question about covers

I have been looking into buying PUL covers - mainly Thirsties duos, Weehuggers, and Swaddlebee capris to use on my LO with flats and prefolds.  The problem is, the sizes are listed by weight  and I have no idea how much babies weigh since this is my first child.  I know most newborns can vary from about 6-8lbs or so but I have no idea how long a size 1 diaper cover will last me.  I also know it depends on the size and shape of the baby but I feel so at a loss with these things.  My husband and I are both tall and thin, so I am guessing we will have a long and lean baby.  We are cloth diapering to save money so I am trying to be as economical as possible.  We also plan on having another baby so I know we would use the covers again.  Also, how many do I need?  I've also considered getting the Flips since they get such great reviews but I'm unsure of how they would fit a newborn.  Sorry for all the questions, but any input from experienced mamas is greatly appreciated.

Most mamas find that it works best to get some newborn size diapers and covers and then move into a one-size system. In addition, two-step systems like the Duo and Capri do work well for most average newborns and generally fit longer than tiny newborn stuff. The Capri has the largest range I've seen.

I had a 8 lb baby that grew slowly. She didn't fit into one-size stuff until she was about 9 lbs or so- about 6 weeks old or so?

I have Flips, but didn't use them when she was little. :P


Edited by littlehands - 12 Apr 2012 at 11:19pm

Thirsties duo size 1 fit my little dude right from birth until 6 or 7 months old so it was definately worth buying. I also have some Thirsties sized covers that were secondhand when I got them. Little dude was the third baby to wear them. They are not pretty anymore but still fully functional and currently being used by my neighbor on her baby. So far they've lasted through 4 babies and counting. With my DD who is now 4.5, I used some swaddlebees ABC wraps and the waterproofing didn't last more than a few months on them. It wasn't random either. It was every single one of her Swaddlebees covers that did the same thing, pee ran right through them like there was no waterproofing at all.

My DH and I are also relatively tall and skinny.  (DH in particular is quite slim.)  So we weren't prepared for a 9 lb, 5 oz chunk at 21 inches long.  DS gained weight very quickly and was at the 99th percentile for both height and weight until his 6-month check up.  I mention this because just because you are slim doesn't mean your baby will be!

I have a really silly question I'd like to add about the covers.  I thought I had this all figured out, but now I'm second guessing myself.  I've been looking at the Thirsties duo covers also.  If I use prefolds under these, do I need to add a snappi under the cover, or does the cover keep the prefold in place?

Duo wraps are great because you can use them over fastened PFs and flats, and fitteds as well as trifold with them. They work well for both.

Well, there is a toss up. Duo wraps don't have the longest lasting velcro on the market. But, I have several Duo wraps going on over a year of use and they work just fine. One of them is kinda pilly, but still works great. I do have a large rotation of covers and you can't expect them to last forever with constant use. I wash them in warm with my clothes and always line dry them. You do get a great fit with velrco. Snaps will last longer as usual, but the Duo wrap snaps are exposed which left deep marks on my DS when I used them for trifolding. I think they would be just fine or fastened diapers or fitteds. Just my opinions, HTH!

SuzieSmiles wrote: That definitely helps and makes perfect sense.  Really appreciate your input Clare_S thanks!

Any time! I love my Duo wraps.

Update: I just got a NB Bummis cover as a gift. It is smaller than the x-small thirsties. But both sized down to their smallest seem about the same.