What Are Diaper Covers?

Choose the right diaper cover to keep your baby happy.

Parents considering the use of cloth diapers may have questions about diaper covers. The diaper cover is worn over the diaper and provides a waterproof layer between the cloth diaper and other surfaces. Cloth diapers and diaper covers can be reused and are an environmentally friendly option. A cloth diaper is only as good as its cover. Whether using a pull-up or snap-on style, the correct diaper cover helps a baby's cloth diapering experience from becoming a wet mess.

Purpose of Diaper Covers

Diaper covers protect bedding and other surfaces

Diaper covers provide a waterproof or moisture-resistant layer between a cloth diaper and a baby's clothes. A diaper cover's water resistant layer helps protect a baby's clothing while breathability protects the baby's skin from diaper rash. Diaper covers also protect bedding, furniture and car upholstery where a baby may lay or sit. While some cloth diapers are designed with additional protective layers that serve as a cover, most cloth diapers require the use of a separate diaper cover.

History of Diaper Covers

According to TheDiaperJungle.com, ancient cultures used materials such as sealskin and rabbit skin as diaper covers. Through the 1800s, parents seldom used diaper covers but simply left diapers by the fire to dry. In 1946 Marion Donovan revolutionized the diaper cover by designing a waterproof diaper cover called the "Boater." Donovan used several types of shower curtains and her own sewing machine to perfect the diaper cover. Heather Satrom's article "Papers Illustrate Woman Inventor's Life and Work" explains that Donovan developed the diaper cover because rubber baby pants caused diaper rash and the elastic pinched a baby's legs and stomach. Donovan's finished product was made from nylon parachute material that could be closed with metal and plastic snaps.

Synthetic Diaper Covers

Nylon and PUL diaper covers can be reused.

Nylon and polyurethane laminate (PUL) diaper covers are made from synthetic materials. PUL fabric is lightweight, durable and can be laundered more than 200 times. The covers are easily rinsed, dried and reused. Nylon and PUL diaper covers are less expensive than natural fiber covers and are available in patterns and different colors.

Eco-Friendly Diaper Covers

Some parents may prefer the use of natural fiber diaper covers. Options include wool and fleece covers. Wool is a natural, anti-fungal fiber that provides moisture resistance. Wool covers must be soaked in a lanolin solution prior to first use. Fleece diaper covers are made of polyester. These covers allow air to circulate through the diaper and around the baby.

References

• The Lemelson Center: "Papers Illustrate Woman Inventor's Life and Work"; Heather Satrom; 2000
• AK Associates: Polyurethane Film Laminating
• The Diaper Jungle: The History of Diapers
• Diaper Pin: "What Is so Great about Fleece?"; Heather L. Sanders; 2002

Resources

• Tiny Gem: Cloth versus Disposable, the Debate Continues
• Real Diaper Association Diaper Facts