Diaper Covers

Washable cloth diapers are healthier and more comfortable for babies than disposables. In addition, once you have cloth diapers in hand, you may also find that they are far more convenient than having to buy disposables on a constant basis. Unless you are using all-in-one diapers (diaper and cover combined in a single garment), you will need a good supply of waterproof diaper covers to cut down on laundry and to keep you and your baby comfortable. Diaper covers tend not to fit too closely, so they will still leave room for moisture to evaporate, and will be considerably healthier for baby than disposables, which have an air-tight plastic backing.

Blue Penguin supplies a range of quality diaper covers. The Wrap 'n Snap style covers are in a class of their own. While most manufacturers warn firmly against washing your diaper covers in very hot water, these can safely be washed in hot water along with your diapers. They are designed to be washed this way, as the waterproof taffeta from which they are made is the same fabric used for the outer shell of Blue Penguin's Re-Uz'm all-in-one diapers.

If you're determined to avoid synthetic fabrics to the greatest extent possible, the Elan diaper cover with Velcro closures is for you. This is also a wrap style diaper cover, although this one closes with Aplix, giving a range of snugness. The 100 percent cotton fabric is water resistant, and the treatment is a bit delicate, so this one can't be washed in hot water. In fact, it's highly recommended that you wash them in cool to warm water on a gentle cycle, or by hand.

For parents who value speed and convenience above all else, Blue Penguin's Pull-on-Snap-off (POSO) diaper cover will be perfect. The name speaks for itself. These fit like pants and you can just pull them off. For practicality, however, they snap off when you need to change baby. The snaps are adjustable and this style is roomy so that you can also use it for your nighttime diaper with a doubler.