All in one (AIO)- This is a diaper that has the inner absorbent layer permanently attached and has a waterproof outer layer. This is a more expensive way to cloth diaper but is most like disposables.  All-in-one diapers give you the convenience of disposable diapers with the quality and comfort of cloth.  They are often more expensive than other cloth counterparts and can take longer to dry. These are also a great place to start if you are switching from disposable to cloth.

All-in-two’s (AI2s) – These are very similar to AIOs with the exception that the absorbent soaker material is attached to the diaper with snaps. The soaker is 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. This is also a more expensive cloth diaper but easiest to use and great for daycare settings.

Aplix- A type of hook and loop closure used in cloth diapering. It is much like Velcro, but is known to be softer and last longer.

Diaper Covers – Used with flat, prefold, fitted, or contoured diapers. These can be pull-on or fastened with aplix or snaps.  A cover can be made of cotton, fleece, PUL, or wool.  Breathable covers like wool and fleece are best for overnight.

Inserts/Doublers – An Insert is a layer of material typically used in a pocket diaper to add absorbency. It can be customized to your child’s needs. An insert can be made of cotton, hemp or micro-terry. Doublers are rectangular pad-like absorbent soakers that can be added to a diaper to increase absorbency. Doublers typically are put between the baby’s bottom and the diaper.  They are especially useful for heavy wetter’s and during times when you know extra protection is needed.

Dry Pail- This is a method of storing dirty diapers until wash day. Simply place soiled diapers into diaper pail liner after shaking any solids into toilet.

Fitted Diapers – Fitted diapers closely resemble disposable diapers. They are contoured and fitted with elastic around the legs and back. They fasten with velcro, snaps or snappis and must have a waterproof cover.

Flushable Liner- This is a liner that is placed next to baby’s skin inside the diaper. It is made to keep the stool away from the diapers for an easier clean up. Paper liners are flushed away like toilet paper. Cloth liners must be washed but are more economical because they can be reused. These are great for keeping diaper creams off of your diapers as well.
As an alternative you can use cut up flat diapers to keep costs down and still keep a natural soft fabric against your baby`s skin.

Lanolize- The process of restoring the water resistent quality to your wool covers.

Longies- Longies are wool  pants that can be used instead of diaper covers over fitted diapers or securely fastened prefolds/flats. Some have an elastic waist while others have a drawstring.

Micro-Fiber- Most commonly used as a soaker or insert for pocket diapers. Never place directly on to baby- it will draw all the moisture away  from their delicate skin.

Pocket Diaper- A two part diapering system makes for easy washing. This type of diaper has a “pocket” at the back of the diaper for stuffing with either prefolds or inserts and has a waterproof outer layer. The ability to stuff the diaper makes it a very customizable system. It is a little more expensive, but very convenient.

Pre-folds- These are the workhorse of the cloth diapering world. Pre-fold diapers are rectangular shaped flat diapers that need to be folded into the shape of a diaper. They are similar to flats, but have multiple layers with more layering in the middle which gives absorbancy where it is needed the most.  Pre-folds are usually the most economical way to cloth diaper. They must be used in conjunction with a cover and snappi or pins.

PUL(polyurethane laminate)-PUL is simply fabric in which a waterproof laminate has been applied to the back. This makes for an extremely thin, soft fabric that is waterproof and easy to care for.  This is most commonly used with diaper covers, pockets, all in ones, wet bags and pail liners.

Snappi- These are easy to use fasteners for prefold diapers. Tiny teeth grab the diaper and hold it in place for hours. NO MORE PINS!

Stripping- This is a method of removing detergent residue from cloth diapers. These residues can cause waterproofing to wick or persistent odor problems and/or rashes.

Wet bag- waterproof bags typically lined with PUL, used to store soiled diapers while out and about with baby. The bags can be washed right with your other diapers.

Wet Pail- This is a method of storing cloth diapers until wash day. Diapers are stored in a pail with water and soak until wash day. This is not a recommended way to store diapers because of the risk of drowning. If you choose this method, please make sure you have a locking lid.

Wicking- There are two types of wicking. The first happens when the wetness from the inside of the diaper is drawn to the edges of the diaper and causes the babies clothes to get damp – much like when a disposable diaper “leaks”. This can be prevented by making sure that detergent is completely rinsed from your diapers and adding extra layers of absorbency when needed. The second type of wicking is what happens when a stay-dry fabric such as microfleece or suedecloth is working properly. When a baby wets onto a wicking fabric like these, the moisture is pulled quickly through that layer into the absorbent layers below, leaving a drier surface behind.

Wool Cover- A wool cover can be either hand-knitted or manufactured and is worn over a fitted or prefold diaper. The cover keeps moisture in while letting air circulate. Wool covers often need to be lanolized in order for them to be “waterproof”.