Why you need a good nappy cover

When I’m talking to people about cloth nappies and Ecobots in particular, I sometimes hear people say ‘yeah, I tried them, but they didn’t work for us’. Obviously there’s many reasons why cloth nappies might not work out, but very often the problem is not having a good nappy cover. It can make all the difference.

 The difference the right cover makes

At first glance, one cloth nappy cover looks very much like another. Usually made out of similar material, a laminated polyester fabric and fastened around the front with velcro or snaps. So where can you go wrong? But sadly the choosing a different cover can be the difference between fit, leaks and general comfort. Although they may all look similar, there’s a world of difference between the different types of covers that are available.

Often, a more basic cover will mean that water and sometimes even poo can leak out of the nappy. If it doesn’t hold the nappy underneath in the right place, then it can mean that the nappy itself moves around and doesn’t absorb liquid as it should and can cause irritation to your little ones skin. To put it simply, a good nappy cover can be the difference between cloth working for you, or not working for you.

Choosing a good nappy cover

So what do you need to look for in a good nappy cover?

• A good range of sizes so that you can get the right fit, one size covers can work well, but it’s harder to get a good fit than with a sized cover.
• Firm elastic at the waist; enough to hold in everything, but that won’t irritate delicate baby skin.
• A firm fastening; it’s no good having a nappy that will come open on a wriggly baby or toddler. Choose either velcro or snaps, as long as they fasten firmly and comfortably.
• Firm leg elastics. This can be the difference between a nappy that leaks and one that doesn’t. Ideally I’d recommend a cover with double leg elastics, as they really help to keep everything in and give an extra layer of protection.
• Not too deep or too short. Some cover come up very high around your little ones waist, causing rubbing. Others are so low that you end up with a ‘builders bum’ showing, which won’t keep everything in. A nappy cover should cover everything, without coming up too high on your little ones waist.
• No rubbing. Some covers can rub and irritate. Having plenty of fabric between the top of the velcro and the top of the nappy can help stop this. Covers with a ‘notch’ to stop irritating the belly button stump on newborns is also a good idea.
• Soft fabric; covers should be soft and flexible, not stiff and firm. Soft covers are more comfortable for your little one.

Ecobots covers

Ecobots nappy covers have lots of great features which make them one of the best nappy covers on the market. They are available from tiny premature size right up to extra extra large, so there is a cover for just about every baby and every situation. With double leg gussets, firm velcro fastening to the waist, firm elastics at the back of the cover and the legs. They are a fantastic cover to make pre-fold cloth nappies work for you. You can find out more about them here.