I’m returning to the prefold + diaper cover style with Thirsties Duo Wraps. This is a little confusing because it’s different from other diapers/covers, but Thirsties Diaper Covers are their sized diaper covers, and Thirsties Duo Wraps are kind of like one-size except that they come in two sizes: size one fits 6-18 lbs and size two fits 18-40 lbs, but you can adjust the size with snaps like you do with a one-size. So I have size two and I use these with my prefolds (shown in the Flip review if you missed it.)

I was looking to add another cover to my stash because I always have enough prefolds ready (I currently have two dozen), but often I would have all covers in the wash at once. Before I started adding other diapers to my supply I would have to resort to a disposable, so I obviously needed at least one more cover to get the most use out of my prefolds. Thirsties seemed worth a try because they are very inexpensive at about $12.75 per cover and are pretty popular.

One big difference between Flip and Thirsties is that these do not have the flaps in front and back to secure the prefold. These isn’t terrible if you are adept with prefolds, but I imagine it could make them more challenging for a beginner… sometimes when Miles is doing the slippery fish routine the prefold will slide out of place and that can be frustrating. It also means that they don’t preload as well because the diaper can slide out of place when you fold it closed and store it, especially if you’re bringing it out on the go.

However, another difference is positive, and that is the leg elastic. It’s much better and features the much-sought-after gusseting feature, which is that extra flap you see holding the diaper in at the crotch and great for preventing leaks and fitting slender babies:

My main complaint with these is just that the quality is not as good. The fabric is not terribly appealing and reminds me the most of the old “plastic pants” diapers that people used to use. The snaps are also not as high quality as most other diapers or covers, which is something that Andrea at Baby Junk warned me – most people go for the velcro closure on these. But even the sizing snaps are not so nice… I had a lot of trouble with one of them which seems to have a bit of fabric stuck in it from the way it was installed. It kept coming unsnapped when I pulled the diaper closed and finally I just used the larger setting so I wouldn’t have to deal with it.

(Oh hi there, my toe… on the right.)

The cut on these is wide, and high in the back, so that it often sticks out the top of his pants in back, although it’s not terribly bulky in profile… but I think this picture shows how high it comes up in back. Maybe I could size this down to solve that problem, but I was having the issues with the snaps, so – hm. They have a fair selection of colors and a few cute prints. And I just found by googling that they actually sell them at Target which is kind of cool for reaching a bigger audience outside the cloth diaper fandom.

I don’t dislike this diaper and I think it’s a fine value for the money, but I would probably rather pay a dollar more for another Flip, which is nicer and is one-sized. If I could magically transport the leg gusseting from the Thirsties to the Flip, that would be the perfect cover ever! Would I buy it again? No, I don’t think so. Would I recommend it? I think IF someone wanted to use prefolds & covers and had a slender baby, I would probably recommend these over Flips, which may be too large, but I would tell them to go for the velcro. However, a friend just told me Bummis are similar but better quality, so I might try to review those sometime.

Pros:

* Inexpensive covers

* Leg gusseting makes them more leak proof

* Leg gusseting makes them fit smaller/thinner babies better

* More sizes may allow you to get a better fit

* Generate less laundry than pocket diapers, etc.

* Snap or velcro available

* Tumble or line dry

Cons:

* Lower quality fabric and snaps

* No one-size cover available

* No flaps to keep prefolds in place

Pricing

* Thirsties Duo Wraps (solid color) $12.75

* Thirsties Duo Wraps (prints) $13.75

* Thirsties Diaper Cover (4 sizes available) (solid color) $11.50

* Thirsties Diaper Cover (4 sizes available) (prints) $12.00

* Prefolds: about $1/ea (less if you find a good sale!)