Do diaper covers cause skin irritation in babies?

What are diaper cover made of?
They can be made of various materials. One of the most popular is PUL, or laminated polyester. This material is covered with a special membrane that allows water vapor to pass through. It is a so-called breathable material that does not cause the skin underneath to sweat. Therefore, wraps made of this material do not cause diaper rash. What's more, reusable diapers are so safe for the baby's skin that there is no need to use protective creams when using them.

In the past, diapers were made of ordinary plastic oilcloth. Such oilcloth – i.e. plastic – did not allow water vapor to pass through. That is why children very quickly got diaper rash in old diapers (hence the stories about babies' bottoms being as red as a baboon's).

We can still find diaper covers made of wool on the market: a natural material that breathes and does not cause diaper rash.

To prevent diaper covers from causing diaper rash, they should be made of materials that are:

• vapor-permeable – e.g., PUL or minky;

   

• natural materials that function as diapers – i.e., wool;

   

• good quality (applies to PUL) – because poorly made or worn-out PUL will not function properly as a diaper;

   

• well maintained (applies to wool) – wool needs to be lanolinized from time to time to keep moisture inside the reusable diaper.

  Do covers cause diaper rash?
  No. Proper, good-quality covers made of proven materials (e.g., PUL newborn covers or one-size PUL covers) do not irritate the baby's skin.

  Remember to change your baby's diaper frequently – preferably after each bowel movement.