The Best Diaper Covers
There is no one best diaper cover, but each mother will find one that suits her needs more than the rest. What you choose will depend on several factors, including the amount you can afford to spend, whether you prefer to use natural materials and what style of cover you find most convenient.
-
Wool Covers
-
Forget the scratchy, itchy wool sweaters that plagued your childhood. Wool diaper covers are soft and comfortable. Wool is a natural, breathable fiber that feels dry to the touch even when soaked. It is anti-bacterial, so wet diaper covers usually only need to be aired out rather than laundered. Another advantage is that wool covers are stretchy and so won't interfere with your baby's movement. On the downside, wool covers tend to be more expensive than other choices and also require more care --- they must be hand washed and occasionally treated with lanolin.
Polar Fleece Covers
-
The biggest advantage to polar fleece covers is that they wick moisture away from your baby's skin, leaving him feeling dry and happy. They are also less expensive than wool and can be machine-washed. Polar fleece, however, is a synthetic material, which concerns some parents.
-
Polyurethane Laminate or Nylon Covers
-
The downside to both polyurethane laminate (PUL) and nylon covers is that they are made from synthetic materials. However, they are breathable fabrics that keep your baby's skin from getting hot and prevent diaper rashes. They are relatively inexpensive and widely available. PUL has the added advantage of being available in a variety of colors and even patterns. In addition, both nylon and PUL covers can be rinsed and quickly dried between changes.
Styles
-
Your final decision is about the style of diaper cover you prefer. There are pull-up style covers that simply pull up over the diaper. These tend to be the least expensive option, but most people find them less convenient. Wrap covers are put on similar to a diaper, and close with either snaps or hook-and-loop fasteners. Hook-and-loop fasteners offer a wider sizing range, but are easier for babies to undo.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Siri Stafford/Photodisc/Getty Images