Cloth Diaper Covers

Diaper covers can pretty much be grouped into two categories: pull-on covers or fastening covers. Pull-on diaper covers go on like a pair of shorts. They have a stretchy waist and may use a drawstring or an elasticised waist for adjsutability. Wool diaper covers are often pull-on style, as are old-fashioned vinyl or rubber pants.

Fastening covers come in two basic styles as well: snaps or hook and loop tape (like Velcro(r)). Most fastening diaper covers fasten at the sides or in the front, although a few brands come with back fastening tabs.

Different people like different styles of diaper covers. There is no right or wrong diaper cover as long as it works for your child.

This is a fleece diaper cover made by me. It snaps in the front and is made with waterproof fleece.

Synthetic diaper covers are easy to care for and contain moisture well. Snug-fitting covers can help provide a barrier for messes as well. Synthetic diaper covers can be made from fleece or a waterproof fabric such as PUL (polyurethane laminate) or Procare. Synthetic diaper covers are easy to care for but are not usually as breathable as wool. Snug-fitting diaper covers such as those made by Thirsties and Bummis will actually hold a prefold diaper on without diaper pins or a Snappi. Looser fitting diaper covers such as those from Stacinator require a fitted cloth diaper or snugly fastened prefold underneath.

These are Stacinator diaper covers.

PUL (polyurethane laminate) is the most popular diaper cover fabric. PUL is also used to make other types of diapers. The two brands of diaper covers most highly rated on the DiaperPin review site are Thirsties and Bummis. The floral cover at the top if this page is a Bummis Super Whisper Wrap. The cloth diaper cover pictured here is a Thirsties diaper cover. Both are excellent quality and offer exceptional value in cloth diaper covers.

Wool makes a great diaper cover. It is breathable, durable, natural, biodegradable and with proper care, wool diaper covers are easy to use and great at keeping baby dry. Wool can also absorb 30% of it's own weight in moisture before feeling damp. Wool is also great any time of year. While most people think of wool as a winter fabric, it's breathability makes it perfect for hot or cold weather. Wool covers work best over a very absorbent diaper. You can find pull on style wool covers made from fabric or handknit or crocheted. Hook and loop style wool covers are made by several companies including Imse Vimse. Wool covers require less frequent washing than synthetic covers and they do require application of lanolin every few washes so they will stay water-resistant. Learn how to lanolize a wool diaper cover. This is an Imse Vimse wool diaper cover.

Another wonderful option for cloth diaper covers is shorts or pants made from wool. You get all the advantages of wool without having to mess with an extra layer of clothing. Wool shorties and longies are often made with beautiful hand-dyed wool yarn. You can find wool artisans and talented women who will make handmade wool on Hyena Cart.

You can also find wonderful handmade wool pants from wool interlock. This is a pair I made with hand-dyed pink wool interlock.

Old-fashioned pull-on style vinyl pants do not fit well. They do not hold messes in well. They are hard to get on and off. If there is a mess it spreads as you try to remove them. They hold odors. They are hard to wash. They do not hold up well. But, they are cheap!