This post is about 5 alternate ways to use cloth diaper covers.
Cloth diaper covers are one of the most popular cloth diapers for a reason! A cloth diaper cover is literally just a cover for whichever type of absorbance material you wish to have.
It is definitely a favorite for the budget-friendly mom AND the stylish mom as well!
READ MORE: Can I Save Money with Cloth Diapers? Actual Cloth Diapers Cost
Learning how to use cloth diaper covers allow you to reuse the cover after it’s been soiled, this way you can reuse the cute cover diapers you love so much.
Using cover diapers is also one of the most eco-friendly and budget-friendly cloth diapering method, as seen below in the different methods on how to use cloth diaper covers:
READ MORE: Different Types of Cloth Diaper Inserts: Cotton, Hemp, Bamboo, and Microfiber
1. Standalone Diaper With Inserts
You can use a cloth diaper cover as a standalone diaper by simply placing it on your baby with one or two inserts.
This is a great option for quick changes or when your baby needs minimal absorbency.
Once the diaper is full, you can simply toss the inserts in a wet bag and reuse the cover diaper, should you choose to do so.
READ MORE: How to Store Dirty Cloth Diapers + 6 Storage Ideas
2. Prefold or Flat Diaper
Another way to use a cloth diaper cover is by pairing it with a preflat, prefold, or flat diaper.
Fold the prefold or flat diaper into the desired shape, place it on your baby, and then secure the cover over it. This combination provides extra absorbency and containment.
3. Fitted Diaper
A fitted diaper is a type of cloth diaper that is already contoured and has elastic around the legs and waist.
To use a cloth diaper cover with a fitted diaper, simply put the fitted diaper on your baby and then cover it with the cloth diaper cover for added waterproof protection.
Many parents, including us, opt for a fitted diaper and an added insert with a cloth diaper for overnight absorbance. Fitted diapers can be a little pricey, which is a reason why I opted to only buy a handful of fitted diapers for nap and overnight use.
Popular fitted diaper brands are Esembly and Osocozy.
READ MORE: Everything You Need to Know About Cloth Diapering a Newborn
4. Swim Diaper
Once you have gotten your money’s worth and more, and your cover diaper’s PUL has been damaged (even if it’s not), you can use the cloth diaper cover as a swim diaper by removing any absorbent inserts and using it solely as a waterproof barrier during water activities. Yet another way cloth diapering your little one saves money!
How to Use Cloth Diaper Covers in 5 Different Ways
Overall, cover diapers offer versatility and flexibility in diapering options. They can be used as standalone diapers with inserts, paired with preflats, prefolds, or flat diapers, combined with fitted diapers, or used as swim diapers.
By understanding the various ways to use a cover diaper, you can choose the method that best suits your baby’s needs for absorbency, containment, and convenience.
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