Imagine and Nicki’s diapers are both part of the Planet Wise family. Nicki Maynard is the super smart and innovative lady behind these brands, which continue to gain a following year after year. You can find these brands, with free shipping, at my affiliate, Nicki’s Diapers.
Today I’m going to review and compare the Imagine pocket diaper with the Nicki’s pocket diaper, since they are “sister” brands. And I want to thank you all again for making today’s review (and giveaway!) possible in part, because whenever you shop using my affiliate links at Nicki’s Diapers, I earn a small commission that can be used for purchasing review diapers and prizes. It’s a win-win for us all, and I truly appreciate your support! I’m also really grateful to Nicki’s for allowing me to be a part of their affiliate programs.
Both of these are one-size diapers which adjust to fit from 8 to 35+ pounds. The outer is waterproof PUL with a microfleece lining and pocket opening. The Nicki’s print at left is called Spring Rainbow; at right is the Imagine diaper in Indigo. Both have 2 sets of snaps on the rise, which gives you 3 size settings (small, medium, large).
Here are the diapers opened up:
And here are the inserts. With the Nicki’s pocket you get one standard 5×15 microfiber insert. With the Imagine pocket you get an adjustable microfiber insert. Snap it back to make the insert smaller. It adjusts from 11 to 12 to 14.5 inches.
Both diapers are very similar in terms of size and cut. Here are the shells laid one on top of the other to illustrate. The main difference I see is Imagine pockets are wider across the crotch.
Here’s a quick recap to compare the features of the two diapers:
| Imagine | Nickis | |
|---|---|---|
| Snap Colors | Colored to Match Diaper | Colored to Match Diaper |
| Insert | Adjustable Microfiber | Standard Microfiber 5×15 |
| Lining | No Pill White Microfleece | Color-Coordinated Microfleece |
| Colors | 8 Prints/Colors | 20+ Prints / 8 Colors |
| Wings | Double Snaps | Double Snaps Plus Crossover |
| Openings | 1 Back Opening | 1 Back and 1 Front Opening |
| Branding | Designed Exclusively for Imagine | Designed Exclusively for Nicki’s |
| Shipping | Free | Free |
| Price* | $12.95 | $12.95 Prints and $11.95 Solids |
*Prices updated for 2016
Performance: With both pocket diapers, you can expect typical absorbency for a 4-layer microfiber insert. Two or three hours is max for us. The microfleece is very plush and soft and resists pilling.
Both are easy to stuff, but Imagine has the edge with a back pocket opening of 6 inches wide. The Nicki’s diaper has both a front and back opening but the one at the rear is 4.5 inches wide.
If you don’t like microfiber, either of these pocket diapers can be stuffed with something else – bamboo or hemp inserts, flats, prefolds, etc. But you’ll still get the “stay dry” effect of the fleece lining against your baby’s skin.
For hiding stains, the colored fleece inside the Nicki’s pocket gets huge bonus points. Plus, the coordinating colors look so beautiful!
The only improvement I would suggest is a PUL strip at the front of the diaper for tummy sleepers.
Fit: Imagine and Nicki’s diapers run slightly large. For their one-size line, we start getting a good fit around the legs at 3-6 months, depending on how chubby their little legs are. With his skinny legs, Erik wasn’t able to wear this one until 6 months. However, as a bonus, all our toddlers have comfortably worn both brands. I love to recommend both Nicki’s and Imagine to mothers with toddlers, or babies with chubby legs/thighs.
There are no hip snaps on the wings of these pocket diapers, and both are prone to “wing droop.” That means you may have to readjust every so often, and also change the diaper before it starts sagging from the weight of wetness or poo. For some reason, I notice more wing droop with the Imagine vs. the Nicki’s, but I’m not sure why this is, since they are similar in cut.
As mentioned above, the Imagine pocket is cut slightly wider across the crotch (you can see this illustrated in the photos below).
