cloth diapering days :: what’s all this fluff talk?

I am SO excited! Today marks the kick off of the SIMPLE Cloth Diapering Days! For the next TWO days, I will be sharing with you all things fluff!!! Be sure to keep checking back because we are giving away some awesome prizes to help build up that stash of yours!

Don’t cloth diaper or are new to the cloth diaper craze? Then this post is for you! I know when I first started cloth diapering, I had no idea what people were talking about. The cloth diapering community has it’s own lingo, using all sorts of acronyms!! So I’m here to help you decipher all of this “fluff talk.”

You may have already gathered this, but “fluff” is a cloth diaper. So if you ever hear someone mention that they are getting “fluff mail,” it means that their cloth diapers are being delivered through the mail!! 🙂 If you have not experienced the torture of waiting for your fluff to come or the excitement when it DOES, then you are in for a special treat when you place that first order!

Parts of the Diaper:

The first part of the cloth diaper is the absorbent piece of fabric (pre-fold, insert, soaker, etc), and the second part is the waterproof barrier (shell or cover) that keeps baby’s clothes dry. There is also a third part (but not always) which is a piece of material that acts as a moisture barrier to keep baby’s skin dry.

Types of Cloth Diapers:

Pre-fold – a rectangular piece of fabric that is divided into 3 sections with thickest section being the center. This diaper does not come with any fasteners or waterproof barriers, so you will need to secure the diaper with either pins or a Snappi. Typically these diapers are used with a waterproof cover as well.

AIO (all in one) – This diaper comes with all parts (shell, insert and moisture barrier) sewn into one diaper. This diaper is great for the convenience of not having to arrange the absorbent layer, but typically takes a long time to dry after washing.

AI2 (all in 2) – With this diaper, the soaker is somehow attached to the cover, either with snaps or by being tucked in. The benefits are that you can remove the soaker and reuse the shell/cover. This cuts down on the number of shells/covers you will need in your stash.

Pocket Diaper – The pocket diaper is a waterproof shell with a liner sewn in (typically this is a moisture barrier). You simply stuff your insert in the pocket that is created between the waterproof shell and liner. This helps prevent the insert from shifting around and simply un-stuffing the diaper makes for easy cleaning and drying.

Acronyms- What does it all mean!?!

BF – breastfeed

BTDT – been there done that

BTW – by the way

CD – cloth diaper

CPF – chinese prefold

DSQ – diaper service quality

EC – excellent condition

EUC – excellent used condition

F&C – free & clear (used when referring to detergents)

FLer – front loader washing machine

FS – for sale

FSOT – for sale or trade

FYI – for your information

HE – high efficiency (when referring to washing machines)

Hyena – a term for hard to get, popular diapers that are stalked by diaper hungry moms

IPF – indian prefold

IMO – in my opinion

IMHO – in my (humble or honest) opinion

ISO – in search of

ITA – I totally agree

KWIM – know what I mean

LMK – let me know

LO – little one

PUL – polyurethane laminate, a material used to make diaper covers/shells

SAHM – stay-at-home mom

TLer – top loader washing machine

WAHM – work-at-home mom