What is the difference between a diaper cover and a pocket diaper?

Very often, when we buy our first reusable diapers, we face the dilemma of which type to choose. What is user-friendly, what is comfortable, what is economical. The two most popular reusable diapers are the pocket diaper and the diaper cover. They are sewn from soft and slightly stretchy material called PUL, which completely keeps moisture inside the diaper. It allows the skin to breathe, preventing diaper rash and eliminating the need for creams or powders.

The difference between a pocket diaper and a diaper cover lies in the way they are sewn, and therefore also in how they are used. From the outside, both look like colorful little pants. In fact, from the outside, diaper covers with double leg elastics and pocket diapers look almost identical. Only covers with trim have a visible colorful elastic trim instead of hidden elastics. They are cheaper because they are quicker to sew.

Both types of diapers are made from PUL material. It is polyester laminated on the inside (and therefore waterproof). It is soft and feels like swimsuit fabric. It is gentle on the baby's skin, allows water vapor to escape, and breathes much better than a disposable plastic diaper.

What distinguishes these two types of diapers is their interior.

A pocket diaper has an additional layer of fabric sewn in on the side touching the baby's skin. It is cotton, which is the most delicate for sensitive baby skin. If we insert the absorbent insert in advance, the pocket diaper becomes very easy to put on even for inexperienced caregivers — which makes it easy to convince grandparents, nannies, or nursery staff to use it. Unlike in a cover, the insert in a pocket diaper stays in place and does not shift, which is helpful especially with wiggly babies who are sometimes changed "on the go", standing or on someone’s lap. Once a pocket diaper gets wet, it should be washed; we do not recommend changing only the insert. For this reason, you need enough pocket diapers to last one or two days of continuous use.

A diaper cover, on the other hand, can be used several times until its flaps or edges get dirty or wet. You can place inside it various types of inserts: cotton, microfiber, bamboo, fitted diapers, muslin squares, or even small towels. Each time before putting the cover on the baby, you need to slide the chosen insert under the fabric flap. If you want the baby to feel dry, you should buy inserts lined with fleece or additionally use "Dry Bum" inserts. Fitted diapers also work well under covers.

            *In the photo: cover with trim size M with a Baranek S fitted diaper








                                      *In the photo: newborn cover with double leg elastics

Reusable diapers with double leg elastics and size adjustment via vertical rows of snaps are extremely leak-resistant. There are many diaper sizes available on the market, but in our opinion, one-size diapers are the most practical — suitable for babies from about 6 to 15 kg. If your baby is small or petite, you may choose newborn-size diapers at first. If you expect a bigger newborn, we recommend covers in size M.

I’m very curious what you would recommend to new parents. Did you use newborn diapers, or did you buy one-size diapers right away? Which diapers do you use — pocket diapers or covers?