Need advice on finding a breathable diaper cover

[riversong]

I used/use Fuzzi Bunz on my older kids during the day and prefolds with wool covers at night. I also have a Bummis SWW that I use on ds1 when the wool cover is drying.

We're going to be moving into an apartment that doesn't have a washer, so we're switching to a diaper service for ds2. I want to buy medium sized covers that are as breathable as possible. I know wool is the best, but I remember with ds1 that the poop would often escape out the side of a prefold and get the cover dirty. I don't want to be constantly hand washing the wool covers every time ds2 poops!

I looked into fleece covers, but it sounds like they have PUL in them or else they're not waterproof. (Out of curiosity, why would someone buy a fleece cover that's not waterproof?)

So, I'm looking for advice... Is PUL all that bad? Is there some way to make the wool work for me without constant washing out of poop?

[AKislandgirl]

I just started using some MotherEase airflow covers. They are supposed to be more breathable then some other PUL. So far so good but I've only used them for a week. My sister has cloth diapered all 7 of her kids and LOVES them though so that is a pretty good indication that they work well!

I love my wool covers the best though. I do know what you mean about poop escaping but we've had fewer problems with that since using the jelly roll fold. There is a past thread on here somewhere with how to do that. It helped a lot.

I've never tried fleece so no advice there. Curious what other mamas will say about it.

HTH

[Magali]

Fleece isn't waterproof, but I have 3 fleece covers and they are pretty darn close. They aren't waterproof like wool isn't waterproof. I am actually really impressed with fleece as a cover. I have used Stacinator and Maple Sugar designs and have never had a leak with either. I know that they aren't waterproof so I make sure to change the dipe underneath often, but I guess I would do that anyways. If wool works for you in the waterproofness department then I would give fleece a try because IMO, you get the same kind of protection etc... but you can pop them in the wash and they dry so quickly.

[roseselene]

A good fleece cover will work similarly to wool in that it isn't water proof and there could be compression wetness, but they should protect. That being said, there are fleece covers with a thin layer of PUL as well.

As far as whether PUL is really that bad, it depends on your needs. If your child's skin tolerates it, and it works for your lifestyle then it should be fine. It works for a lot of people with no problem.
Good luck finding the right solution!
Amy

[Ifluffedthree]

Nikky's has waterproof breathable cotton, wool and poly

[Juliacat]

Wouldn't it sort of be easier to wash the wool by hand than to wash covers yourself if you don't have a washer?

There are covers made of waterproofed cotton, like the Blue Penguin Elan and Diaperaps and some of the Nikky and Niji covers, that are breathable, but they're not nearly as durable as PUL. Mother-ease Airflows are durable and a little more breathable than other covers, but I still found I had to stay on top of changes in order to prevent rash. I don't know as much about fleece covers except that they're easy to care for and a lot of people love them.

[riversong]

Thanks for your replies, everyone!

Originally Posted by Juliacat

Wouldn't it sort of be easier to wash the wool by hand than to wash covers yourself if you don't have a washer?

That's a good point! The wool would take longer to dry than other options, though.

[riversong]

Originally Posted by roseselene

A good fleece cover will work similarly to wool in that it isn't water proof and there could be compression wetness, but they should protect. That being said, there are fleece covers with a thin layer of PUL as well.

This is very good to know. If fleece is as protective against leaks as wool, then it should be fine without the layer of PUL. I've never had a leak with wool.

[riversong]

Originally Posted by Magali

Fleece isn't waterproof, but I have 3 fleece covers and they are pretty darn close. They aren't waterproof like wool isn't waterproof. I am actually really impressed with fleece as a cover. I have used Stacinator and Maple Sugar designs and have never had a leak with either. I know that they aren't waterproof so I make sure to change the dipe underneath often, but I guess I would do that anyways. If wool works for you in the waterproofness department then I would give fleece a try because IMO, you get the same kind of protection etc... but you can pop them in the wash and they dry so quickly.

Yes, i think i'll give fleece a try. The fast drying is a big pro.

[SuzyLee]

I can get my wool to dry pretty fast if I fold it up in a bath towel and stomp on it after washing it. The towel abrsorbs quite a bit. Of course then I have a wet towel and a wet diaper cover, but both dry fairly quickly.