Busy Parents Love All-in-One Cloth Diapers
All-in-Ones Work Like Disposables But Save Money, Environment
Nov 24, 2008
All-in-one cloth diapers like bumGenius are the cloth equivalent of disposable diapers. They offer all the ease of simply laying the baby down and fastening the diaper. But unlike disposables, all-in-one cloth diapers don’t end up in the landfill.
All-in-one cloth diapers may appeal to parents who:
- Are looking to use cloth baby diapers part time.
- Use caregivers.
- Have a large budget.
- Want to supplement a different type of cloth diapering option.
- Don’t need a quick drying option.
- Don’t want to fold or sort laundry.
- Have light to heavy wetters.
- Are concerned about the environment.
- Value ease of use over all other factors.
What Are All-in-One Cloth Diapers?
All-in-one cloth diapers (AIOs) are exactly what the name implies: They are a complete cloth diaper solution. An AIO cloth diaper is a one-piece diaper with absorbent inner and waterproof outer materials sewn together to create the easiest diaper to use. An all-in-two (AI2) is similar to an AIO diaper. An AI2 has two pieces instead of one. There is a waterproof outer and a snap in soaker that provides absorbency.
The Downsides of an AIO Cloth Diaper
Almost all parents interested in cloth diapering their baby decide right away that they want to use an AIO cloth diaper. What could be better than a washable diaper that works like a disposable? A little research often takes the stars out of their eyes. In order to achieve the absorbency of a disposable diaper, AIO cloth diapers are very thick. Washing the diaper may be a breeze, but air drying can take a long time. Repeatedly drying an AIO cloth diaper in the clothes dryer can raise electric bills. It can also damage the diapers, affecting the ability to resell them. In addition, AIOs and AI2s are expensive. For the price of one AIO cloth diaper, nearly a dozen prefold diapers could be purchased. Of course, prefold cloth diapers are a much different cloth diaper system.
A Place for AIO Diapers
Just because AIOs and AI2s are expensive doesn’t mean they can’t have a place in cloth diaper stashes. These diapers are ideal to ease reluctant caregivers into trying cloth diapers. All-in-ones look the same and work the same as disposables, so they can be a nice introduction to cloth diapers. They are also great for trips around the town because there are no covers, pins, doublers or soakers to complicate matters. Almost every cloth diapering parent could find a use for an AIO cloth diaper.
AIO Diapers Work for Working Parents
Parents who work but who want to use cloth diapers at least part time may find their answer in all-in-ones and AI2s. Even using cloth diapers solely on the weekends helps reduce the impact of disposable diapers on the environment. This also allows time for the cloth diapers to dry during the week.
AI2s: A Cloth Diaper Compromise
AI2s provide all the convenience of AIOs with just a little bit more work. Prior to washing AI2s, parents must unsnap the soaker. After the diapers are clean and dry, the soakers need to be snapped back into place. Taking the extra step of unsnapping the soaker is crucial: the snaps can be broken if the diaper goes through the wash with the soaker snapped. Like all-in-ones, AI2s work exactly like disposables at the diaper changing station. They also are similar to fitteds that have a snap-in soaker.
Choose a Cloth AIO
There are a few popular brands of AIO diapers and AI2s. Options include bumGenius, Swaddlebees and Jam TotsBerryPlush. The cloth diapers by bumGenius come in a variety of sizes and colors. In addition, bumGenius offers a one-size pocket diaper and fitted diapers. Jam Tots BerryPlush have snap-in soakers and come with a Minkee fabric outer.
For parents seeking the most convenient option, regardless off cost, all-in-ones and AI2s provide the best solution. But even parents who use other cloth diapering systems may find adding a few all-in-ones to their diaper stashes can be a great option for caregivers and trips around town.
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