Although some like dual pocket openings, I would prefer that the Nicki’s pocket not have a front opening at all. The fleece flap will roll up and over the waistband unless I take extra care to smooth it out and sort of tuck it down as I put the diaper on.
And now let’s look at the fit!
If you are curious to try one of these pocket diapers on your baby, today’s giveaway is for you because you can pick your prize! Choose a Nicki’s or Imagine pocket diaper from in stock colors and prints PLUS a pair of Imagine or Nicki’s baby leggings.
*GIVEAWAY CLOSED*
I would love the orange houndstooth.
I would definitely choose the Nicki’s pocket in blue razz houndstooth. I like how the pocket has an opening in the front and back.
I have Imagine and Nikkis in NB size. Love them. We have an Imagine in OS and not as impressed. Haven’t tried Nikkis in OS yet. I guess I would have to pick one of those.
Great review! I’ve always wanted to see a comparison of the two diapers. This review answered a lot of questions. I would chose the imagine print in the ring a ding.
In all the talk I’ve heard about Nikki’s diapers no one mentioned the colored inside. Now I want one just bc of that! I think grape houndstooth would be my choice. I need more purple.
Any idea why Nicki’s (arguably the “premium” product) doesn’t include an adjustable insert?
Technically, it is adjustable in the sense that you simply fold it down (or back) instead of snapping it. I’m not sure why the difference, though. Perhaps it was simply to differentiate the two products, or to keep the cost lower since Nicki’s donates a diaper for every one purchased? ~Anne
I would choose either the foxes or the tree friends (owls).
My husband likes the Nickis pockets we have. I bought 6 for him when he asked for some easy changes that would be quick for him out and about since he has a bad back and men’s rooms don’t really have changing areas. We used them for about a year, now I have them waiting for the next baby to use.
We stuff with flats btw.
You’re definitely right about Imagines running large… They’re a great pocket, though, and so easy to stuff!
Id get the Rawr snap from Imagine
I love my Imagine newborns so I would love a Nicki’s in Tree Friends!
I’d choose a Nicki’s in Nautical Nessie
We have a Nautical Nessie cover – it is one of THE cutest prints, Heather! ~Anne
I’ve have an Imagine pocket and I love the prints, especially Trumpet. I think the Nicki’s pocket would be easier to stuff with the front and back opening. I need to check out Nicki’s.
I would just be curious to whether or not their durability is the same in the long, or the colors stay bright, or if the fleece gets pilly on either.
I haven’t noticed any pilling after 6+ months of use. Colors also look great! I don’t have any longer term feedback to offer (yet). ~Anne
This is amazingly perfect timing! I have an Imagine pocket and I was just wondering how the two compare. I’m an AppleCheeks mama myself, but I want to get a few budget friendly h&l pockets for my 8 year old and he LOVES several of the Nicki’s prints. He said they will look “so beautiful” on his baby sister.
Amy, that is the cutest thing! What a sweetie. ~Anne
Interesting comparison, thanks! I have never tried Nicki’s or Imagine, but I have an Imagine on the way in the mail already!
Love the blue chevron!
Great Review!! I think for my child, the Nicki’s Diaper would be the better fit and I love the crossover snap option!! My current brand of pockets are just NOT cutting it- too slender, and not a good fit on his chubby legs.
I like the stone pattern or the choco houndstooth.
I have an imagine pocket and heard good things about Nicki’s. I would choose nautical
Thanks for the side-by-side comparison! I think I would get the Imagine pocket in Trumpet print.
I love the nautical nessie and the grape houndstooth patterns. They’re so different from what you typically see.
I would choose Imagine Pocket in Raspberry!
The Nicki’s pocket in Rain with snaps, please! Thank you for a great review and giveaway!
You bet, Jessica! ~Anne
I’d choose a Nicki’s in Woven Storm. Thanks for the giveaway!
