Glossary of Common Cloth Diapering World Terms and Abbreviations
AIO - All in One - Easiest type of modern cloth diaper to use. Most similar to a common disposable. Great for caregivers and to send in daycare bags.
AI2 -All In Two - Similar to an all in one cloth diaper, except the liner snaps or lies in place rather than being sewn in to the diaper.
Aplix - Type of hook and loop fastening system similar to Velcro
Babywearing - Practice of carrying your baby around with you in a sling, wrap or carrier.
BV - Bamboo Velour
CB - Cotton Babies, manufacturer of Bum Genius, Flip and Econobum diapers
CD - Cloth Diaper or Cloth Diapering
CPF - Chinese Prefolds, as in Made In China
Crunchy - common slang to describe earthy, natural lifestyles.
Dipe - Diaper
DH - Dear Husband
DD - Dear Daughter
DS - Dear Son
DSQ - Diaper Service Quality
EBF - Exclusively Breast Fed (as in a baby is EBF)
EcoSposable - Term for a eco-" freindli-er " disposable diapering options
EO - Essential Oil
e-P - eLeMeNO-Pee
EPSM - eLeMeNO-Pee Stripping Method
ETA - Expected to Arrive or Estimated Time of Arrival
FB - Fuzzibunz or Facebook, depending on context
Fitted Diaper - No to be confused with sized diapers, fitted diapers are shaped to fit a baby snugly. Fitted diapers require a waterproof shell to be used in addition to the diaper itself.
FF - Formula Fed
FL - Front Load, as in a Front Load washing machine
Flats - Also commonly called Birdseye or Birdseye Prefolds, these are the diapers our grandparents used. They require folding, fastening (pins) and leak proofing (cover). These are generally the least expensive option but also least convenient.
GN - Gender Neutral
HE - High Efficiency
Hemp - Natural fiber made from the hemp plant. It is very durable with good absorption and natural anti-microbial properties
Hybrid - A common term for a system that mixes features of two or more different types of diapers. Some manufacturers make a hybrid cloth/disposable where the shell is reused but the absorbent inserts are thrown away. You can typically use a cloth insert in these hybrid systems or the disposable inserts made to fit the reusable cover. Gro-Via, Softbums and Flip make hybrid systems.
IPF - Indian Prefold, as in Made in India
LD - Line Dry
LLL - La Leche League
Nappie - Another word for diaper, typically referring to cloth diaper
NB- Newborn
OC - Organic Cotton
OCV - Organic Cotton Velour
OS - One Size (As in one size fits all) - A diaper that has adjustments built in so that the diaper can be sized to fit babies from birth usually to around 35 lbs. Not to be confused with a sized diaper that has a single size (small, medium or large) that cannot be adjusted.
OV - Organic Velour
PF - Prefold
PL - Potty Learning
Pocket Diapers - Welcome to the world of modern cloth diapers! Pockets are generally made from two layers - an absorbent inner layer next to a waterproof shell. A pocket is created between the two layers that can be stuffed with an absorbent insert. The inner layer of the diaper creates a barrier between the soiled insert and baby.
Poppers - Snaps
PP - PayPal
Prefolds - These are the last generation of cloth to be used BEFORE disposable diapers became the norm. They are similar to flats except they have three panels to help make folding easier. Very durable, absorbant and dry quickly. Use as rags after child has outgrown diapers. These also require a cover and sometimes use of a separate fastening system to hold in place. Flats and Prefolds require the most work but are easiest on the budget.
Prep - Pre-washing diapers to loosen the fabrics and prepare for use
PUL - Polyurethane Laminate - the waterproofing layer of material on most diapers/covers
QD - Quick Drying
SAHM - Stay at Home Mom
Snaps - Common method of closing cloth diapers. An alternative to hook and loop systems that is harder for older children to take off.
Sposie - Disposable Diaper
Stripping - deep cleaning method used to remove buildup from diapers, usually needed when poor quality detergent is used for a long period of time or if your location has difficult water conditions for laundering.
WAHM - Work At Home Mom - what most of eLeMeNO-Pee's consultants are!
WOHM - Work Outside of Home Mom