Say what??

The funniest thing about starting the mcn journey is working out the lingo. I can remember guessing what some of the abbreviations meant only to feel like a proper idiot when realising that MCN did not in fact mean 'my child's nappy'. What drives me crazy is when modern cloth nappy websites use the abbreviations and fancy pants words without explaining what the heck it all means. So here is a quick run down on all that confusing stuff.

MCN - Modern Cloth Nappy (well duh)
AIO - All in one, so basically a nappy that can be used just like a disposable - don't throw it away though! Easy on , easy off and water proof.
AI2 - All in 2, the sister of the AIO. The difference is the AI2 has a water proof shell that you attach 'boosters' too.
OSFA or OSFM - One size fits all or most. The latter description is far more appropriate when talking about mcn's because I have some OSFA nappies that do not fit all!!
SIO - Now this means Snap In One and is used with Itti Bitti nappies but it's still a AI2 really.
PUL - Polyurethane Laminate, this is the water proof stuff on the inside of the nappy.

Now all this is well and good but what about things like pocket nappies and boosters and what on earth is a tri fold??
Pocket Nappies are usually like an AIO so it has a waterproof shell with a thin layer of absorbent material in the gusset. The nappy has a pocket, usually at the back which you stuff boosters into. Simple right? But what's a booster?
Boosters are more absorbent material for your mcn's. It can either be for pockets nappies or AI2 where they snap into the inside of the nappy. You can also buy extra boosters for big wetters for most brands.

Oh here's a good one - fitted nappies. Now you would think that all mcn's would be fitted and you'd be pretty much right but 'fitted' is a term used for nappies made from multiple layers of an absorbent material and sewn together into a the shape of a baby's backside. I use these predominately as the ones I have are OSFM (yeah see how I slipped that in there?) and are made from natural fibres. They do need a separate PUL cover but really it's an individual preference.

And then there are Flats and Tri Folds. Flats are like the old style nappies - big, square pieces of absorbent material that you found into a paper crane :P Kidding. There are so many ways to fold these nappys (mainly made from cotton so are super quick drying but need a separate PUL cover and pins or snappi's to hold in place). Tri folds are very similar to flats but usually have stitching to highlight where to fold it so it becomes a tri fold. These also need a cover but no pins.

So have I bored you yet? I know this probably is old turf to many of you but some newbies need a bit of a mcn-ducation so that's just a little snippet. Over the next few posts I will be discussing the trials and tribulations of finding the perfect mcn for your little munchkins so stay tuned. Oh and for those who want to try some mcn's for free sign up to the My Green Nappy Initiative! It's a simple hunt where by you look for the answers to questions found on sponsors sites. Look here http://www.mygreennappy.org/my-green-promise-nappy/register-to-enter-the-green-promise-nappy-initiative/ to register and play. Good luck!