In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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Thirsties Duo All-in-One Review

With some fit and leakage issues and long drying time, we recommend bumGenius Freetime AIO
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Thirsties Duo All-in-One Review (Thirsties Duo All-in-one Snap (shown in Mango))
Thirsties Duo All-in-one Snap (shown in Mango)
Credit: Thirsties
Price:  $726 List
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Manufacturer:   Thirsties
By Alison Buck ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jun 5, 2014
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OVERALL
SCORE
  • Absorbency - 25% 7.0
  • Fit / Leakage - 25% 8.0
  • Comfort - 20% 7.0
  • Ease-of-use - 20% 5.0
  • Eco - Health - 10% 7.0

Our Verdict

The Thirsties All-in-One (AIO) diaper is a cover with the insert sewn into the inside. AIOs are an excellent option if you are intimidated by having to match up the right insert with the right cover. AIOs function much like a disposable because there aren't any extra steps for preparing them for use. This diaper is cushiony soft, very absorbent and successfully wicks moisture away from the surface. It is less neat and trim which causes it to be bulky and bunch up more than the bumGenius Freetime, which is why that one scored higher in our testing.
REASONS TO BUY
All-In-One
Adjustable rise and waist
Machine dry
REASONS TO AVOID
Two size system
Runs small for its suggested sizing and weight
Bulky

Our Analysis and Test Results

thirsties duo all-in-one - thirsties duo all in one
Thirsties Duo All in One
Credit: Thirsties
For those who love the idea of cloth diapering, but covet the pragmatic ease-of-use of disposable diapers, the all-in-one (AIO) approach is just the ticket. As noted in our article, Cloth Diapers vs. Disposables, AIOs can be as easy to use as disposables with the caveat that laundering is required. Overall, the Thirsties Duo AIO scored 5th out of 15 cloth diaper systems we tested and is a top performing diaper, well worth consideration.

The stitching and seams are quality but the fabric less so and isn't as nice as the bumGenuis Freetime AIO. The Thirsties Duo AIO, like the Thirsties Duo Wrap, comes in two sizes: Size One (6-18 lbs) and Size Two (18-40 lbs).

Absorption


The Thirsties Duo AIO scored on par in absorbency with our Editors' Choice the Rumparooz Pocket, both receiving an 7 of 10. This placed it near the top. The Duo AIO's polyester insert which is sewn into the cover on the sides is soft, fluffy, and well-functioning and stays that way after washing and drying. An added bonus for this AIO is that space between insert and cover allows for the option to slide in addtional inserts for increased absorbency if needed.

Fit/Leakage


There's only one row of snaps at the waistband, which leads to bunching and lack of a nice smooth fit across the waist. It's definitely bulkier in comparison to the bumGenius Freetime AIO. What is very nice, however, is that the insert is sewn into the cover and doesn't flap out at all.

Comfort


thirsties duo all-in-one - thirsties duo all in one
Thirsties Duo All in One
Credit: Thirsties
The Duo AIO is soft against baby's skin, but the diaper is bulky and tends to bunch around the waist.

Ease-of-Use


It's very easy. All you have to do is put it on and take it off, just like using a disposable. There's no folding or layering of insert flaps as required with the bumGenius Freetime AIO. Also the pocket in between the insert and the cover allow for additional absorbent layers to be used if needed.

Minimal laundry steps are a plus in our book, and the Duo AIO can be machine dried on low. While there is some space between the cover and the insert to cut down on drying time, it still takes a long time for the Duo AIO to dry.

Eco-Health


The Duo AIO received a 7 of 10 for Eco-Health, relatively low compared with competing cloth diapers. It is constructed entirely of synthetic materials: the inner and cover are made of polyester and the outer is waterproofed with PUL.

Best Applications


Thirsties Duo AIO is a good cloth diapering system for caregivers or daycare as it comes in either velcro or snaps and doesn't require any folding of attached inserts. It really is just like a regular disposable diaper, but it doesn't go to the landfill! A bonus is that it can be machine-washed, although it may need to go through a few drying cycles before it is fully dry. Rotating it inside out helps to minimize dry time.

Value


Lifetime cost with the Duo AIO is really driven upwards because this is a two-sized system, so you will need to buy another batch as your baby gets bigger. For an estimated $125 less, you can invest in the one-size bumGenius Freetime AIO which has a better fit with overall less leakage issues and is less bulky. It does, however, require line-drying, but it is does so very quickly because the absorbent inserts are not completely attached to the cover as with the Duo AIO.

Conclusion


The Thirsties Duo AIO is a good cloth diapering system at a better price point than its competitor, the bumGenius Freetime AIO. However, keep in mind that that all Thirsties systems come in 2 sizes: Size One (6-18 lbs) and Size Two (18-40 lbs), so overall lifetime cost may be higher in the end. Diaper changes and laundering are a breeze with the Duo AIO, that is, if you don't mind extra drying time. Down sides are its make up of 100% synthetic materials and overall bulk as well as bunching at baby's waist. Bottom line: we think if you are looking for an All-In-One diaper, the Thirsties Duo AIO is a fine choice, but if you've got a few extra bucks to spend upfront, go for the bumGenius Freetime which has a better fit with less bulk and requires less time in the drier.

— Alison Buck
 
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