NB Proraps: My favorite cover for newborns is a Prorap. Proraps work great over prefolds or fitted diapers and they have a generous umbilical notch. This is a feature that I feel is a must with newborn covers, especially during that first week. The Prorap Classic Diaper Cover is made from a soft polyester knit with a leak-proof urethane barrier (PUL). They have elastic across the back and double gussets that allow for maximum containment of that characteristic explosive newborn poo. This is one of the few diaper covers you will find with gussets. Proraps have hook and loop (Velcro) closures, making nighttime changes much easier than fumbling with snaps in the dark. The Prorap Classic has material above the loop section to prevent scratching.

Prowraps can be purchased at reduced prices on Diaperswappers or other resale sites. Ask around at local LLL groups or parenting/birthing groups. I bought my new proraps through the ebay store Granitesmith’s Diaper Store . I have used Proraps on an older child and was satisfied with the performance then as well. On my son I used a size large Prorap with a prefold trifolded and laid inside. This was my only method of diapering from the the time he was 15 months to 19 months.

Thirsties: Thirsties is another cover that utilizes the double gusset system. Thirsties are a thinner PUL than the Prorap covers but features the same velcro closure. Thirsties promises to use only the best components in their covers: aplix velcro and lastin elastic that will not wear out or stretch out. Leg gussets provide advanced leakproof protection and bindings are super soft against baby’s skin and will not wick moisture onto baby’s clothes. The x-small size features that all important umbilical notch for the comfort of your baby. Thirsties covers run larger than their size chart claims. A small fit my youngest daughter until she was 24 lbs. (and she has chunky thighs and a big belly). Leslies Boutique sells Thirsties Covers for $10.99 and Sunshine Diapers has them for $11.00.

SustainableBabyish Karate Pants: I really hate to put these in my top 5 because they are near impossible to get. I got lucky by being the first to respond to someone on Diaperswappers who was selling them because they didn’t fit her daughter. Erin is the WAHM behind Sustainablebabyish (SBish) wool covers and diapers. She sells her items on Hyena Cart in limited quantities and unfortunately for most of us they go very fast. The reason I like them so much is because the interlock wool (97% wool 3% lycra) she uses is thicker than others out there and the fit is perfect for my daughter.

I use SBish pants for a nighttime cover over any diaper and have never had a leak. Besides the amazing feel and performance of anything Sustainablebabyish, the color palate is unmatched. It is hard to make a choice on which is my favorite when they are all so delectable. Sustainablebabyish covers are worn anytime, anywhere. According to her blog she will stock her store within the next 1 1/2 weeks. Happy Hunting!

Babyology: Babyology are easy to come by, inexpensive, and work fantastic at all ages. I used a Babyology soaker on my daughter when she was a newborn and longies on her now when she is 15 months old. They are not something I use out of the house or during the day but Babyology is my nighttime choice (I switch out with SBish pants).

Babyology longies do not have the greatest fit but for my purpose, preventing leaks, I don’t care! Dry sheets isn’t about fashion. This is an opportunity to have some wool pieces in your stash no matter what your budget is. Most wool is pricey, preventing some from trying it out. Another thing I noticed is my youngest can wear these without getting a rash. When she wore other knitted items her legs would break out. I immediately sold all the other knitted longies we had but kept these.

Luxe Soaker:This is another hard to get item, however not as hard as Sustainablebabyish. Luxe soakers are interlock wool which is 97%wool and 3% lycra. When Luxe Baby stocks, quite a few are available, but they still go fast. I have bought a few second hand off the for sale or trade forum on diaperswappers for a good price. My greatest buy was actually a Luxe for only $12 (they normally resell for $20-$25)! Luxe soakers are trim, allowing your baby to wear normal clothes. I have found Luxe to be a daytime cover, but not satisfactory for nighttime. If you can get a Luxe, you’ll be happy.

There are other WAHMs equally popular that sell similar items, however I find Luxe to have the best fit and best performance. Luxe are available in pleasing, calming color combinations that compliment any wardrobe.

If you use cloth diaper coversr, what are your favorites? Post your comments below.