Thirsties Diapers: Prefolds, Inserts, and Covers Review + Giveaway

Prefolds or Inserts and Covers are often the most economical way to cloth diaper. For this portion of our series on reusable diapers I had a chance to try a Thirsties Duo Wrap, one of the most popular brands of covers, and a Thirsties prefold and insert. This is my first time using prefolds/inserts and covers. I’ve avoided them because, frankly, they reminded me of the old fashioned diapers and looked like waaay to much work. I’ve learned modern prefolds/inserts and covers are nothing like what I grew up with and are so simple to use.

The Cover

The icky rubber pants our mothers diapered with have been replaced by breathable and beautiful covers. Thirsties Duo Wraps (shown in blackbird) are knit fabric backed with a waterproof layer of PUL (polyurethane laminate). They fasten conveniently in the front with US made Aplix hook-and-loop (you may be more familiar with Velcro brand) and have gusseted legs for awesome leak protection. The two easy-to-adjust sizes fit from newborn to potty training. The fit is great for my little guy and the gussets prevent the gaping we get with some other diapers. I can see why they are so popular and I wish we had these for the newborn liquid poop stage.

Covers can be used more than once, as long as they don’t get poop on them, reducing laundry and saving you money.

The Prefold

Prefolds are thick, flat fabric that is folded, rolled or origamied into a diaper. Prefolds can be fastened with pins or plastic clips called snappies. But, they don’t have to be. Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefolds are made of uber soft hemp and cotton blend. (It reminds me of my favorite t-shirt and I kind of want to snuggle with it.) The prefold is simple to fold in thirds, fan out in the back slightly for extra coverage and lay in the cover. Secure the cover to the baby and you are good to go. Can it get any simpler than that?

The Insert

Actually, it can. With a Thirsties Stay Dry Duo Insert you just snap the bottom layer of super absorbent hemp to the stay dry fleece + quick drinking microfiber terry top and tuck the insert into the wrap. Ta da, diapered baby. I love fleece layers in diapers because they keep the wetness away from baby’s skin. Most of the time his tush is dry even though the diaper is soaked.

To learn more about the Duo Wrap, Duo Hemp Prefold or Duo Insert go to Thirstiesbaby.com or request a catalog.

Thirsties The Company

I love this company. They are the type of company you can feel good about supporting. Our diapers even arrived in a biodegradable envelope.

Thirsties® is a small (but growing!) cloth diaper company committed to greener parenting and Eco Friendly solutions, not to mention 100% USA Made quality! Erin, founder of Thirsties, started this business with an old sewing machine and $100 5 years ago. Through her hard work and diligence, the company is now one of the leaders in the cloth diaper industry. Our diapers are now made by work at home mothers, and very close to our warehouse, reducing our carbon output. Our customer service reps are experienced cloth diapering moms, and offer our knowledge to our retailers and customers alike.

Go to Thirstiesbaby.com or Thirsties’ Facebook Page to learn more about this environmentally minded company.

To Buy or Not to Buy

To Buy… Thirsties products are well made and economical. I love how trim yet absorbent the diapers are and how I can easily add more layers for extra leak protection during nap time. The quality of the products is evident and it’s nice to know that work at home moms are sewing them. These diapers are a The Shopping Mama Baby Shopping Guide Pick.

Not to Buy… Prefolds/Inserts were easier than I expected, but I didn’t find them as easy as some other cloth diapering options. If convenience is worth more than the bottom line, prefolds/inserts may not be for you.

Shop! Thirsties Diapers can be purchased from retailers world wide. Wraps will run you from $12.75-13.75 and the inserts are $7 each. Thirsties encourages purchasing locally . The diapers can also be purchased directly from Thirsties by calling 1-888-315-2330 or at on-line retailers like Amazon.com.

WIN! A Duo Wrap, Duo Hemp Prefold and Stay Dry Duo Insert!

How to enter: Visit Thirstiesbaby.com and tell us your favorite thing about their diapers and what color wrap you would want to win.

Bonus Entries – valid only after completing the first required entry. Please leave a separate comment for each you do.

• Follow The Shopping Mama on Twitter and tweet this giveaway. You may do this everyday, just leave the link when you do.
  Thirsties Modern Cloth Diapers Giveaway – win a Duo Wrap, Duo Hemp Prefold and Stay Duo Dry Insert @TheShoppingMama http://bit.ly/dlp9HJ
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Giveaway ends September 30th. Open to US mailing addresses only.

Disclosure: Thanks to Thirsties for providing a sample product for the purpose of this review and the giveaway prize. Opinions here are my own and uninfluenced by receipt of product.