Cloth diaper mom, Kristin, explores the differences between two of the reusable cloth diaper brands in her personal stash: the Thirsties Stay Dry Pocket Diaper and the Kinder Pocket Diaper, 2.0 Style.
There are a plethora of cloth diapers on the market right now, especially pocket style cloth diapers. With that comes variety, which means every family can find something that works for them.
Lining Materials:
This is a big one! Many cloth diapering families have a strong preference when it comes to the lining of their reusable diapers, while others don't notice a difference.
The Kinder Pocket Diaper features an athletic wicking jersey (AWJ) lining while the Thirsties Stay Dry Pocket Diaper features a micro fleece diaper lining. Athletic Wicking Jersey, or AWJ, is a silky gym short material that also has some cooling and stay dry properties.
Both Athletic Wicking Jersey and Micro fleece reusable diaper linings are moisture wicking and will keep your baby feeling dry and clean.
Leg elastics:
Kinder features a single leg elastic that has quite a bit of strength to it. Thirsties has an external gusset, which adds a little bit of dimension and can allow for extra bulk. External gussets on pocket style diapers are often also called 3D Gussets or Sidewall Gussets.
Back elastics:
Thirsties and Kinder both feature a dual back elastic along the pocket opening of the diaper. Thirsties is more wide and relaxed, with thin elastics while Kinder is more narrow and tight, boasting thicker elastics.
Pocket opening:
Both Kinder and Thirsties feature a back pocket opening. Thirsties also has a front pocket opening.
Tummy panel:
Kinder pocket diapers have a strip of PUL, water resistant fabric, on the interior of the front of the diaper. This helps reduce leaks and prevent moisture from wicking onto baby's clothing.
Thirsties does have a flap of pul underneath the front pocket opening, but it also has that micro fleece lining on top of it.
Size:
Thirsties Stay Dry Pocket Diaper has a weight range of approximately 8-40 pounds, and features a 3x3 adjustable rise. Kinder has a weight range of approximately 7-60 pounds, and a 3x5 adjustable rise, which tends to suit skinny newborn legs.
Snap configuration:
Thirsties has double vertical waist snaps on short tabs. Kinder has double vertical waist snaps, plus hip snaps, on long tabs. Kinder cloth diapers also have crossover snaps, to help get a good fit on teeny newborn waists.
Inserts:
Kinder pockets come without absorbency. This allows you to choose the material and style independently. Kinder carries several different inserts with varying fiber content, but you are also able to use what you have (like flannel receiving blankets, old cotton t-shirts) or you can choose to use flats or pre-folds.
Thirsties pockets come with two inserts, one smaller microfiber insert and one full size hemp/cotton jersey insert.
Price:
Thirsties are $24.50 including the insert set
Kinder pockets are $10-11 and inserts are $3.50-$5.50. A comparable insert pair might be pairing a Kinder hemp cotton with A Kinder lightweight bamboo terry, which would come out to $18.50-$19.50