I love the review! I had no idea those brands were so similar! We have an Imagine OS, but would love to try the Nikki’s diaper in gray chevron!
The Chevrons are favorites of mine, too!
Love,love,love the Nicki’s color coordinated microfleece! Gotta add one to the stash! Great review Ann, as always!
Thank you so much, Maggie!
I’m all about chevrons so I would choose the Nicki’s brand blue chevrons and matching leggings to match my wetbag!!
I think I would choose the Nautical Nessie by Nicki’s Diaper. It is such a cute unique print.
If we won, I would love to have the Nicki’s pocket diaper in Candy Cane color; we don’t have any red diapers at all and that one looks so vibrant!
I would probably choose a Nicki’s diaper in Grape Chevron.
I love the hedgehog leggings!
Yes, so cute!! ~Anne
Thank you, my questions were answered! I like the idea of crossover snaps and back and front openings like the Nicki’s diaper has.
Loving this comparison! I’m just starting to research cloth diapering as we are expecting in March. These reviews are fantastic for me. Thanks!
I haven’t tried either, but after reading this I believe I’d prefer Nicki’s, mostly because of the crotch width, that’s always the biggest problem with us. If I win I’d pick the Blue Razz diaper and the Space Trip leggings 🙂
I didn’t even realize Nicki’s had their own brand of pockets besides the Imagine brand. 🙂 Thanks for the review. It’s always nice to see two similar brands compared.
I love the nautical nessie nickis pocket diaper.
I would choose the chevrons!
*teal chevrons
I am so happy to see this review. One of the biggest problems I have with my baby (she was 25 lbs at 6 months and is even larger at 7 months) is that she is already too big for several of my one size diapers. Imagine is one of my favorite brands because they are cut larger, and I am so happy to see how they compare to Nicki’s. I will have to try some Nicki’s diapers since they are a little narrower in the crotch. Thank you so much!
So happy that the review has been helpful, Brianna! ~Anne
I’ve been wanting to try Nicki’s! Always heard great things about them! I would choose dreamsicle chevron! ❤️
I would probably pick a Nicks Newborn AIO in grey chevron for squish #2.
Nessie all the way.
Oh my gosh! I want the Niki’s most awesomely ! I have never seen colored lining before I’m in LOVE. the chevron pattern is super cute too!!!
I would for sure choose Nautical Nessie. I have other Nickis Houndstooth prints, and a couple Imagine Trumpet print. I love them all! Although I do wish that Imagine had the crossover snap like Nicki’s. Makes for easy rolling up to put in the wet bag, and is great for extra tiny babies like mine.
I love the tree friends print.
I love Nickis diapers! I recommend them all the time! I love all of their new prints too it’d be so hard to decide which one to choose!
The blue chevron is very cute!
I would choose the Nicki’s diaper in Tree Friends! With matching leggings!
I would pick Nicki’s chevron probably in either red or purple! They are so cute!!!
I love the purple chevrons!
I love the fox and den! so super cute!!
I LOVE the fox leg warmers! So cute.
I think I’d get the bNicki’s blue razz chevron diaper.
I like Nicki’s Caramel Apple Houndstooth. Well, actually, there’s several I like, but I’ll start there!
I would love the Imagine One Size All-in-Two Cloth Diaper in Raspberry Snap if I won!
I think I would choose the Nicki’s blue razz diaper. Cute!
I would love to try a Nicki’s Diaper. We are starting our adoption process with the new year and that would work great! I love the Dreamsicle Chevon pattern diaper, but I really love the Ring a Ding Imagine baby legs!
Sarah, congratulations on beginning the adoption process! Be sure to sign up for my BonJour Baby expectant mothers giveaway next year. It’s ongoing http://bit.ly/17voauO. Please also share with friends/family. Thanks! ~Anne
I think I would choose blue razz chevron. I’ve never tried nickis diapers and that blue looks so beautiful.
