soaker. The soaker layer is either snapped into the diaper or just laid into the shell.  Like an AIO, these diapers fasten with  either velcro or snaps, and they can either be purchased in an exact size or in a one size option.

Pocket: Pocket diapers are pretty self explanatory.   They are similar to an AIO diaper, except rather than the absorbent soaker being sewn into the diaper, it comes in the form of an insert which can be stuffed in the pocket of the diaper.  They have a waterproof outer layer, and can be stuffed as much or as little as needed to fit your baby’s needs.  A frugal way to use pocket diapers is to keep your prefold diapers from infancy and use them as inserts for absorbency in the pockets.

Fitted: Fitted cloth diapers are diapers that look and function like an AIO or pocket diaper, however, they do not have an outer waterproof later, and they require a cover to function as a full, waterproof diaper.  The name is confusing because although these are fitted elastic in the legs and back (unlike contours which aren’t covered in this post), they come in sizes as well as one size.

Contour Diaper: This type of diaper is a simple, yet effective, diaper for the newborn and not-yet mobile stage, although some use it throughout the duration of diapering.  It has a contoured shape that is halfway between a fitted diaper and a prefold diaper.  It requires a cover to make the diaper waterproof.

Cover: This is the additional waterproof article that is put on over a diaper that is not waterproof. A cover is usually made of PUL, fleece or lanolized wool.  They can be shaped like a diaper, shorts, or pants.

Sized Diaper:  Many diaper makers are headed toward a one-size movement to make diapering more economical and practical for families who are looking to diaper their baby(s) from birth until potty training, however, there are diapers that are made for specific sizes.  There are many variation of size tags depending on the maker – NB (Newborn), Small, Medium, Large, XL, XXL -or- Size 0, Size 1, Size 2.

One-Size: Some AIOs, AI2s, Pocket Diapers, Covers, and Fitted Diapers have been developed to grow with your baby. They are great for families who don’t want to purchase multiple sets of diapers. They generally work from 8-35 pounds.

Other Terminology

Stripping: Cleaning cloth diapers is one of the most controversial topics in the diapering community.  The term stripping refers to the method of removing all of the left over detergent and built up reside from the diaper fabrics.  There are several different ways to strip cloth diapers, however, there will always been those who tell you that the method you choose is wrong.  I personally say you do what works for you and your baby to keep his/her bottom stink and rash free!  (Dishwasher Method)

Lanolize: I think this is a term that was actually coined by the cloth diapering community!  This is the process of making a wool cover waterproof.  Like with everything else cloth diaper related, there are many different methods, and you’ll want to find what works for you.

Wicking: The proper definition of wicking is to absorb or draw liquid/moisture into or away from something  Wicking happens when the moisture from the soaker part of the diaper seeps through the seams or edges of the diapers and causes the outer fabric and the baby’s clothes to become wet.  Be sure to make sure you are changing your baby’s diapers enough, that there is enough of an absorbent layer, or that you strip your diapers or any buildup as these things can cause wicking.