AIO
- All-In-One - AIOs are fitted diapers
that have a waterproof outer layer. This layer usually consists of
fabric that has a PUL (polyurethane) backing, polar fleece such as
Windpro, or wool. These are the closest in similarity to disposable
diapers since they are a one-piece diapering system. The absorbent
soaker material is often sewn into the diaper or it may be
detachable. Read
more about AIO cloth diapers here.
AI2
- All-In-Two
- AI2s are very similar to AIOs with the exception
that the absorbent soaker material is not attached to the diaper in
any way. The soaker is usually a second, separate piece that must be
used in conjunction with the diaper. The drying time for these diapers
is shorter than the traditional AIO.
Read more
about AI2 cloth diapers here.
Contour
Diapers - Contours are hourglass shaped diapers
with no elastic in the legs or back. They must be held together
with snappis, pins, or a diaper cover. These diapers are not
waterproof so a cover will be needed.
Diaper
Covers - Covers come in many styles
and shapes but their function is to provide a waterproof outer
layer for non-waterproof diapers (all except AIOs). They are often
fitted with elastic and fasten with snaps or Velcro. Some covers
pull-up, like underpants. Diaper covers are usually made from
polyester, Polyurethane laminates (PUL), waterproof nylon, fleece or
wool.
DSQ ~ This stands for Diaper Service Quality. Diaper
services use only the highest quality materials because their
diapers must stand up to a lot of use and a lot of laundering. DSQ
is usually used in reference to high quality pre-fold diapers.
Doublers – Doublers are pad-like absorbent soakers that can be added to a
diaper to increase absorbency. They are especially useful during
times when you know extra protection is needed, perhaps at night
time.
Flats - These are one-layer diapers, generally made out of 100% cotton
gauze and are the most “old-fashioned” choice. They dry quickly and
fit a large range of sizes. Folding and pinning are required.
Read more
about flat cloth diapers here.
Fitted
Diapers - Fitted diapers closely resemble
disposable diapers. They are contoured and fitted with
elastic around the legs and back. They fasten with Velcro or snaps
and a waterproof cover must be worn over them. They are the next
step up from flat pre-fold diapers and much easier to use.
Read more
about fitted cloth diapers here.
Hook
& Loop - These are Velcro-like
closures. Since the Velcro brand is not very soft, many diaper makers
use Aplix or Touchtape brand hook and loop.
Liners - Liners are thin layers of cloth or paper that are placed inside
the diaper to aid in the cleaning of solid waste. In the case of paper
liners, the solid waste collected on the liner can be removed from the
soiled diaper and either thrown away or flushed. Cloth liners must be
washed but they aid in laundering and help protect the actual diaper
from staining.
Longies - Also called soaker pants or sweater pants. Longies are wool
soakers that have longer legs to form pants. They are great for
winter time.
Pre-folds - Pre-fold diapers are rectangular shaped diapers that must be folded
into the shape of a diaper. They are similar to flats, but have
multiple layers with more layering in the middle. They often have 2-4 layers of absorbent
material on either side and 6-8 layers in the middle. The amount of
layers varies according to the size you choose which generally ranges
from preemie to toddler. You may see a pre-fold described as being
4x8x4. This describes how many layers there are in the outer and inner
sections, 4 layers in both outer sections and 8 layers in the inner or
middle section. Pre-folds are usually the cheapest type of cloth
diapers available. They must be used in conjunction with a cover.
Read more
about prefold cloth diapers here.
Pocket
Diapers - Pocket diapers are like AIOs
orAI2s. They have an outer layer of a waterproof material and an
inner layer of a stay dry material, like microfleece or suedecloth.
They close with Velcro or snaps. They have a pocket opening that
allows for the absorbent material to be stuffed in the pocket and
then removed for laundering. The absorbent material for stuffing
can be an insert that comes with the diaper or a pre-fold or
doubler. Some moms use terry wash cloths. Pocket diapers are a
popular choice among cloth diapering moms because you can
customize the amount of absorbent material. Read more
about pocket style cloth diapers here.
Snappi
- A plastic mechanism that fastens a cloth diapers. These are often
times used instead of diaper pins.
Soaker Pants
- See Longies
Soakers
- The term soaker can be applied two ways. It often refers to the
absorbent middle part of the diaper, that absorbs the moisture
when a baby wets. Soakers may be sewn inside the diaper, partially
sewn to form a flap, snap in inside the diaper, or simply lay
inside the diaper. The term soaker is also used in reference to
wool diaper covers.
Wool In One (WIO)
- This is a All-In-One (AIO) but made with wool outer fabric.
