Cloth Nappy Glossary!

Some MCN terms

Flannel flat – a flat square of flannelette cotton.
Terry flat – a flat square of terry toweling cotton (what we grew up in).
Prefold – a square/rectangular nappy made up of 3 panels with the middle panel having more layers for extra absorbency. Usually cotton, hemp, bamboo or blends.
Booster – extra material placed in the nappy (or between the nappy and cover) to increase absorbency. Can be organic material such as: cotton, hemp, bamboo or blends, or synthetic such as microfibre. A wide variety of shapes and sizes.
Insert/Stuffer – like a booster but may not be good to put next to babies skin (?). Used to stuff pocket nappies.
AIO (all in one) – cover, liner and absorbent section all sewn together in one piece.
AI2 (all in two) – cover with an absorbent section that snaps in and out (often just called an AIO).
Pocket – a cover and liner with an absorbent section that fits into a pocket that opens as a slit at the back.
Fitted – a shaped nappy (needs a cover).
Cover or Wrap – A breathable waterproof cover for the nappy (modern pilchers). Can be made from PUL, fleece or wool. If PUL, it may or may not have leg gussets.
PUL – Polyurethane Laminate: a breathable, waterproof material used to make covers. May be hidden under a layer of fashionable material.
Soaker – A wool cover. Usually used at night, air dried during the day. Washed and lanolised once a month. Can be knitted.
Liner - A layer between baby and the nappy that keeps baby feeling dry and/or makes poo disposal easier. Can be made from reusable materials like microfleece or raw silk, or can be disposable/biodegradable/flushable.

Decisions, decisions!

Convenience v’s leak-proofness - For leak-proofness two layers of defence is best, so that’s a fitted nappy with a cover. But with a wiggly worm for a 10 month-old coordinating two layers can be a monumental battle, so AIO/2s and pockets are the best for ease of use.

Drying time v’s absorbency - The better the absorbency, the longer it will take to dry. I find having a mix of nappies with different drying times very good (especially in rainy winter weather) or extra inserts for pockets (the outer shell dries really quickly but the bamboo inserts take ages). Nappies that you can pull apart (pockets, AI2) mostly dry faster than AIOs but it depends on the material that they are made from. Natural fibres tend to take longer to dry than synthetics. Bamboo takes longer to dry than cotton or hemp.

One size v’s trim/neat fit - A one size nappy (OSFA – one size fits all or OSFM – one size fits most) is supposed to fit from birth to toddler. It usually folds up/down in a particular way or has snaps to shorten the rise. One size nappies save you money because you don’t have to buy as many (i.e. lots of different sizes) but the fit can be terrible with gaping legs and lots of bulk on small babies. You can get one size fitteds, AIOs, pockets, and covers.

Side snapping v’s front closing (snaps or velcro) - Some people get really obsessive about this. I have all types but prefer front closing snaps or velcro. What works for one mum/baby might be hopeless for another and as your baby changes shape different nappies may fit better than others. Try one of each of as many different MCN as you dare. Again, I suggest having a mix of different nappies. Lots of babies learn to open and pull off velcro nappies. Side snapping nappies are the hardest for babies to pull off (but some are experts at that too).

Where was this thread when I started almost 5months ago!
Great idea, especially as there are SOO many terms / types