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Covers,These fall into three categories. They are available in velcro fastening, popper fastening, or pull on styles.
Waterproof Wraps
These are generally made of vinyl or PVC. They are totally waterproof and not breathable.
Pros, they are the cheapest covers, from less than £1.00 to £5.00 each.
Cons, the vinyl covers don't last very long and need frequent replacements, the PVC ones are a little better. The temperature inside the nappy can get quite hot, so these are not good for babies who are prone to thrush and other nappy rashes. Not suitable for frequent machine washing. Can get a bit hard and brittle, which can chaff baby's legs.
Breathable Waterproof Wraps
These are made of nylon, polyester or cotton fabrics, bonded to a polyurethane coating that allows an exchange of warm moist air, in the same way that breathable rainwear does. The temperature inside the nappy is lower than with plastic covers, but the covers still offer excellent waterproof protection. Cost a little more than waterproof covers, average prices around £7.00.
Pros, remain very soft, can be machine washed at 60 degrees, offer some breathablilty, only one set required per size as they are very durable.
Cons, more expensive than plastic wraps.
Totally Breathable Wraps
These are made of wool or polyester fleece. The wool wrapsare the greenest option, being all natural, and capable of decomposition.
The wool wraps are capable of absorbing up to 40% of their own weight in fluid before it starts to come through to the other side, so they add some absorbency to the nappy system, and are therefore popular over night. The lanolin, naturally present in the wool makes the wrap water resistant, but the open structure allows evaporation of some of the fluid, which in turn reduces the temperature within the nappy by several degrees. An excellent option for babies prone to frequent rashes. Some babies are sensitive to lanolin or wool, in which case polyester fleece is an excellent alternative. Polyester is synthetic and naturally water resistant, so offering the same advantages as wool, although it is synthetic and won't decompose in the same way. Wool wraps cost from £10 to £20, polyester fleece around £6 to £7.
Pros, totally breathable, wool is the greenest option for covers, and it also adds absorbency to the nappy system. Wool needs very little washing, only every couple of weeks as it is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal. Excellent for over night use as the temperature inside the nappy is lower. Polyester fleece is very affordable and some is manufactured from recycled plastic bottles.
Cons, Wool is the most expensive of wraps. Needs gentle hand washing, and occasional lanolin treatment, although see above, wool only needs washing once every 2 or so weeks. Polyester fleece needs washing after most uses.
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