Cloth Diapering Terms and Abbreviations Decoded
Like all things online people don’t like typing out the whole word and each online community has their own abbreviations and terms. The cloth diaper community is no different. Here is a list of the most commonly used abbreviations and terms and what they stand for. Not all of these terms refer to cloth diapers but to the lifestyle that is or can be associated to families that cloth diaper.
ABBREVIATIONS ABOUT CLOTH DIAPERS
AI3 or Supers– all in three (Super Heavy Wetter)
FST– Flour sack towel is an inexpensive but very absorbent towel that is found in many home stores. These can be used in similar ways that you would use a flat or prefold.
CD-Cloth diaper
Fluff– is another term for cloth diapers. Other similar terms are fluffy mail or any other form of fluff or fluffy. This is used because cloth diapers give babies a “fluffy” bigger butt.
OS– one sized diaper fit baby’s from approximately 7-40lbs
PUL– polyurethane laminate, the waterproof layer of the diaper
TPU– thermoplastic polyurethane-the waterproof material used in some diapers
Stash– the collection of someone’s cloth diapers
BNIP– brand new in pack (never been used, washed, or opened)
LN-like new (perfect condition, used but no sigh of use)
EUC– excellent used condition (has been used but has almost no sigh of use)
VGUC– very good used condition (has some minimal signs of use but nothing that effects function)
GUC– good used condition (has some signs of use but nothing that effects function)
UC– used condition (may have signs of use or staining, should not have anything effecting function)
NR– needs repair (could have bad staining, stretchered elastic, bad PUL, holes ect.)
TERMS ABOUT CLOTH DIAPERS
Contoured– similar to a flat or prefold but are contoured to fit baby usually with elastic. They are normally not waterproof.
Snappi– is a brand of diaper fastener that is slightly stretchy plastic with little teeth used to turn a flat into a diaper (replaced the old fashioned pins)
Soaker– the absorbent layer of a diaper
Doubler– is a thin insert that increases absorbency of your diaper. It can be used in any type of diaper
Hook & Loop– means Velcro closure
Aplix– Velcro type of closure on a diaper
Lanolin/Lanolized– it is a waterproofing that is added to wool covers. Lanolin is also used while breastfeeding for dry nipples
Minky-soft outer layer that is on some diapers. It almost feels like a stuffed animal or blanket.
Sized/Perfect Fit– diapers that come in different sizes
Wicking-the act of moisture being moved from one place to another. When referring to cloth diapers it is good when moister is wicked away from babies skin fast, but bad when moisture finds a weak spot or exposed area and it leaks out.
Prepped– washed a few times to have maximum absorbency (only needed for natural fibers)
FAMILY RELATED TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AP– attachment parenting
BF– breastfeeding (BFing)
EBF– exclusively breastfeed
Crunchy– a term referring to a natural parenting lifestyle
BM– Bowel Movement
DD– daughter
DH– husband
DS– son
LO-little one (youngest or only baby)
MIL/FIL/SIL/BIL– mother/father/sister/brother in law
PPD– postage paid domestic
SAHM/SAHD-stay at home mom/dad
WAHM/WAHD– work at home mom/dad