Pros: Soft, fit well, absorbant
Cons: Expensive
The bottom line: Highly recommended for their fit, softness, and absorbancy.
No, these are definitely not the cheapest diapers out there. But the extra money is worth it! Before I had my daughter, Pampers Swaddlers were recommended to me by several friends and family members who already had children. After my daughter was born, I tried several brands of diapers including Huggies and store brands (Target, Babies R Us, etc.). I have not found any other brand that I like as well as the Pampers Swaddlers.
We have still had blowouts with Pampers. I breastfeed and my daughter has very explosive poo! (Sorry, tmi, I know!) I don't think it would be possible for any diaper to contain everything all the time! However, the number and severity of blowouts are decreased drastically when I use the Pampers compared to the other brands. I can also let my daughter go nearly all night in the same diaper without leakage.
Pampers Swaddlers fit very well. My daughter has never had elastic marks on her. The elastic tabs are wonderful and keep the diaper snug while not making them too tight.
Besides fitting well and absorbing well, these diapers are also very soft.
As for the Sesame Street characters on the front of the diapers, I figure who cares? Maybe my daughter will eventually, but right now she doesn't know the difference (I still show her who the characters are, though!) They are cute, but that is definitely not a priority for me!