To be honest, I never thought that I would own any diaper covers at all.

The first ones I ever laid eyes on were the Thirsties Duo wraps, when I was pregnant and cloth curious. My first thought was "these just look so old-fashioned."

I ended up going with pocket diapers, but slowly fell into trying and using different covers, after I realized how easy and affordable this way of diapering was.

I still had that initial impression of Thirsties covers on my mind, and it wasn't until I came across the adorable Cactus Garden print that I finally made a purchase.
This post is not sponsored in any way. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click through and make a purchase, I receive a small commission for my referral, at no extra cost you. Thank you for support my blog!

All reviews I've seen for this cover were either for a small baby in a size one, or a really large baby in a size two.
We have experienced the in-between, so I wanted to share our experiences.

Features:
Thirsties Duo Wraps are a single-layer, wipe-able, and waterproof cover. They have unique gentle double-leg gussets and a belly elastic. They have both a snap and hook and loop closure option.
Thirsties Duo Wraps come in three sizes and are meant to fit from birth to potty.
Size 1: 6- 18lbs
Size 2: 18-40lbs
Size 3: 40- 65lbs+

What I like:
The first cover I tried was the size one snap duo. It fit my then six-month-old like a dream, but was a little tight on my twenty-month-old (who weighed just over 20 lbs).
I loved the double gussets and how well it contained everything.
We have never had a leak with the duo wraps. They can offer a ton of coverage over bulky fitteds or flats.
They also have an awesome price point of $13.95 and are manufactured in the USA.

What I don't like:
Plain and simple, there's a sizing gap between the size one and two snap Duos.
Since my oldest didn't fit in the size one, I purchased a size two. On the smallest rise and waist settings, it was still too loose and baggy.
The size two are so large overall, even now when he fits into it better, it just gives the huge, unattractive diaper bum, which I really don't care for in cloth diapers.
Our pad-folded inserts ALWAYS drop and become bunched in the bottom of the diaper because there's so much fabric back there.
For people like me who have small kids, the size two is almost unusable. In my opinion, the size two doesn't fit well until over 20lbs.
And then, it is better suited for babies with more chunk, and those with a preference to a larger diaper.

My 19-lb sixteen-month-old is currently in that frustrating sizing gap, and has been for months. One is bordering too tight, and the other is so big, especially when he's on the move.

In a size one:

... and in a size two:

My 26-lb two-and-a-half-year-old in a size two:

It's all just a matter of taste and personal preference, but my other huge pitfall with Thirsties, and why I didn't purchase for so long, was my personal opinions on contrasting trim (as I mentioned in my Lalabye Baby Review).
Especially with white trim on all the solid-colored diapers, in my opinion, it makes them look outdated.
Most of their prints just don't speak to me, and are probably my least favorite on the market.

I loved the size one Duo while it fit, but after trying the size two, I feel like I'm using two completely different diapers.

The size two just don't give the modern, trim fit and look that I prefer in other diaper covers.
  
 

What I would change:
Honestly, if they extended the center snaps on the size one, it would close the size gap right up. Likely both of my small kids would still fit in the size one and give me the fit I love in a diaper.
They both could really use cross-snaps too. If I could cross-snap the waist, the size two would fit my babies sooner and help close this size gap.

Pros:
- Affordable
- Versatile- can be used with any insert of choice
- Almost bullet-proof to leaks
- Made in the USA

Cons:
- Size gap between the two sizes
- The size two runs really large

Would I recommend Thirsties Duo Wraps?
I would highly recommend the size ones for the first few months. If you have a large babies, you may love the size two.

From personal preference, and experience, this is not a diaper that works great for our family, but it does not mean it won't for yours.

Other families LOVE this diaper, it's remained one of the most popular cloth diapers on the market.

The brand is great.
The quality is great.
If you're within the fit range, it is a great diaper.

I'll be trying more of Thirsties other products in the future, but will not be ordering any more size two duo wraps for our family.

Where to purchase Thirsties products:
Diaper Junction
Kelly's Closet
Amazon

What is your favorite Thirsties brand product? I'm really excited to try their natural all-in-one and their fitteds!

