How Do I Pick the Right Diaper Covers?

After finding the answer to "How do I get the right size diaper?", the next step is choosing a diaper cover.

A diaper cover is simply a protective layer that goes on over any cloth diaper. The diaper cover can be water proof or water resistant. A few different styles are available, and each of these styles is available are different materials.

Diaper Cover Styles
There are three basic styles of diaper covers – wraps, pull-ons and side snaps.

Wrap Diaper Covers – Wrap diaper covers work very much like disposable diapers. Baby is laid on top of the open cover, and the wings present at the sides wrap around and either Velcro or snap in place over the baby’s hip or stomach. These diaper covers fit snuggly and can hold a diaper in place without diaper pins. As it is a snug fit, it is imperative that measurements be accurate to ensure the cover does not allow moisture to seep out at the leg or waist openings.

Pull-on Covers – These covers work much like underpants. They simply pull on over most styles of cloth diapers. They are often the most economical cover available and are simple to use.

Simple pull-on nylon covers are the most basic covers, but you can also use full wool soakers for better breathability and protection. In general, parents use pull-on covers with fitted cloth diapers. They do not hold a prefold diaper in place, so if using this style of diaper, diaper pins or snappi diaper fasteners must be used. These covers provide a simple and economical barrier or wetness protection outside the diaper itself.

The greatest 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 Covers – Side snapping covers are similar to pull-on styles in that they cannot be secured as snuggly. They have snaps on either side of the diaper cover to hold the cover in place, but do not have the adjustability that the wings found on diaper wraps offer. They cannot securely hold a prefold diaper in place, so the diaper must be fastened under the cover.

Diaper Cover Materials
The material used in a diaper cover has different properties. Some materials, such as nylon, vinyl or PUL (Polyurethane laminate), are totally waterproof and thus do not technically breathe. Natural fabrics such as wool or polyester fleece are more breathable, however, are 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 with medium heat. They do not retain odors over time. Cotton coated fabrics are much the same as nylon, but might be water resistant rather than water proof.

Vinyl – Vinyl is a heavy-duty material, but it cracks and breaks down very quickly. It discolors overtime and is rarely used for diaper covers as it has been replaced by other waterproof materials. Vinyl diaper covers are still available at grocery stores and other retail stores. We do not suggest using these over your baby's cloth diapers because they do ont breathe, and therefore, trap heat aginst baby's skin.

PUL – Polyurethane laminate is a very strong fabric that is totally waterproof. It is usually sandwiched between two layers of fabric or left exposed on the inside of the cover. It can be washed and dried normally, but may retain odors over time.

Wool – With its special properties, wool is ideal for longevity. It is able to absorb up to 35 percent of its own dry weight without feeling wet, so it recommended for nights or other times when leaks will most likely occur. Wool covers must be washed carefully by hand to retain their natural water barrier, lanolin, and must air dry. 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. It 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 or if they are exposed to fabric softeners.

Choosing a diaper cover is pretty straightforward once you find the perfect fitting cloth diaper. Diaper covers and their fabrics, as described above, normally have one or two different diaper covers that work best with them. 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.