Glossary of washable diapers

TE1, overlay, preplate, snappi… But what is this gibberish?

The vocabulary of washable diapers can seem confusing when you're starting out... So we've prepared a short guide with the most important terms you need to know.

A - Absorbent

Part of the urine-absorbing layer. It can be removable in TE2 or TE3 models, or integrated in TE1.

B - Sodium bicarbonate

Chemical powder used to enhance the action of laundry detergent and neutralize odors.

B - Booster

Extra absorbent added inside a diaper to increase its absorbency, ideal for nighttime or naps.

C - Layer

Refers to the washable product used to absorb urine and retain baby's stools.

C - Pocket diaper

Diaper with an opening allowing an absorbent to be inserted into an inner pocket.

C - Classic (or molded) diaper

Absorbent cloth diaper, often used with waterproof protective pants.

C - Swim diaper

Specially designed for swimming, does not swell in water and dries quickly.

C - Day layer

Optimized for a duration of 3-4 hours, thinner and quicker to install.

C - Night layer

More absorbent, ideal for 8-10 hours of sleep, often in two parts.

C - Scalable layer

Adapts to baby's growth, from birth to potty training.

C - Flat layer

Foldable fabric square, requiring a waterproof overlay.

C - Pre-flat layer

Similar to the flat diaper but with simpler folding, to be fixed with a snappi and an overlay.

C - One size diaper

Covers one size only, adjustable with snaps.

C - Outline

T-shaped absorbent for use with protective underwear.

C - Soda crystals

Used to clean diapers and remove laundry residue.

C - Training pants

Helps the child transition to potty training by adding an absorbent.

C - Protective panties

Waterproof part used with a classic, flat or pre-flat diaper.

D - Cleaning

Deep cleaning of diapers to remove detergent, cream or mineral residue.

E - Dry effect

Hydrophobic material such as microfleece prevents moisture from coming into contact with the skin.

E - Clogging

Accumulation of residue preventing optimal absorption, requiring cleaning.

E - Diaper rash

Skin irritation caused by moisture, laundry residue or poorly rinsed diapers.

F - Ox gall

Natural stain remover very effective against stubborn stains.

F - Washing net

Protects diapers and protective pants during washing.

G - GOTS

Certification guaranteeing organic and environmentally friendly textiles.

G - Gussets

Extra elastic at the thighs to prevent leaks.

H - HNI (Natural Infant Hygiene)

Method to identify baby's signals to eliminate without a diaper.

I - Insert

Absorbent used in TE2, TE3 or pocket diapers.

L - Lanolin

Greasy substance that waterproofs woolen panties.

L - Lange

Large square of absorbent fabric, used as a washable diaper.

L - Tie-up diaper

Version with ties to tie around baby.

L - Pre-folded diaper

Square of fabric with several thicknesses and markings for folding.

N - Nacelle

Waterproof part of a TE2 or TE3 where the absorbent is placed.

O - OEKO-TEX

Certification guaranteeing the absence of harmful substances in textiles.

O - Soaking operation

First step to making a new absorbent more effective.

P - PUL (Laminated Polyurethane)

Waterproof fabric used in protective pants.

P - Sodium percarbonate

Natural bleach and disinfectant for diapers.

R - Washing routine

Method of maintaining washable diapers to ensure their effectiveness.

S - Storage bag

Waterproof bag for storing dirty diapers on the go.

S - Diaper pail

Airtight container for storing soiled diapers at home.

S - Shorty

Wool overcoat that fits like shorts.

S - Snappi

T-shaped accessory used to secure diapers and pre-folds.

S - Overlay

Waterproof layer covering a non-waterproof absorbent.

S - T.Mac System

System patented by Hamac-Paris with a removable carrycot, making changing easier.

T - TE1 (All-in-One)

Washable diaper with absorbent sewn into the waterproof panty.

T - TE2 (All-in-Two)

Diaper with removable absorbent and reusable panties.

T - TE3 (All-in-Three)

Diaper with removable carrycot for even more flexibility.

V - Disposable & washable veil

Facilitates stool cleaning and protects diapers.

Trick

Wash your natural inserts several times before use to maximize their absorption.