The world of cloth nappy-ing is so wonderfully varied that there are many terms thrown around, especially abbreviations, that can be confusing to a beginner. Here is a basic guide to the terms you might come across on forums, in shops etc:
AIO’s
Abbreviated term for All In One nappies, which are nappies that require no separate insert or wrap and so function most like a disposable.
Aplix
A type of Velcro fastening for nappies.
BTP (aka. Birth to potty, One sized)
Nappies designed to fit baby right the way through from birth to potty training by using sizing adjustments built into the nappy to alter fit as baby grows.
Booster
This is the extra padding for adding into nappies to increase absorbency. Boosters are available in a range of fabrics dependent upon need and nappy type, and usually nappy companies make their own specifically to fit their own brand (however, these are very easily interchangeable for most types).
BOV
Abbreviated term for bamboo organic velour material, a wonderfully soft and absorbent material often found in more ‘designer’ nappies.
Clothie
A person who loves using cloth nappies on their child and extolling the benefits to others.
Cover (wrap)
The waterproof outer shell part of a nappy.
Dry Pailing
Refers to the storing of used/dirty nappies in a lidded bucket without soaking, which is the way most modern cloth nappy users store their nappies until wash day thanks to the advances in modern washing machines.
EC
Depends on what context this is used in – for goods it is the abbreviated term for ‘Excellent Condition’. In general nappy-ing chat it will most likely refer to Elimination Communication, which is a term coined for parents watching for their children’s signals to go to the toilet and this eliminating the need for nappies.
EUC
Abbreviated term for ‘Excellent Used Condition’ in sales.
Flannel
This is a cotton material that is densely woven and then brushed which makes it very soft.
Flat nappies
Nappies that open out flat – usually muslins, terry squares or prefolds. These require folding, securing and a waterproof wrap.
Fleece
A fabric (normally acrylic or polyester) used to make liners and wraps. Some nappies are fleece lined to give a stay-dry layer.
Flongies
Shorts/trousers made of fleece, lanolised for waterproofing and used as an alternative to a PUL wrap. These are especially good overnight.
Insert
The absorbent part added to a pocket nappy. These can be made from a variety of materials and are usually made specific to brands of nappies, however as with boosters they are very much interchangeable.
Lanolin
A product made from sheep’s wool used to treat wool/fleece wraps and covers to keep them waterproof.
Liners
The layer next to the baby’s skin, helping to keep them dry. Sometimes these are flushable paper liners; sometimes they are washable and made from fleece or even silk.
Longies
Woolly trousers used in place of a PUL wrap, lanolised for waterproofing. These are especially good over night but can only be used over natural fibred nappies.
Merino
This is a popular and very soft wool used for making longies and other wool covers.
Microfibre
This is a man-made fabric used in real nappies or inserts. It holds the liquid between the fibres rather than absorbing it.
Nappy nippa (nappi nippa, snappi)
A plastic T shaped gripper to hold nappies without other fastenings together, used instead of the traditional nappy pin.
Nappy mesh
This is a mesh bag which is used to line the bucket containing dirty nappies so they are more easily transferable from bucket to machine.
OS
Abbreviated term for One sized or Birth to Potty nappies.
OV
Abbreviated term for organic velour, a material used in nappies which is beautifully soft.
Pocket nappies (aka. stuffables)
These are basically a waterproof wrap with a lining often made from fleece. Absorbency is added by stuffing the nappy with inserts.
Prefolds
Absorbent square nappies with a padded centre section. Usually just held in place by a close fitting gusseted wrap but also can be nappy nippa-ed for extra security. These are very popular in America.
PUL (Polyurethane Laminate)
The waterproof material used in many wraps, pockets and all-in-ones. PUL has become the modern, softer and more hard-wearing replacement for traditional plastic/rubber pants.
Pull-on pants (aka. Trainer pants)
These are wraps without side openings used for potty training that pull on like ordinary pants.
Shaped / fitted nappies
These nappies are shaped to fit the baby without folding and usually have elasticated waist and legs. They require a waterproof wrap.
Shorties
Woolly shorts used to cover a nappy in place of a PUL wrap, lanolised for waterproofing. These are especially good overnight but can only be used over natural fibred nappies.
Sized nappy
A nappy that comes in various sizes that need to be purchased as the child grows.
Skirtie
A wool cover that looks like a skirt, lanolised for waterproofing and used in place of a PUL wrap.
Soaker
Another name for a fleece or wool wrap, which is lanolised for waterproofing and good for overnight use.
Soaking
Putting dirty nappies into a bucket of water before washing to prevent staining. Most modern cloth nappies do not require soaking due to advances in washing machines and products, however some people do prefer this method.
SS
Abbreviated term for side snap fastening, where a nappy or cover has poppers at the side, rather than at the front. Particularly handy for toddlers as they find them harder to open, but also this fastening allows many wraps to be used like training pants for potty training.
Terry squares
The traditional nappy! Terry squares are simply squares of towelling material which are folded specifically to fit the baby, usually fastened with a nappy nippa (or pins) and then covered by a wrap. Modern terries also can be found in bamboo which is more absorbent and softer.
Two part nappy system
This is where the cotton, absorbent part and the wrap are separate.
WAHM
This stands for "work at home mum", usually referencing mums who make things such as nappies etc. at home to support their families.
Washable Wipes
These are small pieces of material that can be used to clean a baby's bottom at nappy changes instead of disposable wipes. Plain water or a mild solution including essential oils can be used. Wipes come in a variety of materials and are also simple to make at home.
Wet Bag
Usually this refers to an ‘out and about’ bag to go inside the changing bag in which to store soiled nappies whilst away from home, however some do use a wet bag in place of a bucket in between washing at home. Wet bags have a waterproof layer and can be drawstring or zippered.
Wick/Wicking
The term used to describe wetness or moisture as it seeps though fabric. Sometimes this is due to wetness being squeezed through a nappy wrap(compression wicking) due to a vest top being done up too tightly or a child sat putting pressure on an area of the nappy for a prolonged time period. Wicking is more common with fleece or wool wraps.
Wrap (cover)
The waterproof outer part of a nappy. Sometimes they are attached (all-in-ones and pocket nappies) sometimes they are separate (two part nappy). Separate wraps can be made from PUL waterproof material, wool or fleece.
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