Click here for my complete list of diaper reviews.

I have been meaning to do this follow-up post ever since I wrote my popular post, Cloth Diapering For Less Than $200.

I am a huge believer that cloth can be simple AND affordable.

This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click through and make a purchase, I receive a small commission for my referral, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

I wanted to share some of my favorite brands and recommendations to build a stash for less than $200.
All these covers can be reused through numerous changes as long as they aren't soiled.

Cloth diaper covers for less than $15 each (priced lowest to highest):

Imagine One-Size Diaper Cover- This is just a basic cover with double gussets and a roomy fit, available in both snap and aplix closures.
I have no personal experience with this cover.

It is extremely affordable, ringing in at $11.95.
It can be purchased through Nicki's Diapers or Amazon, or other cloth diaper retailers.

Buttons One-Size Diaper Cover- This all-in-two diaper cover has double gussets, stretchy double layers of PUL, a front elastic to give it a trim, modern fit, and it happens to be our family's favorite!
Read my full review here.


It rings it at $11.50- $13.50, depending if it's a print or a solid.
It can be purchased through Button's Amazon, or many other small retailers.

Sweet Pea One-Size Diaper Cover-  This is an affordable diaper cover with double gussets, thick PUL, and a roomy fit.
This is a brand we have only tried (and loved) in the newborn size.
 
It rings in at just $12.95.
It can be purchased through Nicki's Diapers, Amazon or many other retailers.

Diaper Rite One- Size Diaper Cover- Created by Diaper Junction, this TPU diaper cover has double gussets and insert tuck flaps.
I have no personal experience with this diaper.

It rings in at $12.95- $13.95, depending on if it's a solid or print.
It can be bought exclusively at Diaper Junction.


Buttons Super One-Size Diaper Cover-  A larger Buttons diaper cover with vertical snaps instead of horizontal, tuck flaps, and a roomier fit.
This one rings it at $13.50-$14.50.
It also can be purchased through Buttons Diapers Amazon, or other Buttons retailers.

Rumparooz One- Size Diaper Cover- A soft cover with double gussets and roomy fit, available in both snap and aplix closures.




It rings in at $14.
It can be purchased through Nicki's Diapers, Amazon, or your favorite cloth diaper retailer.



Flip One-Size Diaper Cover- With Cotton Babies signature stretchy tabs, insert tuck flaps, and an array of beautiful prints and colors, this makes an awesome diaper cover option. 
You can read my full review here.
It rings in at $14.95 retail.
It can be purchased through Cotton Babies (don't forget to search "seconds" for even bigger savings), Nicki's Diapers, Amazon, or almost any cloth diaper retailer.

Thirsties Duo Wraps- So, this could arguable put you over $200, because a lot of people will need to buy two sizes, unless they don't start cloth diapering until later, but both sizes can get you from birth to potty. It is a great, affordable cover nonetheless. Thirsties has unique exposed elastic double gussets, thin, but bulletproof PUL, and comes in both snaps and aplix closure options. It also is made in the USA.
Read my full review here.
It rings it at $12.95.
It can be purchased through Nicki's Diapers, Amazon, or almost any cloth diaper retailer.

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And then there's the next price tier of covers, which will put you just over $200 for your stash.

Cloth diaper covers for less than $20 each (priced lowest, to highest):

Grovia One-Size Diaper Shell- This trim AI2 diaper cover is the only one on the list that does not have a wipeable PUL/TPU inner. It is a lined mesh, but also still reusable between changes as long as it is not soiled. Grovia is available in both snap and aplix closures.
This is another of my personal favorites.
It rings in at $16.95.
It can be purchased through Grovia, Natural Baby Co., Nicki's Diapers, Amazon, and many other retailers.

Pssstt... Grovia has a sale page, too, where they will list clearance diapers!

Lalabye Baby One- Size Diaper Cover- Another AI2 diaper cover with a trim fit, made of thin, magical TPU.
Read my full review here.
It rings in at $16.50 for solids, and $19 for prints.
It can be purchased through Nicki's Diapers and many other cloth diaper retailers.

