Diaper Covers

Choosing between cloth and disposable diapers is one tough decision. And regardless what type parents choose, they are still going to make more decisions like choosing brands and materials for both, as well as accessories for cloth diapers, such as diaper covers.

One of the most essential elements in the cloth diaper system is the diaper cover. This works to waterproof the cloth diaper worn by the baby. Diaper covers are defined as the wool, fleece, waterproof fabric, or their combination, which are placed over the contoured, pre-folded, or fitted diapers, so as to prevent leaks.

There are a lot of various styles of diaper covers available, and these do not even necessarily have to be changed whenever the baby has a nappy change. Airing them out between nappy changes, and re-using them right after can be done.

When choosing diaper covers, it is important to look for those with breathable materials. It is necessary that they provide ease of use since convenience is a major element of choice. Make sure also that the openings are not too tight. Otherwise, these will cause discomfort and red marks to appear on the skin.

Before you decide what particular diaper covers to buy, you should have chosen the type of diaper to use. This is due to the fact that there are certain diaper covers which are more suitable for use with a particular type of diaper as well. That is, there are those which perform better with a pre-folded cloth diaper. Others are more suitable with the contoured types.

The number of diaper covers that babies need is based on the diapering system used. For example, if the baby is exclusively wearing diapers which necessitate the use of diaper covers, then it is best that you have about 5 to 8 pieces. Even if you will not be changing them as often as you change the diapers, you still need to have some spares when the others are being washed.

Caring for the diaper covers is fairly easy. One important thing to keep in mind is that these require separate washings from the diapers. Also, it is not advisable to use bleaches, regardless what type they may be. Other things that should be avoided when washing the diaper covers are: borax, stain removers, whitening agents, and liquid concentrates.

Since diaper covers tend to dry fast, it is not necessary to put them in the dryer. However, if you insist on using the dryer to dry them out, make sure that they are only in for not more than 20 minutes. If they’re still damp after such time, you can simply just line dry them. Those who have wool diaper covers do not have to do washings as often as those who are using other types. The wool covers may be used up to two weeks without washing, unless they’re soiled. Wool is known to possess natural oils. These are capable of evaporating moisture, neutralizing odors, and keeping the wetness away from the baby’s skin.

Although wool diaper covers are convenient and economical, they still require lanolizing, aside from the regular washing. A wool wash contains lanolin. Washing wool involves hand washing in cold water and wool wash. Drying may be done by hanging it dry or rolling it in a dry cloth or towel. Wool diaper covers necessitate washing if they smell like baby’s mess, or if they’re already holding moisture.

With diapers covers to ensure zero leaks, cloth diapers are not such a bad choice after all. Moreover, they make cleaning the baby’s mess so much cheaper, and a lot more environmentally-friendly.