A diaper cover is an outer shell that is placed over a cloth diaper to keep moisture from leaking. The cover completely conceals the diaper as it is directly attatched over the cloth diaper and fastened with velcro or plastic snaps. Since the outer covers don't get soiled as much as the cloth diapers themselves, the covers don't have to be changed out with every diaper change, and therefore most parents purchase fewer covers than diapers.

There are a variety of styles of diaper covers. Because the cover is the most visible part of a cloth diaper, you will frequently find bright colors, patterns, and designs decoratively adorning the covers. There are several manufacturers of cloth diaper covers--usually any company that sells cloth diapers offers a companion diaper cover. For example, the Super Brite cover, which is lightweight and the Super Whisper Wrap, known for its durability and versatility, are two popular styles produced by Bummis. Some covers are made of nylon with interior mesh lining, others are made of polyester. Most covers comes in four sizes from newborn to large. A pull on pant, which is very lightweight and made of nylon is perfect for total coverage.

Although not every style of cloth diaper requires a cover (in which case a cover would be built-in), most modern cloth diapers cannot function without them. Read below to learn more about finding and purchasing diaper covers for your eco-friendly baby.

The Boater, a waterproof covering for cloth diapers, was introduced by Marion Donovan in 1946. Pins were prominently used to fasten diapers up until that time, but Donovan was granted a patent for the use of snaps instead of pins. By the 1960's and 1970's disposable diapers developed and became very popular. During the 1990's disposable diapers phased out due to safety issues with the environment and cloth diapers again increased in popularity. In 2006, a new cloth diaper known as the bumGenius was introduced and the following year the gDiaper , the Dream-Eze cloth diaper and the Fuzzi Bunz pocket diaper came onto the market.http://www.diaperjungle.com/diaper-history-timeline.html

There are several places online to purchase Diaper Covers. Those who purchase covers might also be interested in accessories such as cloth diapers, fleece liners, wet bags and a variety of kits.

Cottontailbaby.com has a large variety Diaper Covers in various sizes, patterns and colors. Prices are affordable, most under $12.25.http://www.cottontailbaby.com/category_20/PUL-Covers.htm

Top To Bottom Baby Boutique sells the Super Whisper Wrap, Super Brite, Side Snap, Applecheeks Envelope Cover, Thirsties Duo Wrap and Flip Cap diaper covers ranging from $11.00 to $19.00http://www.ttbbb.com/category_s/4.htm14

Clothdiaper.com sells the Super Whisper Wrap, Super Brite, Original, Whisper Pant, Imse Vimse Soft Cover and Organic Cotton Cover and Gerber Waterproof Pants in white and various patterns from $3.99 to $15.40.http://www.clothdiaper.com/PRODUCTS/DIAPER-COVERS?gclid=CNfGhoeDtKICFV195Qod4E374w