Blueberry Diaper Cover- This North-American made cloth diaper cover has double gussets and a roomy fit. It is also offered in the Capri, which has insert tuck flaps.
I've personally never used, but runs popular for cover users.

It rings in at $18.95- $19.95.
It can be purchased through Nicki's Diapers, Amazon, and many other cloth diaper retailers.

FREE SHIPPING

Best Bottom One-Size Diaper Cover- This all-in-two diaper cover offers a trim fit with double PUL and double gussets - all manufactured in the USA.

It rings in at $18.95.
It can be purchased through Nicki's Diapers, Amazon, or many cloth diaper retailers.

BIGGER Best Bottom Diaper Cover- The Best Bottom Cover, with a roomier fit.
It rings in at $19.95. 
I have no personal experience with Best Bottom BIGGER

It also can be purchased through Nicki's Diapers, Amazon, or many cloth diaper retailers.

I have used and loved a lot of covers and I am hoping to continue and update this list as time goes on.

Even before we had kids, and before we took larger steps towards minimalism, I was always very far on the minimalist side when it comes to babies and kids.
I truly believe they don't need much, and having less is less stress on them, too.

We avoid bringing in toys and trinkets, not only for the clutter aspect, but also for environmental reasons.

This doesn't mean we have to miss out on the fun traditions that go along with holidays, though!

This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click through and make a purchase, I receive a small commission for my referral, at no extra cost to you. As always, I only recommend products I would and already use for my own family. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Holidays are kept simple around here, and with Easter just around the corner, I wanted to share some ideas of typical things we'd include in our kids' baskets.
   
1. Spring Activities - My favorite Easter gift is supplies for outdoor activities, like sidewalk chalk or bubbles (even better if it's DIY). They can be used all summer long, and since they're consumable items, they'll be completely used up!

2. Rain Gear- Prepare for the rainy season by getting rain boots, rain coats, and umbrellas for playing outside.

We have these boots in three sizes, and highly recommend them! They come in SO many adorable prints, and have held up great for us:



3. Craft Supplies- The basics like paint, crayons, colored pencils, and clay are always a huge hit, and perfect indoor activity for those rainy spring days to come.


4. Books- Books are always on our list. Though I put a halt to toys, books are one thing I won't turn down because they provide hours of enriching entertainment for our kids.
I'm hoping some day to have one of these AWESOME kids' book racks to rotate books out.
I'm thinking of getting some non-fiction nature books this year.



5. Water Bottles/ Reusable Food Pouches- We can almost not have enough stainless steel water bottles. I actually also use them for mess-free smoothies (just don't forget to get some straw brushes, too), but a lot of people like reusable pouches for their babes.



6. DIY Sensory Bins- This is one of our favorite activities for cold and rainy days, or lets be real, any day I need a nice, solid distraction for the kids to get some work done. Sensory bins can often be made from items you already have in your home. We do a lot of water and ice play, using kitchen utensils or toys we already own. Here's a huge list of sensory activities.

7. Experiences- This is always a huge part of minimalist and zero-waste families' gifting. You can buy museum passes, go mini-golfing, plan a picnic, or any other special excursion.

8. Gardening Seeds and Tools- Planting a garden is the perfect spring activity for little ones. Gifting them the seeds, then planting and growing them together would be such a rewarding experience! Plus there are the cutest water cans out there!

 

9. Necessities- Most of the joy for really young kids is just receiving the gift itself. Do they need new pants? A toothbrush? A cute cloth diaper? These are fun little things to throw in for them.







10. Summer/ Beach Gear- I think some of us here in the Midwest like to get hopelessly optimistic about the weather turning warm after Easter. Or maybe you're lucky enough to live somewhere where Spring actually means Spring weather; a sun hats, beach towel, beach toys, sunglasses, sandals, camping chair, sleeping bag, bathing suit... anything to get you excited for the warm weather and adventures ahead!

11. Snacks- We usually don't do much candy, either, but I like to throw in a chocolate bar, or some little fruit chews for a treat.



