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Prefold * AIO * Doubler * Soaker
A glossary of diaper terms. - Flat Diaper
- This is the big square diaper that our grandmothers used to use. Many moms still use this diaper today because it is inexpensive and they dry very quickly. Flat diapers require diaper pins. Folding can be daunting for the uninitiated, but once you figure it out, it is a snap. These diapers will fit any size baby.
- Prefold Diaper
- Also called a DSQ Prefold or Chinese Prefold, these diapers usually made of 100% birdseye cotton, are rectangular in shape and lie flat. Unlike the flat diapers, a prefold is several layers thick and has been sewn so that an absorbent panel runs down the middle. A Prefold needs to be folded to pass through the legs of your baby. Instructions for this can be found here. These can be fastened using diaper pins or Snappis. A separate cover is needed with these diapers. If you use a well-fitted wrap cover, you won't even need to pin, just fold the diaper and lay it in the cover. Prefolds come in 3 sizes. Once a baby has outgrown the infant size, these can still be used as doublers for nap and nighttime. They also make great burp cloths. Prefolds are very economical to use.
- Fitted Diaper
- A fitted diaper has been sewn to fit the shape of your baby and does not require folding. Wee Ones Fitted Diapers have snap closures and leg gussets to catch any messes. Fitted diapers are used with a separate cover.
- AIO
- An All-In-One diaper does not need a separate cover. It has an absorbent layer and a waterproof layer all in the same diaper. The outer layer can be PUL or fleece. These diapers can close with snaps or Velcro. Wee Ones Fleece AIO's come with a snap-in doubler for extra absorbency. AIOs are popular with dads and babysitters.
- Soaker
- This is the absorbent panel sewn in between the layers of the diaper. It provides absorbency in the right places without adding bulk where it is not needed at the waist.
- Doubler
- This is an extra absorbent layer that lies in the diaper next to baby's skin. It can be fleece-topped to wick moisture away from baby's skin. It can snap-in as in the Wee Ones AIO's. It can be a folded prefold used for nap or nighttime. A doubler is used to increase absorbency.
- Fleece Cover
- A fleece cover is used instead of "plastic pants". It is usually made of 1 or 2 layers of fleece. It can be a wrap-style with snap or Velcro closures, or it can be a pull up style. Fleece is breathable. Some people find it too bulky, but others just love the "bubble butt" look.
- Wool Soaker
- Before "plastic pants", mothers relied on wool soakers to keep clothing and bedding dry. These are worn over cloth diapers and can be knit or crocheted, or they can be sewn from woven or knit fabric. Wool holds a great deal of moisture before it feels wet and so it is a wonderful option for nighttime. Wool covers need to be lanolized periodically to keep them working their best. See How to care for your cloth diapers #4.
- PUL
- This is made from a polyester fabric that has had a coating laminated to it to make it waterproof. The resulting fabric is durable and flexible. It works great in covers and in AIOs.
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Glossary of Terms
