Diaper Covers

If you’re planning to use cloth diapers for your baby, you’ll need diaper covers. Diaper covers help keep diapers in place and prevent leaks. In years past, plain plastic covers were the only choice, but today mothers can choose from several different kinds of diaper covers.

Today, plastic covers are still available and they are still the least expensive choice in diaper covers. However, they are not breathable, and may contribute to diaper rash in your baby. In addition, plastic covers don’t last very long, particularly if you put them in the clothes dryer. Some other choices in diaper covers include:

• Nylon covers – These are a bit more expensive, are also lightweight, but they don’t tear as easily as plastic. To avoid chafing, be sure the cover has brushed or coated elastic around the leg and waist.
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Wool diaper covers - These are very breathable and comfortable. They are not as waterproof as the plastic covers, however, they are water-resistant.
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Fleece covers – These are also breathable, and are great for babies who are sensitive to wool.
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Polyester covers – These covers are waterproof and breathable, as well as long-lasting. They come with a brushed outer finish for a soft texture.

The wool, fleece and polyester covers have snap or Velcro closures so that they don’t have to be pulled up over the feet. This makes them particularly convenient when your baby is young and when he’s already dressed in pants. You can buy them in many colors and designs, so that baby looks dressed even when wearing diapers.

In addition to using diaper covers you can also add liners or inserts to your diapers. Liners give extra absorbency to allow you to go longer before changing baby’s diapers, as you might want to do overnight. You can purchase disposable liners or reusable ones that can be washed. The reusable liners are often faced with polyester, which keeps moisture away from the skin, preventing diaper rash. Inserts are much like liners, except they are far more absorbent. An insert can actually double the absorbency of your diaper, but they are far bulkier than liners.

Experiment with different types of liners until you find those that work best for you and baby. If you like to sew, you can also make your own diaper covers. In fact you can find free diaper cover patterns on the Internet and at many fabric stores. Making your own diaper covers allows you to coordinate them with your baby’s wardrobe better than buying them off the rack.

Diaper covers have come a long way from when we were children. Today, cloth diapering is far easier and more comfortable, in part because of diaper covers!