Don't forget to go zero waste on the packaging!
I have some gift bags leftover from our wedding that I reuse for times like this.
This year though, I think I am going to go the wet bag route (the only problem is choosing one!).
My toddler loves his wet bag for storing all his little treasures in.

Do you have any simple, practical gift ideas? I'd love to know!

Have you ever bought a diaper just for the print?

That is my relationship with Smart Bottoms. They have, in my opinion, the absolute best diaper prints on the market.

They're detailed, gorgeous, have an amazing variety, and are always coming out with something new.

This post is not sponsored or endorsed in any way. All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. This means if you click through and make a purchase, I receive a small commission for my referral, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog!

When I first saw Heinrich, I had to get this adorable dragon print.

I did absolutely no review checking or feature research before purchasing, which is so unlike me. I just went straight for the print.

I've added a few covers since then, and with 9+ months of use, I wanted to share our experience.

Features: The Too Smart cover is a single-layer PUL cover. It has double gussets, and insert tuck flaps* on each end. It has vertical waist snaps, and three rows of rise snaps.


It is unique in that the waist snaps are male, instead of the usual female. It also has quite possibly the largest inner leg gussets on the market, so though it is a double gusset, both sit against the leg.


*I realized I've never actually shared my personal opinion on tuck flaps on any of my other reviews. I'm personally not a fan. I can live with them, but I'd prefer to live without them.
Mainly because I don't use them, so they are just a place where water annoyingly pools while I'm spraying diapers. I'm always glad when my kids don't poop in a diaper with them.

Smart Bottoms sells Too Smart inserts that are compatible with these covers, but you can use any flat, prefold, fitted or insert of your choice (except uncovered microfiber).

Of course, we use pad-folded flour sack towels.

What I like: Beside just the print, I actually like the crazy-large double gussets on this diaper. I kind of like how they give an effortless snug fit on my kids legs. The cover has a broad fit range, fitting both my son as a baby, and now my toddler at 2.5, who still doesn't even have all the rise settings out. Now that we have the fit mastered, I really like how they fit on my boys. They would work amazing over fitteds, or for a fluffy nighttime diaper. And the quality is awesome.


What I don't like: My biggest qualm honestly, is the price point. I like my diaper covers at or below $15. Too Smart covers reach the very highest limit I will ever go for a diaper at $22. I don't cloth to save money, but I have my limits on what I will spend on something my kids poop inThe fit can be tricky too. These sit much higher than a lot of other diaper covers, and it took me awhile to master a good fit. Well that, and the tightness of the elastics. I have tiny kids, so the elastics don't bother me, but it's a complaint I've heard often. I can definitely see the tight elastics being an issue, especially since the PUL on this cover isn't as soft as others.
I do like the fit, but there's still something about the all-around high fit and extra-fabric bum that makes me not absolutely love the diaper.

Fit on my 15-month-old (19 lbs):


Fit on my 2 1/2-year-old (26 lbs):


I also feel the need to mention that there is a lack of hip snaps on this diaper. It is not always an issue, but with how slippery the outer PUL is, a particularly active kid will occasionally end up with wonky wing flaps.

Overall, this diaper cover isn't my favorite, but it's also not by any means a bad cover. I like it.
There will definitely be more Too Smarts showing up in my mailbox, because I can't resist those prints.

Pros:
- Versatile- can be used with any absorbency of choice
- Fit a large size range
- Prints and colors to die for
- Made in the USA

Cons:
- Higher price point ($22)
- Can be an initial struggle to figure out fit
- Elastics may be too snug and rough for some
- Like a lot of brands, the covers often get left out of limited edition print releases

I think the Too Smart cover is worth trying. Especially if there's a print that you've been eying up, go for it!

Too Smart covers can be purchased at Kelly's Closet, Amazon, or your favorite Smart Bottoms retailer (thought not all carry the cover).


Psst... Have you seen their brand-new regular-line-up print (launching March 23)??
I LOVE it!

Have you tried Smart Bottoms' cover yet? What did you think?


If you like cloth diaper reviews, you can find my growing catalog here.




