Cloth Nappy Information

On this page you will find information about the different types of modern cloth nappies, the materials used in making cloth nappies and cloth nappy acronyms. I hope you find this useful.

Types of cloth nappies

All in One (AIO)- AIO's have the absorbent material sewn in although they sometimes include extra boosters to attach for extra absorbency. They are very simple to use and do not require an extra cover. AIO take the longest time to dry out of all the types.

Pockets- These nappies have a waterproof outer and stay dry inner and includes an opening to insert the boosters. This allows for faster drying. The absorbency can be customised for your child's needs depending on what type/how many boosters you include.

Fitted nappies- The entire nappy is made out of absorbent material and so this type of nappy will require a cover to prevent leaks. Covers can usually be used multiple times before needing washing.

Prefolds- This is a flat nappy which has been sewn into three sections. The middle section has extra layers for absorbency. These require a cover to prevent leaks.

Flat nappies- The traditional type of cloth nappy. These require folding to use and need a cover.

Common Nappy Materials

Bamboo- An absorbent and soft material commonly used in cloth nappies. It has antibacterial properties and is a renewable resource.

Cotton Velour- Is a soft fabric that is usually made up of 80% cotton and 20% polyester. Can be used as either an outer or inner nappy fabric and is commonly used to make wipes.

Flannelette- 100% cotton and is used as an inner fabric in nappies.

Hemp- Is a super absorbent material that has both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Microfibre- A synthetic material used to make boosters for nappies. This is very absorbent and shouldn't touch directly on babies skin as it will draw out moisture.

Microfleece- Is usually used as an inner fabric to wick moisture away from the baby. Is a common fabric in making liners.

Minkee- 100% polyester. This can be used as either an inner or outer nappy fabric but needs to be laminated to be waterproof.

PUL- Polyurethane Laminate. Is applied to fabric to make it waterproof. Pul is used as either an outer fabric or as a hidden layer under other fabrics. It also allows for breathability.

Raw Silk- 100% natural. Is used as aliner and is great for preventing and healing nappy rash.

Suedecloth- Is usually used in a nappies inner layer to wick moisture away from the baby.

Nappy Acronyms

Have you been puzzling out what a particular abbreviation means? Take a look at this list. If you have one that you think we should add please let us know what it is and we will add it to the list.

AIO –All in one nappy

AI2- All in two nappy

BB- Bubblebubs

BBH- Baby Beehinds

BV- Bamboo Velour

CT- Cute Tooshies

EC- Elimination Communication

FOE- Fold over elastic. A wide elastic used to bind the edge of nappies

GDUNH- The great down under nappy hunt

GNST- Bubblebubs good night sleep tight nappy

IB- Itti Bitti

LS- Little Squirt

MCN- Modern cloth nappy

OSFA- One size fits all

OSFM- One size fits most

PUL- Polyurethane laminate, a fabric to which a waterproof laminate has been applied.

SS- Side snaps

TT- Touchtape is a hook and loop tape used in nappies like velcro or aplix.

TT- Toilet training

Other meanings:

Booster: Absorbent material that is laid inside a nappy to provide extra absorbency.

Rise: The measurement from the front of a babies waist through the legs to the waist at the back.

Trifold: A booster that folds into 3.

Wick: The movement of liquid via fabric.

Feel free to contact me at kendall@australianbabysupplies.com.au if you have any questions that are not answered here.