It came to my attention in writing the last post that in the cloth diapering world there are tons of abbreviations that may leave a newbie completely confused and searching message boards for the meaning of pf's and cd's and AI2's. So for this reason I decided it would be good to make a reference sheet of such acronyms.
CD- cloth diapering/ diapers
AIO/ AI1- all in one: a diaper most like a disposable. It typically has no pockets to stuff(although some have a pocket where you can add a "booster" for extra absorbency). These a donned as the most simple to use cloth diapers since they have a waterproof exterior and all of the soakers are already sewn in. Often advertised as babysitter and dad friendly.
PF- prefolds: this references the cloth diaper that comes to mind for most people. It consists of a white cotton, hemp or bamboo cloth that has been folded to make the center more absorbent than the two outer panels. You probably have some of the Gerber variety laying about as burp cloths. Prefolds typically requires diaper pins or a snappi (don't worry-- I will explain the snappi). Prefolds require a diaper cover for leakproof protection.
DSQ PF- Diaper Service Quality Prefolds. This typically refers to prefolds that are folded and sewn to have 4 layers of cloth on the outer panels and 8 layers of cloth on the inner panels (AKA- 4x8x4; 4-8-4). Non DSQ prefolds are usually 4x6x4 or 2x6x2. These are often sufficient for a small baby that is not a heavy wetter- many infant diapers are 2x6x2 in order to reduce the bulkiness of the diaper.
AI2- This typically refers to a waterproof diaper cover with an insert/ soaker (sometimes disposable/ sometimes cloth) that can be removed while allowing the cover to be used again without washing every time baby is changed. Diapers in this category include the gDiaper, the Flip, GroVia (AKA: GroBaby), and the Thirsties Duo Cover+ insert.
Covers-These go around an insert (AKA: wraps) to prevent leaking. These tend to be the cheapest method of cloth diapering-- especially if you use prefolds. Nevertheless, you can also use a fitted diaper underneath that has fasteners already on the diaper and many have elasticized legs to prevent leaking-- think of this as diapering twice and getting twice the protection.
Fitteds- like prefolds fitted diapers require a diaper cover in order to provide leak-proof protection. Unlike the prefold it does not require pins or use of a snappi to hold the diaper in place. The combo of a fitted and a cover is about the same cost as an AIO or Pockets but, many people swear by its ability to contain the worst of messes. Perhaps the most popular fitteds are Kissaluvs and Thirsties "Fab Fitteds."
Pockets- These are similar to the AIO but have a pocket inside the diaper that you stuff with an insert/ soaker for absorbency. These are typically the most expensive cloth diaper outside of wool covers but, they offer the convenience of an AIO (especially if you pre-stuff them) with much faster drying time since the inserts are removed from the diaper when washing.
Contours- This typically refers to a diaper that is a sort of in between prefolds and fitteds. Like the fitted it is already cut and shaped into a diaper form-- no folding required- but, like the prefold they require pins or the use of a snappi to secure it. Some contours have elasticized legs but, most do not. Contours also require a diaper cover.
PUL- Polyurethane Laminate fabric. This fabric is 100% waterproof and is used on diaper covers, pockets, AIO's and AI2's to prevent leaks. They can be washed in hot water and tumble dried.
Inserts/ Soakers- These are the absorbent material that you put into an AI2, Pocket or Wrap. They come in various forms and fabrics (hemp, bamboo, cotton, organic cotton, fleece, sherpa, etc...)
Doublers/ Boosters- These provide extra absorbency to your diapers. You can use these in any type of diaper for extra protection. Many parents use these at night or for times when a child may go longer in between changes. Some retailers use these interchangeably with inserts.
Snappi- A snappi is an alternative fastener for prefolds or contoured diapers to the diaper pin. It is a pin-free method of securing a diaper by means of a hook and teeth, t-shaped, stretchy plastic closure. The snappi is somewhat difficult to explain but, they truly are amazing when it comes to fastening a diaper-- so please click on the link to take a look. They truly have revolutionized the way people cloth diaper.
OS- One size. This refers to a diaper that is meant to fit a baby from birth to potty. They typically range from about 8-10lbs to 35lbs+ by including a series of snaps on the front of the diaper which allow you to lower the rise of the diaper by snapping down the top row to a lower row on the diaper for a smaller fit.
Flats- This is by far the cheapest method of cloth diapering but, has a learning curve as you have to fold the diaper to get soaking power out of it. Nevertheless, these are probably the most used diaper around the world, they dry the quickest (great for traveling and camping), and once you get the hang of it they aren't as difficult as one might think. They come in various sizes and materials (hemp, cotton, etc...) and they are multi-functional-- able to be used as pocket stuffers, burp cloths and super absorbent rags after baby is done using them. My oldest used a large on as a blanket in the summer and I used it as a great light weight, breathable sunshade on hot days when she was an infant.
"Fluffy mail"- you guessed it: receiving cloth diapers by mail.
Popular Brands (that are often shortened)
BG-bumGenius
HH-Happy Heiny's
FB- FuzziBunz
GMD- Green Mountain Diapers- typically refers to the Cloth-eez prefolds that Green Mountain Diapers are best known for
I am sure I have forgotten some abbreviations/ definitions and for this I apologize but, I will update the blog when I come across more. Nevertheless, this should be a good jumping of point into the world of CDing.
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