definitions of diaper style terms

FITTED: Shaped to fit, elasticized legs, adjustable velcro or snap waist closure. These diapers are great for containing blowouts. Cover needed. When using this style, the diaper cover can be used over and over throughout the day as the diaper contains any mess.

PINNABLE: Shaped to fit, elasticized legs, no velcro or snap waist closure. Pins needed. These diapers are also great for containing blowouts. Cover needed. When using this style, the diaper cover can be used over and over throughout the day as the diaper contains any mess.

CONTOURED: Shaped with no elastic around the legs. Some come with adjustable waist closure, some without (for use with pins). These diapers tend toward a lot of blowouts as there is no elasticized leg gathering to contain the mess. Cover needed. Cover usually needs to be changed each time a messy diaper is changed.

FLAT: Diaper is one ply square fabric. Folding and pinning necessary. Cover needed. Cover usually needs to be changed each time a messy diaper is changed.

PREFOLD: Multiple ply diaper, usually sewn in thickness of 2×4x2. No folding but pins necessary. Cover needed. Cover usually needs to be changed each time a messy diaper is changed.

ALL-IN-ONE: Diaper and cover sewn together. No cover needed. Whole unit needs to be changed with each diaper change. Can be very expensive (see above).