Zephyr Hill

A Family Blog

*New* Thirsties Natural Pocket Diaper Review & Giveaway

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This post contains affiliate links.

There’s another natural pocket diaper on the market again, this time from Thirsties! It looks a lot like the original synthetic diaper, but inside it’s lined with organic cotton instead of fleece, and both of the inserts are made of cotton and hemp.

Here are the basic features of the new natural Thirsties pocket diaper:

  • Waterproof outer and a 100% organic cotton inner lining
  • Two inserts included: the newborn insert is 3 layers of cotton and the full size insert is 5 layers of hemp/cotton
  • Inserts can be snapped together or used individually
  • Pocket openings at both the front and back
  • Made in the USA
  • Retail price $23.25

It adjusts to fit approximately 8-40 lbs (4-18 kg)

Performance: Organic cotton absorbs quickly, so when you place the cotton insert on top of the larger hemp insert and stuff both in the pocket, you have a combo that works really well together and guards against compression leaks. Add to that Thirsties signature leg gussets, and you have a diaper with a lot of built-in protection.

We’ve been using this diaper for almost 2 weeks now. The absorbency definitely increases after several washes (at least 3), but Thirsties confirmed that we could use it after the first wash. With the diaper at its full absorbing potential (fully prepped with both inserts stuffed inside) Mary Kate can wear it for 3 hours or more during the day, no problem. For overnight, there’s just enough room in the pocket to squeeze in a small hemp insert. I also add a fleece liner on top to protect against extended wetness.

The microfleece lining in Thirsties’ original pocket diaper is a little bit softer and cozier than the new cotton lining. Plus, it has a stay-dry effect, so if those two features are important to you, that would be a minor drawback to the new natural diaper.

Fit: The new natural pocket is a little bit more trim than the original (because cotton is less bulky than microfiber), but has the same great fit. I like the double snaps on the wings, so you can adjust the waist and legs separately if need be. Mary Kate is a petite toddler at 18 months and about 22 pounds. She’s slimmed down with her newfound mobility, and the chunky thighs are slowly going away. The extra snugness in the double leg gussets is a great feature. And all of the colored elastic trim which edges the diaper is nice and soft.

Like the original pocket, the new natural pocket runs on the large side, so I would estimate it starts to fit best at 10-12 pounds, depending on your baby’s side and build. At 18 months, it’s still just one snap setting shy of the very smallest setting.

Care: The organic cotton lining in this pocket diaper stains more easily than the microfleece lining of the original Thirsties pocket, so the lining of this diaper may not look as pretty over time. I tackle our diaper stains with a Buncha Farmers stain stick. Dry time is very similar to the original, since both include a large cotton/hemp blend insert. It takes a full cycle in my dryer.

Value: Pocket diapers are one of the most popular styles on the market, but at $23.25 each the Thirsties natural pocket is on the high end of the price spectrum. I think if given the choice, I’d buy the original instead of the natural next time I’m in the market for a Thirsties pocket. It comes down to personal preference and price. The original is four dollars less ($19.95), has a softer “stay dry” lining and the same wonderful Thirsties fit and reliability. Plus, one of the inserts IS made of natural fibers.

But if 100% cotton and hemp really rock your socks, then spring for the Thirsties natural pocket. It’s definitely worth the money, and I think you’ll be really happy with it!

Where to Find Thirsties Diapers:

Diaper Junction
Dearest Diapers
Kelly’s Closet
Nicki’s Diapers

Giveaway: Enter to win ANY Thirsties diaper that you want! Winner picks from any in stock Thirsties diaper OR cover at my affiliate, Nicki’s Diapers. Plus, you’ll receive a FREE Zephyr Hill mini tote bag (black or blue).

Let me know in a blog comment which Thirsties style and color you’d choose. Good luck!

 

How to Use a Pocket Diaper as a Cover

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Pictured: Elemental Joy Pocket (only $7.55 at Cotton Babies)

Lots of people use their pocket diapers not just as pockets – but as covers. And it can save some time and money, which is why I decided to devote this little blog post to it.

The outside of a pocket diaper is really just a waterproof cover with a lining, usually of fleece, sewn inside. It’s designed in such a way that you can stuff a diaper or insert into a front or back opening. The lining is often a “stay dry” material that can help wick moisture away from your baby’s skin.

But you can use a pocket diaper as a cover, and eliminate the hassle of stuffing.  Just fold up a flat or prefold and lay right in the shell (or pin the diaper on your baby first before fastening the cover on top). You can also use one or two inserts/soakers stacked on top of each other.

Here is a pad folded flat laid right on top of a pocket diaper. It’s ready to wrap around the baby:

pocketcover2

Here are a couple of reasons you might consider using your pocket diaper “shell” as a cover:

  • Some brands of pocket diapers are actually cheaper than diaper covers. For example, Kawaii and Diaper Safari pockets, sold at Nicki’s, are only $10 each, quite less than some mainstream brand covers. Or the Elemental Joy pockets for just $7.99.
  • You like the fit of a certain pocket diaper brand, but you don’t like stuffing.
  • Are you thinking of switching from pockets to covers? Don’t buy a new stash of covers; just use your pocket shells. This will also save you the hassle of trying to sell your pockets (re-sale value of cheaper brands is pretty dismal anyway).
  • Have a few pockets you rarely use? Utilize them as emergency covers when everything else is in the wash. Or stick them in your diaper bag for covers to use when out and about.
  • What if you find a beautiful print or color only available in a pocket? Buy it and use as a cover. Donate the microfiber insert that comes with it; or keep it for an extra booster to stick under a prefold or flat.
  • If your baby has very sensitive skin, you might find the fleece-lined pocket shell, which has fleece along the leg openings, is gentler than a 100% PUL (poly) shell.

Can you only use it once before washing? If the fleece gets wet, then the pocket shell can’t be re-used. But if you do frequent changes, and only the diaper is wet, then you can re-use the cover. Even though fleece is a “stay dry” fabric, you can tell when it’s wet by touch.

Roderick is wearing a Wink bamboo pocket diaper in the photo just below. I like using this one as a cover because the lining is bamboo, not the typical synthetic fleece. You can buy Wink Diapers (and inserts) with 20% off using my exclusive code ZEPHYR20.

Have you ever used a pocket diaper as a cover, or do you have any other alternate ways to re-purpose a pocket?