I love your comparisons! Thank you for the pictures of both on different ages/sizes. And your table with all of the details was so helpful. I would definitely choose a Nicki’s diaper if I won. Love their colored inner fleece!
Thanks, Lindsay!
Would love to try the Nicki’s pocket diaper in one of the chevron colors!
I would love Spring Rainbow-Nicki’s pocket diaper.
I like that Nicki’s Diapers have the coordinating fleece. I just think it’s cute! If I won, I would choose a Nicki’s Diaper in “Rain.”
I would love to try a Nicki’s pocket diaper! There are so many adorable prints, but i think my favorite is Nautical Nessie 🙂 That one is just too cute!
I love your review. It clearly explains the difference between two very similar diapers, and allowed me to decide which I wanted to try. I’ve asked other places, but was answered with pics (didn’t show much) and the fact that Nicky’s has 2 openings. that said, I love the colored lining! 😀 My 7 yr old says Strawberry Houndstooth is the cutest.
Dawne, I’m glad it’s helped you so much! I love the colored linings, too. Very unique among pocket diapers. ~Anne
Id love the nickis pocket in the rain or canyon print!!!!! so pretty!
I’ve been eying the Tree Friends and Nautical Nessie for a while. 🙂
I’d choose Nicki’s in Choco Blueberry!
I love the spring rainbow cover! So cute!
If I could, I would choose the The Imagine One Size Pocket Diaper in Trumpet! The elephants are just adorable!
The Barnyard Jam Imagine diaper is so cute! I’d totally pick that.
I would choose a Nicki’s Pocket Diaper in Nautical Nessie or Blue Razz Houndstooth. I would get Nicki’s Diapers Baby Leggings in Nautical Nessie too or Stars on Black. I think that’s what I would choose, but there are so many cute options that it would be hard to make a choice.
I would choose the Nicki’s pocket diaper in grape chevron and the organic rainbow baby legs!
Oh, what a cute combo, Stacy! ~Anne
Yikes, it’s hard to choose when I’ve still got about 4 weeks left until I have any idea what her shape will be… but that said, I LOVE the Nicki’s Hip Chick pattern!
I’d choose Ring-a-Ding.
I would pick the Stone print of Nicki’s diapers! Such a great print and color!
I’d love to try a Nicki’s diaper in Rain or Nautical Nessie
I would choose imagine in trumpet. Haven’t tried pockets yet so would be happy with any!
I love the Nicki’s Diapers One Size Diaper Covers, especially the Woven Night and Woven Storm prints. They are gorgeous!
Do both diapers have hook and loop closures as an option? If so, any idea how the hook and loop compares?
They do both have that closure option, but I’ve always bought the snaps.
I love that Imagine diaper with the butterflies. How adorable!
I’d probably pick barnyard jam! I do love the larger fit, both Nicki’s and Imagine pocket diapers fit my older toddler very well until he potty trained.
The blue dinosaur set is my favorite!
Nautical Nessie, stone, in the nickis, or barnyard jam with imagine. I have one imagine pocket diaper, would love to try a nickis diaper!
I’ve only got one Imagine, but I do like it! I’ve never tried Nicki’s but have heard WONDERFUL things about them.
Great review! I found the comparison breakdown very helpful.
I like the Bamboo AIO Hip Chick, would love to win it for my grand daughter.
I really like that these run big, I’m looking now for more larger-sized One Size diapers… My DD just weighed in at her 2 month checkup at 13lbs, and then we realized we needed to put her in the OS diapers – well a few of them she is already over a few snaps! Thanks for the review, I do think I would like more pockets after trying them out over the last month!
I have tried both and found your assessment to be spot on. We have skinny legged babies and my son was not able to wear his Nikki’s is pockets until almost 9 months. I bought imagine newborn diapers and love how they fit, but the lack of PUL in the top front made for leaks when they rolled. Same with the OS. I love both brands cute prints and price. And, the customer service with Nikki’s Diapers is amazing.