CLOTH NAPPY The absorbent part of your washable nappy system. May be described as a washable nappy, cloth nappy, reusable nappy, real nappy - all these are general terms describing the same thing.

WRAP The waterproof part of your washable nappy system. This goes on the outside, over the nappy, to protect clothing from getting wet. The main types are polyester, fleece, cotton or wool. Cotton wraps contain some lamination to make them waterproof.

LINER Goes inside the nappy, next to baby's skin. Flushable or disposable liners offer easy poo disposal, while fleece liners keep baby feeling dry.

NAPPY NIPPA Plastic nappy fastening device, developed as a safe alternative to pins. No more pricked fingers! Only needed if the nappy doesn't have any fastenings of it's own (ie velcro/poppers).

APLIX Stronger form of Velcro, commonly used on nappies and wraps.

DRY PAILING This means storing used nappies in a bucket (pail) without soaking them (dry, in other words). Add a couple of drops of tea tree or lavender essential oil to the bottom of the bucket to combat any undesirable smells!

BOOSTER Additional pad of fabric, usually terry, which can be added to the nappy to increase absorbency for nights or longer periods of wear. Useful for heavy wetting babies. Some boosters have a layer of fleece on one side, so you don't need to use a separate nappy liner.

If you can't find the term you're looking for, please e-mail me (christine@plushpants.co.uk) and ask, and I'll add it to this page.