UsedClothDiapersWhen browsing the buy and sell section for used cloth diapers, you may see some abbreviations that you’ve never seen before. Fear not, I am here to help!

First, here are a few definitions of terms that I use to describe the abbreviations that you may be unfamiliar with:

 Pilling – Pilling is the formation of little “pill-sized” lint balls on the inside of a diaper. While these balls can easily be removed by a de-fuzzer, the amount of pills on a diaper is an easy indicator as to how much life the diaper has previously seen.

 Snags – Snags are like stretch-marks for diapers; they are not tears or punctures.

BN – Brand New

This term is used for diapers that are new diapers, with the packaging and all components. This diaper should not have been worn or washed. The inside colour of a polyester or cotton diaper should be bright white, and the inserts should still be fluffy and bright white. If the diaper is bamboo, the inside and inserts should be a light beige/cream. There should be absolutely no pilling or fading inside or out, and all parts of the original package will be included (multiple liners, extra snaps or velcro strips, etc).

LN – Like New

This term is used for diapers that are JUST like new diapers, less the packaging and price tag. While this diaper may be prepared for use (washed once), the inside colour of a polyester or cotton diaper should be bright white, and the inserts should still be fluffy and bright white. If the diaper is bamboo, the inside and inserts should be a light beige/cream. There should be absolutely no pilling or fading inside or out, and all parts of the original package will be included (multiple liners, extra snaps or velcro strips, etc).

 EUC – Excellent Used Condition

This term is used for diapers that are basically new, but have been washed or used a few times. It should be difficult to differentiate between this EUC diaper and a new one by sight. There should be very little (if any) pilling, all snaps should be properly working, no lint or fuzz stuck in the velcro, and both the inside of the diaper and inserts should be fluffy and white.

 VGUC – Very Good Used Condition

This term is used for diapers that are still in great condition, usually having been part of a larger rotation, or only used for a little while. A VGUC may have a couple of the following flaws: a little bit of pilling, a little bit of lint or fuzz stuck in the velcro, and may have light staining on the inside of the diaper.

 FUC/GUC – Fair Used Condition/Good Used Condition

This term is used for diapers that are completely functional still, but have multiple flaws on the inside including minor staining, pilling, small snags. The insert may also show some minor stains and may appear less fluffy. The leg elastics should still be in great shape, but the velcro might have lint or fuzz, and may be starting to lose the “stick” as compared to a brand new diaper.

 UC – Used Condition

This term is used for diapers that, while it is clear to the eye that the diaper is used, is still completely functional and has some diaper life left to it. These diapers likely have stains and pills on the inside of the liner, and the inserts will likely appear flat and stained. Velcro will have lint and fluff stuck to it, and the “stick” tabs may start to stick less and curl slightly. The leg elastic may be starting to relax.

 INOR/NR – In Need Of Repair/Needs Repair

This term is used for diapers that are in need of repair. These diapers are not expected to be functional without some kind of reparation, including but not limited to a new elastic, snap, or velcro. Always ask for clarification if the flaws are not clearly explained.

In all cases of trading and buying used diapers, if anything is ever unclear, or if you have additional questions – ASK them before making the purchase. If you are allergic to animals/smoke, make sure they are coming from a pet-free/smoke-free home.

Other Common Terms You Might See On Forums

AIO – All-In-One Diaper – the liner is connected to the actual diaper

AI2 – All-In-Two Diaper – generally, the liner is a snap-in

APLIX – Just like Velcro

BOV – Bamboo Organic Velour

BV – Bamboo Velour

CD – Cloth Diaper

CPF – Chinese Pre-Folds

Crunchy – Term to describe someone who is focused on keeping things natural and “earthy”

DSQ – Diaper Service Quality

DWR – Durable Water Repellent – used to re-waterproof diapers

EC – Elimination Comminucation

EO – Essential Oil

FFS – Free (Except) For Shipping

Fitted – hour-glass shaped “liner” used with diaper covers or wraps

FL – Front Loader Washing Machine

FLAG – Fits Like A Glove

FPP – Funded PayPal

FS – For Sale

FSOT – For Sale Or Trade

FT – For Trade

GN – Gender Neutral

NB – New Born

OBO – Or Best Offer

OC – Organic Cotton

OCV – Organic Cotton Velour

OS – One Size (generally from 7 lbs to 32 lbs)

OV – Organic Velour

PF – Prefolds

PP – PayPal

PPD – Postage Paid (Free Shipping)

PUL – Polyurethane Laminate (the waterproof layer on most diaper covers and pockets)

SAHM – Stay At Home Mom

Stripping – Running diapers under hot rinses to rid them of detergent buildup

WAHM – Work At Home Mom

Wagon – Going on the wagon is choosing to not buy anymore diapers

WIO – Wool-In-One – All-in-one with a wool cover

WS – Wool Soaker

YPA – You Pick All

Do you prefer to buy new or used? Why? Do you know of any other terms used that I missed? Please let me know in the comments!

Join our Community!

On top of a monthly newsletter with tips and tricks for cloth diapering, exclusive offers, and new releases available to members first, you also receive a one-time use coupon off for an extra 5% off your first purchase of $50 or more!

You have Successfully Subscribed!