It's kind of funny, and maybe a little scary, to see all the conflicting cloth diaper advice out there. Thankfully, as time goes on, advice seems to be lining up more across the board, as the old cloth diaper myths are being dispelled.

First, I am going to put it out there that it is pretty hard to ruin a cloth diaper.
A lot of people tend to over-complicate the diapering process, or give off this fear of ruining their diapers. A cloth diaper is made to be heavily soiled, and heavily washed, over and over for years.

Short of putting your diaper in the microwave, or giving it to your dog as a chew toy, you probably are not going to ruin it.




There are things that can accelerate their wear, and destroy elastics, so you do want to avoid these.

Here are 7 things you should NEVER do to a cloth diaper:

1. Use fabric softener- Fabric softeners -or "fabric conditioners," as they're now being marketed - work by coating the fibers of the fabric to make them feel soft. This leaves a residue, which will cause repelling over time. Be aware of detergents with fabric softener already added.

Side note: plant-based softeners (like Method brand) are OKAY, because they fully wash away.

2. Strip regularly- If you don't even know what "stripping" cloth diapers is, don't even worry about! (Though I will be doing a full post on it soon). It's not something that should ever be needed. Stripping cloth diapers removes mineral or other buildup (like fabric softeners) from absorbent diaper fabrics. It is EXTREMELY harsh on diapers, and should never need to be done if you are washing properly. (See my post on washing cloth diapers here) This is one thing that is way overdone in the cloth community, and sometimes promoted as being normal. It is not. It should only be used for necessary cases.

Side note: most diaper stink issues can be resolved by a couple back-to-back washes, and routine tweaks.

3. Store long term without air-flow- Have you ever pulled out baby clothes from storage only to find the elastics along all the edges were completely brittle and shot? This is something that happens if you store elastics over time without airflow. I haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaate replacing elastics on diapers! When you're storing your cloth diapers between kids, spare yourself having to replace all the elastics by making sure you store them somewhere where they can breathe, like a mesh bag or open container.

Side note: elastic replacement is actually fairly easy- and inevitable at some point- on most cloth diapers. It's the weakest component of the diaper, and usually the first thing to go.

4. Stretch elastics after being exposed to extreme temperatures- Another sure way prematurely relax elastics is to stretch them while they are hot from the dryer, or after being left in a cold car all night. always wait until the diaper returns to room temperature before stretching. It can cause the elastics and PUL to crack or stretch if you don't.

 

5. Use improperly diluted bleach- Bleaching diapers a-okay. It can sometimes be necessary, in cases of yeast infections, or if you are buying diapers used. It is not something that should be done regularly, because it can cause early wear, but done properly and sparingly, it will not damage your diapers. Bleach needs to be properly diluted when used- no more than 1/2 cup per large washer load. Any stronger, and you risk wearing out the fibers of the diapers.

6. Use petroleum-based diaper rash creams -  Like in the case of fabric softener, using diaper creams with petroleum in them will coat the fabric and cause repelling.
I debated about adding this one, because if you use natural fiber diapers (like I do), you can use ANYTHING, even petroleum (though I would not for other reasons). As long as you are washing on hot and have a good wash routine with enough real detergent, even petroleum will wash away from natural fibers. You need to avoid it on anything synthetic or that has a stay-dry covering. Most all natural diaper creams will be cloth-diaper safe!

Side note: zinc oxide is the only other ingredient you need to look out for in diaper creams because it can cause staining.

7. Boil it/ put it in the dishwasher/microwave - Any of these crazy unconventional ways of disinfecting diapers using high heat just need to be avoided. Firstly, because exposing PUL and snaps to that high of heat will melt and destroy them. Secondly, because it is safety and fire hazard to expose fabrics to that high of heat. It is sometimes advised by people to boil flats or other natural fibers to help prep them, but honestly, throwing them into the wash every time you do a load of laundry is so much easier and safer.

There's some basic rules to abide by, but using and caring for cloth is simple, if you keep it that way! If you have any doubts or questions about caring for your diapers, you can always contact the manufacturer.

For more tips, check out my article on the 9 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Cloth Diapering.

You can see my complete Guide to Cloth Diapering here.