All-in-One (AIO) – As the name suggests, AIO nappies are designed with the absorbent inner layer attached to a water-resistant outer cover, all as one piece.

All-in-Two (AI2) – All-in-Two nappies, on the other hand, are often similar in design to AIOs but the absorbent liner and water-resistant outer cover are two separate pieces that can be snapped into each other. Both layers can be washed and dried separately, making the drying time faster.

Bamboo – A natural fibre that is known for being absorbent. It is an incredibly plush material that swiftly wicks away moisture away from the skin and can keep your baby dry and comfy.

Boosting – A term used to refer to adding extra inner layers to increase the absorbency of nappies. These can be made from a range of materials and are usually added for overnight use or for tots that are heavy wetters.

China Cheapies (CC) – China Cheapies are what people in cloth nappy circles call less-expensive pocket nappies manufactured in China. Usually sold directly online via eBay or AliExpress, etc, they are usually generic designs made from cheaper fabrics such as microfibre.

Clean Cloth Nappies^TM (CCN) – Also formerly known in Australia as Clean Cloth Nappies Down Under (CCNDU). A website run by a team who research, test and provide education on cloth nappy wash routines and detergents. They are widely known in the community for their methods of washing and sanitising nappies. Secondhand nappy forums commonly mention nappies have been ‘washed according to CCN routine’ so buyers know they have been washed according to high standards.

Cover – A nappy cover, also called a nappy wrap or pilcher, is a waterproof, breathable shell placed over the absorbent inner part of cloth nappies to keep out moisture. They are often secured using velcro or snaps and come in a range of fabrics, including wool, fleece and PUL (polyurethane laminate).

Delaminating – This refers to the process when the waterproof layer of your nappy starts to pull away from the fabric and can cause the nappy to leak. Delaminating can sometimes happen if the manufacturer’s instructions for washing and care are not followed, age, or a faulty product (if new).

Double gusset – Double gussets are typically secondary elastics that sit slightly inside an outer gusset around the nappy’s leg holes. These help keep the stuff that needs to stay inside the nappy contained!

Dry pailing – Dry pailing is the now-widely accepted method for storing dirty and wet nappies ready for washing. Before washing day, dirty nappies are stored in a dry pail which can be a bucket or basket, often lined with a mesh bag. In contrast to previous generations of nappies, it is no longer recommended to soak modern cloth nappies in water – hence the term “dry”. See our article How to Wash Cloth Nappies in 5 Simple Steps for further details about this process.

Exclusively breastfed (EBF) – This refers to babies who are fed exclusively breast milk (i.e. no formula or solids). This can be milk directly from the breast or expressed and fed via a bottle. Terms like EBF and FF (see below) are sometimes mentioned as the baby’s diet will naturally affect the consistency and frequency of their poo, which in turn may affect which types of nappy liners etc you choose to use – all things you can look forward to discussing as a new parent!!

Formula-fed (FF) – Refers to babies or toddlers who are fed baby formula instead of or in addition to breastfeeding. See the above note under EBF about the thrilling poo discussions you will find yourself in!

Fitted nappy – Fitted nappies are contoured absorbent nappies, usually bamboo or hemp, that fit around your baby (similar to the shape of a disposable). They also require a waterproof cover.

Flats – The most basic style of nappy, flats are essentially square pieces of cloth made from a variety of materials. Flats are usually folded and can be either fastened with snaps or other fasteners depending on the style. They usually require a waterproof cover but are quite inexpensive and versatile.

Fleece – This is a polyester fibre commonly used as liners and wraps for nappies due to its water-resistant characteristic. This material can be used in a variety of ways and is a favourite in the community because of its versatility.

Fluffy stash – A reference to your collection of cloth nappies. Just a heads up – it’s easy to get hooked on all those cute colours and prints!

Hemp – Hemp is a natural fibre that is used as material for cloth nappies. Durable, adaptable, and absorbent, this material is a favourite in the cloth nappy community.

Hook-and-loop – Commonly known as velcro, this material is composed of two fabric strips that attach and are often used as fasteners for nappies. These are easy to use and safe for babies, especially compared to traditional fasteners.

Inserts – Also known as stuffing, these are the absorbent strips of fabric that are placed inside nappies to soak up moisture and can be made from a range of fabrics.

Lanolin – The grease from sheep’s wool that is often used to enhance the absorbency of woollen nappy covers. Depending on the brand, there are various ways to apply it to waterproof your nappies. This is a nice organic alternative to making fabrics water-resistant.

Liner – (disposable/flushable) – A thin layer that can be added on top of the absorbent inserts to catch and easily dispose of solids. They can be made of a variety of plant-based materials such as bamboo or viscose. Although the name suggests that they can be disposed of by flushing down the toilet, much like flushable wet wipes, it is not recommended to do so as they can easily block the septic tank.

Main wash cycle – This is the cycle used to wash cloth nappies after the pre-wash. It typically involves washing the nappies on a long, hot wash using detergent. See our wash guidelines for further info.

Microfibre – A synthetic, absorbent material, often a blend of polyester and polyamide. Due to its light and fast-drying properties, it is a popular choice of fabric for inserts. Since microfibres are super absorbent, they can also be drying on the skin. Therefore if used as inserts, it is recommended that a barrier such as a fleece liner is placed between the skin and material to avoid irritating the baby’s skin.

