6 reasons why it’s worth investing in a diaper cover

Diaper covers are one of my favourite elements of the cloth diaper stash. Versatile and effective, they can be used in many different ways, meeting the needs of both you and your baby.

1) Anything absorbent fits under a diaper cover

When I first started cloth diapering, I was (incorrectly) convinced that only special absorbent inserts and prefolds could be placed inside a diaper cover. Later I relaxed a bit and started experimenting. I came to the conclusion that you can put almost anything inside a diaper cover! Inserts work best, but fitted diapers, muslin squares, folded t-shirts, and small towels work just as well. Yes, who hasn’t stuffed something completely un-diaper-like into a cover in an emergency? Guilty! To avoid buying disposables or folding your own t-shirts into covers when you run out of inserts, it’s worth keeping some good-quality muslins on hand. Muslins are also an essential element of budget-friendly cloth diapering.

2) You can use the diaper cover again and again and again…

What makes covers stand out from other systems is that they can be reused multiple times. As long as the cover isn’t soiled or soaked, you can simply replace the insert and use it again. This saves money and reduces laundry. Covers with internal PUL flaps, microfleece, or coolmax inside work best for reusing—they can be wiped clean or left for a moment to air dry before putting them back on. Covers with natural fiber flaps don’t dry as quickly and feel wet, so they usually go to the laundry after one pee.

3) Your favourite print stays on the bum longer

Does your child tend to soil a diaper you just put on? Mine does :) (I swear my favourite “Magic Forest” cover stays on her no more than 20 minutes. She. Just. Knows.) As mentioned, if the poop hasn’t escaped the insert (and liners help a lot with that), you can put the cover back on.

4) Less for mom to carry!

Covers with inserts are my go-to system for outings. The reason is simple — less to carry. There’s no room for excess in an overstuffed mom bag! It’s much easier to fit a few inserts and a cover between sippy cups and a favourite toy than a full set of pockets or AIOs. Then maybe you’ll even manage to pack mom’s favourite cookies or fit everything into a hip bag for a wrap walk.

5) Fast drying time

Covers don’t have extra layers, so they dry the fastest. Perfect for travel.

6) Quick to use

• You don’t have to remember to separate the insert from the cover before washing. With pockets, some fitted diapers, and AIOs with a pocket, you must remove the insert so everything washes properly.

• It’s faster to place an insert in a cover than into a pocket diaper, where you have to stuff it into the pocket, or covers, where you snap the insert in.

• Covers don’t need stripping as often—only inserts or synthetic pockets do. Build-up can occur from using rash creams, body lotions, or detergents containing more than 5% soap. Build-up on covers may slightly reduce breathability but does not affect the function of the diaper.

• Stripping covers is done less frequently because buildup forms mainly on diapers with extra layers (pockets, AIOs, fitted diapers, inserts). Stripping involves soaking washed diapers in a disinfecting solution for 6 hours, spinning them as recommended on the label, then washing 2–3 times without detergent.

Do you know more advantages of diaper covers? Share them with us!