Cloth Nappy Jargon
Applix - Applix is the type of fastening on a nappy. A nappy that has an applix closure is fastened with velcro.
All-in-Ones (AIO) - This is a cloth nappy where the insert or nappy is sewn together with the outer cover. All-in-one nappies can also have the inserts sitting in the outer cover of the nappy and affixed by snaps. All-in-one nappies usually come in different sizes.
Bio Liner - A bio liner is the same as a biodegradable liner or a flushable liner. (See flushable liner below).
Booster - Material that is usually made from microfibre, hemp or bamboo and is placed inside the nappy to increase absorbency.
Cover - The outside layer of the nappy which is waterproof and keeps the baby's clothes from getting wet. Covers are usually made from a PUL fabric. Covers are designed to be worn over a flat nappy or a prefold. Covers are previoulsy referred to as "pilchers".
Diaper - An American term for nappy.
Doubler - A doubler is what Americans call a booster.
Dry Pail - Dry pail is the term used to store your nappies prior to washing them. Dry pailing is when you place your used nappies in a bucket with a lid without any water.
Flat Nappy - A piece of material either terry or cotton that is folded into a shape before being placed on the baby. Flat nappies are the 'old' style of cloth nappies. Flat nappies are similiar to prefolds.
Flushable Liner - A liner that is made from viscose that is placed inside the nappy between the baby's skin and the liner (see below). The flushable catches any solids and can be easily removed and flushed down the toilet. Also known as biodegradable liners as they quickly biodegrade after flushing.
Fitted Nappy - A fitted nappy is a shaped to fit like a pair of underpants when fastened on the baby using either snaps or velcro.
Hook & Look - Hook and loop refers to the the type of fastening on a nappy. A nappy that has a hook and loop closure is fastened with velcro.
Insert - An insert is the same as a Booster.
Liner - The liner is the inner most part of the nappy that touches the baby's skin.
Little Squirt - A little squirt is a spray gun that is attached to your toilet. It is designed so that you can hold your nappy in the bowl and spray any soild waste off directly into the toilet before store your nappies in a dry pail.
Microfleece - Microfleece is very similar to polar fleece and is made from 100% polyester. Microfleece is not absorbant and is used a liner or the inner of a nappy.
Microfibre - Microfibre is made up of a combination of polyester and polyamide. Microfibre is a synthetic fabric that absorbs moisture readily.
Modern Cloth Nappies - Modern Cloth Nappies are a new version of cloth nappies. Modern cloth nappies require no soaking, folding or pins to fasten them. Most modern cloth nappies are shaped like a disposable however had a PUL cover, inner lining and an absorbent insert. Modern Cloth nappies are reusable and will last for a number of years.
One Size Nappy - A one size nappy is a nappy that can be adjusted to be used from birth to toilet training. Most one size nappies are made with a PUL cover and an inner lining and a booster. Most one size nappies come with a pocket to insert the booster in and are therefore sometimes known as One Size Pocket Nappies.
Pocket Nappy - A pocket nappy is a nappy that has a PUL cover and an inner lining with a pocket either at the back or front of the nappy. This pocket is where you put the absorbent insert/booster. Pocket nappies can be either one size or sized.
Prefolds - Prefolds are a flat nappy made from 100% cotton with a thicker gusset in the middle. Prefolds are designed to be folded before placing on the baby. Prefolds are most commonly fastenened with a Snappi nappy fastener and require a waterproof cover.
PUL - PUL stands for Polyurethane laminate and is the material that is used on the most outer part of the nappy. The PUL is waterproof and breathable.
Snappi - A plastic nappy fastener that is used to fasten flat nappies and prefolds.
Snaps - Are small plastic clips that are found on nappies to fasten them around the waist or used to make a one size nappy smaller.
Strip Wash - Strip washing is the washing process whereby you remove any soap or other residue from the nappy. You generally wash your nappies as normal then put them through various warm rise cycles until the water runs clear and the soap suds are gone.