How Do I Choose the Right Diaper Cover?

Once you learn how to get the right size cloth diaper for your baby, choosing the right diaper cover is the next step.

Diaper covers wrap-around or pull-on over cloth diapers to provide a thin, water proof or water resistant layer between the absorbent cloth diaper and baby's clothes, bedding, or other surfaces. Some cloth diapers have this protective fabric sewn as an exterior layer, but when they don't, diaper covers are a necessity.

Cloth diaper covers are available in three (3) basic types - wraps, pull-ons and side-snaps; among these types, the fabrics and cuts of the style will vary. Below we will discuss the types of diaper covers and then tackle the diaper fabrics used in their construction.

Cloth Diaper Wraps or Wrap-Style Diaper Covers

Cloth Diaper Wraps work very much like disposable diapers. Baby is placed atop an open diaper cover, and the side tabs (a.k.a. 'wings') wrap around baby to either Velcro or snap to the front portion of the diaper cover. This style of diaper cover is extremely popular because it fits snuggly without the need for diaper pins or the Snappi Diaper Fastener.

Because cloth diaper wraps must fit snug to hold diaper firmly in place, it is imperative that accurate measurements are taken and the right size is used, otherwise moisture will seep out the leg or waist openings.

We carry several cloth diaper wraps, in varying colors, prints, styles and fabric choices:

• Bummis Super Whisper Wrap - Easily the most hard-working cloth diaper cover on the market, the Bummis Super Whisper Wrap stands up to even the most rigorous demands of industrial washing and drying.
• Bummis Super Brite Diaper Cover - Just as hard-working as the Bummis Super Whisper Wrap above, the Bummis Super Brite Diaper Cover is known for its colorful, lightweight, and waterproof prints - a bit more fun than the standard white.
• Bummis Super Snap Wrap - For those who love the durability and fit of the Bummis Super Whisper Wrap, but dislike Velcro closures, the Bummis Super Snap Wrap is perfect. Well-placed plastic snaps secure this cloth diaper cover securely to baby for a comfortable fit.
• Bummis Fleece Diaper Cover - The Bummis Super Soft Fleece Diaper Cover is also known as the Polar Bummi. Constructed from a high quality, Canadian-made micro fleece, the Polar Bummi is breathable, light-weight, and oh, so soft! Sized more generously than a standard cloth diaper wrap, it will fit over the abundantly stuffed night-time diapers easily.
• Thirsties Diaper Cover - Thirsties Diaper Covers are known best for their Lastin elastic wrapped in soft bindings at the waist and thighs. Combined with leg gussets, these cloth diaper wraps provide an extra barrier for leak protection - keeping moisture from wicking onto baby's clothes.
• Bumkins Diaper Cover - Bumkins Diaper Covers are the trimmest wrap-style cloth diaper cover we offer. An internal elastic encased at the thigh, along with extra leg gussets prevent moisture from leaking into baby's clothing. We recommend these for families using prefold diapers, with the high cut of the legs and the narrow wings, Bumkins Diaper Covers are perfect when used with prefold diapers.
• Wonder Wrap One-Size Diaper Cover - The Wonder Wrap One-Size Diaper Cover is made from a high quality, waterproof laminate sandwiched between two layers of super soft polyester knit fabric. The 3-snap rise adjustment and unique, channelled waist elastic allows for a full stretch and fit.
• Imse Vimse Organic Cotton Diaper Cover - The Imse Vimse Organic Cotton Diaper Cover is made from soft, organic cotton on the outside and a soft polyester inside. Pliable and adjustable, the Imse Vimse Organic Cotton Diaper Covers are generously sized and fit well over both prefold and fitted style cloth diapers.
• Imse Vimse Soft Cover - The Imse Vimse Soft Diaper Cover is lightweight, durable and super soft. A PREMIUM diaper cover, it features double leg gussets trimmed with lycra to prevent leaks and an extra wide front velcro panel for ease of tab placement and a more customized fit.
• Imse Vimse Wool Diaper Cover - The Imse Vimse Wool Diaper Cover is another one of our PREMIUM diaper covers, with maximum air circulation. The 100% felted merino wool fibers are undyed and make for the best all-natural protection against leaks. The soft elastic at the waist is gentle on baby, and double leg guessets protect against leaks.

