Nappy glossary

If you’re totally baffled by all the nappy jargon, this is the page where it’s all spelled out for you, in plain ol' English. All types of things are explained below, some with a handy illustration of what we are on about. If there’s something you can’t find on this page and it’s really keeping you awake at night then why not drop us a line on the contacts page and we will be happy to help.

Follow the links for examples.

A

All in one nappy: A "one piece" nappy combining an integral waterproof wrap and a soft inner lining to go next to babies skin, inserts are sown in at the back and can be partially pulled out for washing.

Aplix: Brand name of hook and loop fastening like Velcro.

B

*Biodegradable/flushable liners: Nappy liners which look like thin paper which can be disposed of by composting or flushing away.

*Birth to potty nappies: Nappies which are designed to fit a baby from birth to potty training by means of adjusting the rise and the waistband at the front of the nappy. Rows of poppers are positioned vertically for the rise and poppers or velcro are positioned horizontally for the waistband.

*Booster: Layers of absorbent fabric for placing inside a nappy to boost its normal absorbency. Can be helpful for heavy wetters or night time nappies.

C

Cotton nappy: Another name for re-usable/washable/cloth/real nappies.

Cover/wrap : This is the outer part of the nappy. It is generally made from PVC or PUL (polyurethane laminate) which creates a water proof barrier on the outside of the nappy. Wraps can also be made of wool or polyester fleece. The latter two work by letting any liquids evaporate from the nappy naturally. Can be fastened with hook and loop, poppers, or can just be pull-on’s.

D

Dry pailing: Storing soiled nappies in a bucket with no added water or sanatiser, before washing.

E

F

Fleece: Non absorbent fabric (normally acrylic or polyester) used to make liners, boosters and wraps.

*Hemp: Hemp is often used to make nappies and inserts because it is naturally more absorbent that microterry, although it may take longer to dry because of this. It is also a lot more slim line as well, meaning that a nappy is less bulky and more absorbent, RESULT! Hemp inserts and nappies will need pre-washing at least 3 times (once at 60 degrees) to work adequately and will not reach maximum absorbancy untill around the 8 washes.

I

J

L

*Liners: A washable (Polyester fleece) or biodegradable layer (cellulose) which goes next to your babies skin inside the nappy to collect poo so it can be flushed down the loo. Wee passes through into the nappy.

M

N

*Nappy buckets: A nappy with a lid for collecting nappies to soak or for dry pailing.

*Nappy nets/mesh: A drawstring, mesh bag for lining a nappy bucket to collect nappies. Once full it can be moved straight to the washing machine without having to handle the nappies again.

*Nappy nippas: A brand name of flexible plastic nappy fastener to replace the good old fashioned safety pin. For use on terries and other nappies with no popper or hook and loop fastenings. Works by gripping fabric tight with little plastic teeth.

O

P

Popper: Usually plastic snap fastener used on nappies and wraps.

*Pre folds: A rectangle of material stitched into three sections, the middle section being thicker and more absorbent than the outer two. A terry with some of the folding done for you.

PUL: Polyurethane laminate is a waterproof yet breathable plastic used for wraps and many nappy outer’s.

*Pull on pants: Also called trainer pants, they are stretchy like normal pants and pull on without opening at the sides. Great for potty training.

R

Re-usable nappy: Another term for a washable/real /cotton/cloth nappy.

S

Sized nappy: Nappies which come in different sizes to fit your baby at different weights. For example small, medium and large.  As opposed to a birth to potty nappy which will fit them all the way through to potty training. 

Soaking: Keeping nappies in a bucket of water until they are ready for washing, can also add nappy sanatiser. This is not necessary for many modern nappies.

Stuffable nappy/pocket nappy: These nappies have a fleece lining and a waterproof outer and a hole at the back for an absorbent insert.

*Swim nappies: Plastic pants for swimming; they catch poo but not wee.

T

*Trainer pants: Also called pull on pants, they are stretchy like normal pants and pull on without opening at the sides. Great for potty training.

Two part nappy: Consists of an 2 sections; an inner layer (Flat nappy or shaped nappy) and an outer layer. (waterproof wrap/cover)

V

W

*Wet bags/nappy bags: Water tight, drawstring bag for collecting soiled nappies when your out and about.

Wicking: When wee soaks through a nappy and onto clothing. Can happen when clothing comes into contact with the inside part of a nappy or if a nappy is saturated. Fleece linings and regular nappy changes help to prevent this.

*Wraps/cover: This is the outer part of the nappy. It is generally made from PVC or PUL (polyurethane laminate) which creates a water proof barrier on the outside of the nappy. Wraps can also be made of wool or polyester fleece. The latter two work by letting any liquids evaporate from the nappy naturally. Can be fastened with hook and loop, poppers, or can just be pull-on’s.