Monday, February 13, 2012

What's the deal with all-in-one diapers?

What is it?
All in one diapers are just what the name says: all in one. Everything you need for the diaper is included - both the waterproof outer and the absorbent layer. All sewn together in one big happy package!  These are great for dads and daycares, as they are essentially just like disposable diapers, except instead of throwing them away, you put them into a wetbag or diaper pail.  These types of diapers usually do have a stay-dry feeling for baby, but not always.

What do they look like?
 Blissful Booty all-in-one with double gussets

Blissful Booty all-in-one, closed

BumGenius Elemental all-in-one; ends of soaker are sewn down but middle is free

BumGenius Elemental all-in-one; ends of soaker are sewn down but middle is free 

GroVia AIO, showing tongue-style soaker attached at one end only.

BumGenius 3.0 all-in-one with stuffable pocket

BumGenius 3.0 all-in-one, showing the microfiber soaker (inside the opening on top)
as well as the stuffable pocket opening.

Bummis Tots Bots Easy Fit with attached tongue-style soaker that folds into the diaper

Bummis Tots Bots Easy fit with attached soaker folded part-way inside

Bummis Tots Bots Easy Fit with attached soaker tongue folded all the way inside


What size do they come in? How do they close?
These can be sized or one-size and may close with snaps or velcro.

What kind of variations are there?
Some all-in-ones are stuffable (like BumGenius 3.0 sized diapers). These have all the absorbent layers sewn in, but also have an opening where you can add additional inserts if needed (for example, for overnight).

Other all-in-ones are tongue-style, which means they have all the layers sewn in, but on one end only, leaving the other end free to flap around. These again have all the absorbency included, but since they absorbent layers (called a "soaker") can move freely they dry faster, and you can add additional absorbency under the flap.  A variation on this is to have both ends of the soaker sewn down, with the middle unattached.

What are the pros and cons?
Pros:
Very easy, no separate cover to worry about, great for people who aren't familiar with cloth diapering, generally fairly trim.

Cons:
Take much longer to dry, some hold stink more (particularly microfiber).

How do I care for an AIO diaper?
Prepping your AIO diaper depends on whether the inside of the diaper is made from synthetic or natural fibers. If it's made from synthetic fibers, simply wash once. If it's made from natural fibers like hemp or cotton, wash 5-6 times prior to use.  After prepping, wash using your normal cloth diaper wash routine. Be sure to attach the laundry tabs for velcro diapers.

What are common brands of AIO diapers?
BumGenius 3.0 sized (there are also 3.0 and 4.0 pockets)
BumGenius Elemental
BumGenius FreeTime
Blissful Booty
GroVia AIO (they also come in AI2/hybrid)
Little Joey (newborn only)
Itti Bitti D'Lish
Bummis Tots Bots Easy Fits
Ones & Twos

2 comments:

  1. And my favorite Swaddlebees Simplex!

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  2. Another AIO cloth diaper is Kashmir Baby~ and awesome if I may add! Loved them. My sister is using them now that she is having a baby. I used them with both of my babies too!

    ReplyDelete