Pull-On Cloth Diaper Covers

Pull-On Covers are the most basic covers available. In general, parents use pull-on covers over fitted diapers because pull-on diaper covers do not fit snuggly enough to secure a prefold diaper in place. When using a pull-on diaper cover over prefold diapers, diaper pins and/or Snappi Fasteners are required.

A simple, economical diaper cover, pull-on diaper covers offer wetness protection with less bulk and can easily move into the potty-training months with baby.

We have selected three, hardy styles of pull-on cloth diaper covers for our store:

• Bummis Whisper Pant Diaper Cover - The Bummis Whisper Pant Diaper Cover is a lightweight, pull-on diaper cover made from waterproof nylon. These ARE NOT plastic pants! The Whisper Pant breathes, allowing heat to escape while keeping moisture inside the diaper cover. The stretchy lycra bindings at thigh and waist provide a comfortable, custom-fit for any baby.
• Aristocrats Wool Soaker - The Aristocrat Wool Soaker is a perfect all-natural choice for night-time diapering. Generously sized to fit well over ANY STYLE of cloth diaper, this wool soaker will help maintain baby's normal body temperature while keeping their clothes and bedding dry.
• Aristocrats Wool Longies - The Aristocrat Wool Longies are an absorbent, stretchy, double-layered, wool cover that pull-on easily over any style cloth diaper. The perfect leak-resistant pajama bottoms, Aristocrat Wool Longies are made from natural fibers that can store water vapour up to 35 percent its own weight and yet remain absolutely dry to the touch. We recommend these wool longies for night-time or around the house cloth diapering.

The most observed downside to the pull-on covers is the nature of the removal. If a child has an especially dirty diaper, the only way to remove the cover, which may be soiled, is to slide it down baby's legs. This means any poop on the cover may end up on baby's legs or clothing.

Side-Snapping Diaper Covers

Side-Snapping Diaper Covers are very similar to Pull-On Diaper covers in that they do not fit as secure or as snug as the Wrap-Style Cloth Diaper Covers. The snaps are located on the left and right sides of the diaper cover and snap to hold it in place. The snaps do not allow for much adjustability or customization of fit, so take care to choose the right size diaper cover to prevent against leaks.

Though there are a few side-snapping diaper covers available on the market, we do not carry them. Our inventory reflects the most effective cloth diaper covers on the market, and the side-snapping diaper covers are simply not as adjustable as the cloth diaper wraps and pull-on diaper covers we carry.

Cloth Diaper Cover Fabrics

The fabrics used for cloth diaper covers are varied and so, they differ in their strengths and weaknesses. Some materials, such as nylon, vinyl or PUL (Polyurethane laminate), provide a complete, waterproof barrier over cloth diapers, but cannot 'breathe'. On the other hand, natural fabrics such as wool or natural/synthetic fabric blends like polyester fleece, are more breathable, although only water resistant.

Nylon - Nylon Covers are very thin and flexible. These covers are waterproof and can be washed as normal and either air dried or dried on medium heat. Nylon covers do not retain odors, making them a nice diaper cover to have in your long-term stash.

Vinyl - Vinyl Covers are made from a heavy-duty material that cracks and breaks-down very quickly. Vinyl covers are what so many people associate with their grandmother's cloth diapers; discolored, hot and sticky.

Though you might find cheap vinyl diaper covers at your local grocery store or super center, we do not suggest using these over your baby's cloth diapers, because vinyl traps heat against baby's skin because unlike nylon, it cannot breathe at all.

PUL - PUL (Polyurethane laminate) is completely waterproof; usually found sandwiched between two layers of fabric or left exposed on the inside of a diaper cover, PUL can be washed and dried normally. PUL may retain odors over time.

Wool - Wool can boast the best longevity of any fabric available. Recommended for nights or other times when leaks will most likely occur, wool covers must be washed carefully by hand and air-dried to retain their shape and natural water barrier, lanolin.

Wool is highly breathable and naturally anti-bacterial, which can help prevent diaper rash and naturally resists odor build up.

Fleece - Fleece is soft and flexible. Fleece does not require any special washing instructions and is highly breathable. Much like wool, fleece covers are water resistant, but not water proof. Fleece diaper covers may retain odors if they are not washed regularly.

Choosing a diaper cover is pretty straightforward once you get the right size cloth diaper. Both diaper covers and their fabrics, fit best with specific cloth diaper styles and fabrics. If you still aren't certain which diaper cover, style or fabric would work best for your baby or toddler, contact us and we'll help you decide.