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Choosing Your Diaper Covers

Buttons Diaper Covers

Diaper covers are the waterproof outer layer that goes over an absorbent cloth diaper.

CLOTH DIAPER LINGO: PUL = PolyUrethane Laminate, a thin save plastic coating added to polyester or cotton fabric to create a waterproof layer that is used on the outside of reusable diaper covers.

Every diapering system needs both moisture absorbency and moisture resistance. When you use cloth diapers made from all-natural, absorbent materials---fitted diapers, prefolds, or flat diapers---you will also need a waterproof layer around the outside.

Wraps or Pull-up Diaper Covers

Diaper covers can be an hourglass shape similar to that of a fitted diaper, or they can be a pair of shorts that pull on similar to underwear.

  • Wraps- Advantages: snug fit with leg gussets, adjust fit by either snaps or hook and loop (like VelcroTM).
  • Pull-ups- Advantages: loose fit means no adjustments necessary, very quick to put on.
    Disadvantages: if they get soiled, you will end up dragging the mess down baby's legs

How many diaper covers do I need?

We suggest a minimum of 4 cloth diaper covers, but it truly depends on how often you wish to do laundry.  Often times covers do not get soiled and can be easily rinsed or used immediately again.  Since the outside cover is what you see most often on a diapered baby, some parents choose diaper covers in bright colors and fun prints. Together with a T-shirt, this is a cute and easy summer outfit.

Snaps or Aplix?

More than 2/3 of our customers choose snaps over aplix.  This is due mainly to durability.  If you are planning on using your covers for multiple children, then snaps are less likely to wear out.  Also, older toddlers and babies have more difficult of a time removing their diaper when it is attached with snaps.  A distinct disadvantage of snaps is that due to the spacing of snaps it is harder to get as secure of a fit when compared to aplix and it takes longer and can be a little more difficult to fasten during midnight diaper changes in the dark.

Aplix is an excellent solution for newborns, caregivers, or nighttime diaper changes.  You can usually get a much more custom fit when using aplix covers. Today's aplix covers like Miosoft Diaper Covers, come with extra wide velcro that holds up longer than traditional aplix covers.  Drawbacks of aplix are durability and that older infants have an easier time removing their own diapers.  Aplix covers come with laundry tabs that need to be utilized so that the aplix does not attach to your cloth diapers.  

One Size, Two Size or Three?

The trade off is between the quality of the fit and the number of covers you will have to buy.  One size covers are adjustable over a range of sizes so you will need fewer sizes and thus spend less.  However, the greater the size range for the cover the bulkier and puffier around the middle the cover will be for babies in the low end of the size range.  For two size covers this is less true and for covers that don't adjust by size the fit is generally better.  All of these are effective in preventing leaks as the waist and legs adjust to baby for a secure fit. Customer like all these options and each of these options has it's own following.

Prints or Solids?

Diaper covers can be cute or plain white.  It's up to you to decide cute or practical.  This is the fun part!

Cloth Diaper Covers