Microfleece – Distinct from microfibre, microfleece is typically used as a reusable liner and acts as a stay-dry layer. The main difference between microfleece and microfibre is that the latter is used to absorb liquid while the former is used to keep the surface touching your baby’s skin dry. Microfleece is also good at keeping ointments or creams away from the rest of the nappy, thereby protecting them from staining etc.

Minky – Minky is a synthetic and absorbent type of fleece. Due to its absorbency and soft, fluffy texture, it is a popular choice of fabric for nappy covers.

Modern Cloth Nappy (MCN) – The current generation of reusable, washable nappies that are fitted and shaped similarly to disposables. In contrast to the older-style flat cloth nappies, modern cloth nappies need little to no folding or pins as they make use of snaps, Velcro or similar modern fasteners. AIO, AI2 and pocket nappies are examples of MCNs (see our article that delves further into different types of cloth nappies).

Nappy fastener/Snappi – Nappy fasteners, sometimes called Snappis, are Y-shaped plastic grips that are used to hold nappies in place. These plastic fasteners are safer alternatives to traditional sharp safety pins.

Night nappy – Night nappies often have built-in extra stuffing or boosters. As the name suggests, it is often used at night or when the baby sleeps the most. The extra stuffing helps the nappy last throughout the night with little to no need for night-time changes.

One Size Fits Most (OSFM) / One Size Fits All (OSFA) – These nappies are designed to fit roughly from birth right up to potty training. These are often adjustable with rise snaps down the front so that they accommodate size changes as babies grow.

Prefold – Prefolds, like flats, have central pads that are thicker. They are three-panel nappies with multiple layers. These can be secured with snaps or pins and require a waterproof cover. These kinds of nappies are considered to be economical because of how simple and inexpensive they tend to be.

Pocket nappy – Pocket nappies consist of an outer waterproof layer with an attached inner layer, typically consisting of fleece. The inner layer contains a pocket opening, hence the name, which is filled or ‘stuffed’ with the absorbent inner layer(s).

Polyurethane Laminate (PUL) – A fabric with a clear coating of polyurethane that is applied in a process that makes the fabric waterproof while keeping it relatively breathable. This makes it a popular choice for nappy covers. You can read more about PUL in this article.

Prewash cycle – The prewash cycle refers to the first wash cycle that gets rid of excess waste and prepares nappies for the main wash cycle. Now done in a washing machine, it has (thankfully!) replaced the need to routinely soak nappies.

Random Act of Kindness (RAOK) – A term typically used in the community when giving away cloth nappies for free, often via Facebook or other online forums.

Rise – The rise is often used to describe how high the nappy is in front. It is usually referred to in instructions on how to adjust the snaps for OSFM/OSFA to change its size.

Shell – Another name for a nappy cover.

Snaps – Also called poppers, snaps are used to fasten nappies around the waist or on the front of nappies. They are usually made of plastic and are built into the nappy.

Stay dry layer – This is typically a synthetic material that is ultra-absorbent and feels dry to the touch even when wet. These materials are said to have wicking properties that keep moisture away from the skin to lessen the chance of irritation.

Strip & Sanitise (S&S) – a technique for washing nappies that are heavily soiled or stained, and was often recommended for secondhand nappies to ensure they are properly cleaned. CCN pioneered the S&S, however, they have recently removed the need to perform the ‘strip’ part of the routine under their updated washing recommendations.

Stuffing – Usually a pocket nappy term, stuffing is used interchangeably as a noun referring to absorbent booster pads that are used inside nappies, or as a verb (i.e. ‘stuffing’ inserts into nappies following a wash).

Suedecloth – A stay-dry material often used in the lining of nappies. These are synthetic polyesters and are not derived from animals.

Terry towelling nappy – The terry nappy is a traditional nappy, usually a square of foldable terry cotton, that can be secured with a fastener in a variety of ways. They dry quickly and are incredibly adaptable. These usually need a nappy cover to keep the moisture contained. The original and most basic style of cloth nappy, they offer a very versatile and economical option.

Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) – Thermoplastic polyurethane is similar to PUL in that it is fabric which has been laminated to make it waterproof. The difference is in how it is applied, which for TPU is through heat, meaning fewer chemicals are used to bind the fabric. For this reason, some prefer TPU over PUL. Both materials are relatively breathable while simultaneously hydrophobic.

Training pants – These are thicker types of underwear that feature built-in absorbency. They can be used throughout the transition from nappies to potty training. Although slightly absorbent, as opposed to nappies they won’t completely hold liquids and are often made with materials that remain wet to the touch. This is done to encourage your child to go to the toilet when they need to.

Velcro fastening – These are hook-and-loop fasteners often composed of two fabric strips that attach to keep nappies snug on your baby.  These fasteners are easy to use, adjust, and remove.

Wet bags – A handy waterproof bag used to store soiled nappies. These often have a zipper or drawstring closure. Wet bags can be especially handy when travelling. They could also be used as lining for dry pails, for spare clothes, breast or sanitary pads, or a myriad of other uses!

Wicking – Wicking refers to the process where liquids are transferred from one fabric to another. In terms of nappies, this means moisture is drawn away from your baby’s skin, keeping them dry. Certain types of stay-dry fabrics are used in nappy liners to wick any wetness and transfer it into the more absorbent inner layers.

Work at Home Maker / Mum (WAHM) – Work At Home Mum/Maker refers to people, often mothers, who run their businesses from their homes sewing handmade cloth nappies.