The Prints Are Adorable. Do I Have to Cover Them Up?
This is probably the question I get asked most often:
"Why would I buy something so gorgeous just to cover it up?"
We agree!
That's why you'll see the majority of the photos we share on social media featuring our customers' babies living their best lives coverless.
The short answer is:
Yes, most babies can wear our fitted diapers without a cover.
There are, however, times when you'll want to add one.
Why Coverless Works
My own children spent a good portion of their baby and toddler years running around in nothing but a cloth diaper and a t-shirt. Coverless diapering at home—and outdoors during the warmer months—was one of my favourite parts of cloth diapering.
The reason coverless diapering works is because Lilly & Frank fitted diapers are highly absorbent, with up to fourteen layers of absorbency through the wet zone.
We carefully choose fabrics such as:
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Heavy-weight organic cotton velour
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Heavy organic bamboo fleece
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Terry cotton jersey
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Organic cotton knits
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Cotton lycra
These fabrics were selected because they're not only absorbent, but also breathable, allowing airflow to your baby's skin.
How Do Fitted Diapers Work Without a Cover?
When your child pees, those absorbent layers immediately begin doing their job.
As the diaper absorbs moisture, it will eventually become damp to the touch. That's your cue that it's time for a change.
If you have a heavy wetter, you can increase absorbency by adding a booster or a WindPro liner to extend the time between changes.
When I Recommend Using a Cover
While I loved going coverless during the day, there were certain situations where I preferred to create a fully waterproof system.
I would typically add a diaper cover for:
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Outings
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Long car rides
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Naps
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Bedtime
Basically, any time my child might not be changed as frequently, I wanted that waterproof layer to help keep clothing, bedding, and car seats dry.
Choosing a Diaper Cover
If you'd like a waterproof layer, you have a few options.
PUL Covers
PUL covers, such as our double gusset diaper covers, are trim, easy to use, and completely waterproof. Shop PUL Covers →
Wool Covers
Another wonderful option is a wool cover, such as those made by Bumby.
Wool is:
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Sustainable
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Breathable
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Naturally water-resistant
Many families love pairing wool with fitted diapers because it provides excellent leak protection while still allowing airflow.
One of the best things about wool is that it can serve as both clothing and a diaper cover. Wool pants, shorts, and skirts can all be worn directly over a fitted diaper. You can shop our Wool Diaper Covers here →
Every Baby Is Different
When diapering coverless, it's important to remember that every baby is different.
The amount of time you get before a diaper begins to feel damp will vary from child to child.
My youngest rarely wore a cover and could comfortably go 2–3 hours before her diaper felt damp. Another baby may soak through the same diaper in half that time.
That's completely normal.
Finding What Works for Your Baby
Changing diapers more frequently isn't a bad thing.
Walking around with a soaked shirt because your baby has been sitting on your hip all afternoon? That's a different story!
That's why I always recommend getting to know your baby's absorbency needs and trying different options before investing in an entire stash.
Whether you choose fitted diapers, or AI2 diapers, you'll quickly discover what works best for your child.
Enjoy the Prints
The babies you see going coverless in our photos are doing it because they can.
Coverless diapering is a real option for many families, and we're happy to offer diapers that make it possible.
After all, we put a lot of love into creating beautiful prints, and we think you should be able to enjoy them as much as possible.
Because the baby years are short, friends.
