Diaper covers are generally used along with the cloth diapers. They are available in different sizes right from newborns to infants to toddlers. Extra large size diaper covers are also available for well-grown babies.

In the case of fitted, flat, pre-folded and contour cloth diapers, the diaper covers help to hold the cloth diaper in place and serves as a waterproof material. Many brands of diaper covers are available, and you need to choose the right type of cover that would make your baby feel comfortable and dry.

Some of the diaper cover types are listed below:

• Pull-on covers: They are worn just like underwear. The elastic holds the waist and leg. Pull-on covers can become really messy if worn for a long time.

• Wrap style: This is wrapped around the waist and fastened in the front. The wrap-style diaper covers are more expensive than pull-on covers.

The fasteners that are used for wrap-style diaper covers are of different types, and you have a choice of loop tape, hooks and snaps. Snap type fasteners are the best as they are long-lasting, and the babies find it difficult to unfasten them. Fastening with a Velcro is another option as it can be customized for best fit.

Diaper covers are made of a variety of fabrics. Polyurethane laminate (PUL), nylon, vinyl are some common fabrics used. Slick diaper covers are easy to maintain, clean and wipe. Cotton diaper covers are also available where a polyester fabric layered with cotton is used. These covers are soft but have to be washed quite often.

Woollen diaper covers are the best and allow the skin to breathe. They are the most expensive fabric and cannot be washed in a washing machine. Hand-washing is the only way to maintain woollen diaper covers. Covers made with fleece are also recommended though they do not absorb moisture as much as wool.

The diaper covers come in varied sizes and are suitable for newborn babies. They are available even in extra large size for small children. Adjustable diaper covers can be used for customized fit by changing the snaps. They may not be very suitable for small babies.

While buying a diaper cover, parents need to go through the guidelines carefully. Some of the covers are suitable only for skinny babies. Others are available for babies with chunky thighs or tummies. Waist and rise measurement would be given so that you can order the best-fit for the baby.

Parents can choose to buy expensive covers for everyday-use and a less expensive one for back-up purposes. In case you order online, you may get free shipment for certain brands.

Websites also offer user reviews of certain brands, which can guide you on the quality of cover you purchase. You can also compare the prices of diaper covers by visiting some websites which sell the products. You need to balance between the cost, comfort and usability of the covers while finalizing your purchase. By doing adequate groundwork, you may end up in best deals for bulk purchases.