If you are confused about Modern Cloth Nappy terminology, here are a few simple terms that should help.

All In One (AIO): A complete nappy. It is a fitted nappy, with an outer waterproof layer and absorbent layer built in and doesn’t require a separate cover. These nappies can have a longer drying time due to the absorbent layer being built in.

All-in-two Nappies (AI2): These nappies are complete but have a snap-in absorbent layer to make for faster drying times. With these nappies, the waterproof outer layer and absorbent inner layer can be washed and dried separately.

Aplix: Aplix is a brand name like Velcro and hook and loop. It is used to fasten nappies rather than snaps.

Bamboo: Fabric made from the bamboo plant. It resembles cotton but is softer, more absorbent and has antibacterial qualities. Available in fleece, terry and velour.

Booster: An additional piece of absorbent material placed inside a nappy to increase its absorbency.

Cloth Wipes: A fabric square, often of flannel or terry, that is used instead of a disposable wipe.

Cover: A cover is used over fitted nappies or traditional terry squares to stop wetness from leaking through onto baby’s clothing. Covers are usually made from waterproof breathable fabric such as PUL (polyurethane laminate), wool or 100% polyester fleeces.

Flat Nappy: Traditional terry toweling square nappies that need to be folded in to a nappy shape and either pinned on or attached using a snappi nappy fastener.

Fitted Nappy: Are a sewn shaped nappy made out of various materials including flannelette, bamboo or hemp. They close with either hook and loop or snaps. Fitted nappies are used with a cover.

Flannelette: Very soft densely woven cotton used for fitted nappies, lining of AIO’s, boosters and for absorbent layers within nappies and boosters.

Hemp: Hemp is an absorbent fabric made from the pulp of the hemp plant.

Hook and Loop: A generic name for velcro, apilix and touch tape, which are all used as fasteners for nappy products.

Liner: A liner is used directly under baby’s bottom to both keep it dry and also to make disposing and cleaning off of poo easier. Liners may be cloth or disposable.

MCN: Modern Cloth Nappies.

Polyurethane laminate (PUL): is a soft clear coating of polyurethane that is applied to the back of fabrics resulting in a product that is both waterproof and has a small amount of breathability.

Pocket Nappy: A nappy made by sewing together a waterproof liner and a cover, leaving an opening, or pocket, for adding absorbent material. For wet nappies, just the stuffing can be changed rather than the entire nappy. Pocket nappies are a fast drying and convenient nappy.

Prefold: Prefolds are prefolded terry, flanelette, hemp or bamboo nappies.

PUL: Polyurethane Laminate.

Snaps: Snaps, or press-studs, are used to fasten nappies. They are positioned either at the front, the side or the back.

Suedecloth: A 100% polyester fabric that is super soft to the touch. It is used as the lining in nappies and draws wetness away from babies skin. It is highly stain resistant.

Velour: Velour is a velvety fabric made from a mix of cotton and polyester for cotton velour, or bamboo and polyester for bamboo velour.

Wool: Wool refers to fabric woven or knitted from the shorn hairs of sheep, goats, or llamas/alpacas. Nappy covers made from wool are naturally durable, breathable and water resistant.