Key Takeaways: AIO Cloth Diapers are easy to use and perfect for a family that is struggling with time. Because all of the diaper pieces are attached, there is no extra step after laundering. All-In-One cloth diapers are the easiest type of reusable diapers for parents or caregivers because they are most like a disposable diaper.
Table of Contents
- Types of AIO Cloth Diapers
- Advantages of AIO Cloth Diapers
- Disadvantages of AIO Cloth Diapers
- Care and Maintenance of All-In-One Cloth Diapers
All-in-one cloth diapers are becoming increasingly popular among parents looking for an eco-friendly alternative to disposable diapers. This guide will provide an overview of all-in-one cloth diapers, their benefits, and how to use them.
Types of AIO Cloth Diapers
Quick Drying AIO Cloth Diapers
Contrary to popular belief, AIO cloth diapers can often dry just as fast as pocket cloth diapers or AI2 diapers. The insert attaches to the diaper in different ways. If the AIO insert is attached at only one point, it will dry fast. If the AIO insert is sewn into the diaper, it will take longer to dry.
Lighthouse Kids AIO is an example of an insert that is only attached to the top of the diaper. Therefore, it dries 5 times faster than regular AIO cloth diapers.
Examples of fast drying AIO cloth diapers are:
- Lighthouse Kids Company AIO - Athletic Wicking Jersey (AWJ) cloth diaper AWJ
- BumGenius Freetime AIO - Stay Dry
- Smart Bottoms AIO (Although material on this diaper may take longer to dry)
Slow Drying AIO Cloth Diapers
When the insert is sewn into the waterproof outer, the layers cannot move and dry on their own. This results into longer drying times. Since the absorbent materials are sewn into the cloth diapers, they will take about two cycles to dry.
Examples of AIO cloth diapers with sewn in inserts are:
- Tots Bots AIO
- Grovia AIO
- Blueberry Simplex
- Lil Joey's Newborn cloth diaper
Advantages of AIO Cloth Diapers
More economical than disposables
AIO reusable cloth diapers are the most expensive kind of cloth diaper, however, they are still cheaper than using disposable diapers. Even with a full stash of AIOs, you will still save money. From $600-$1,000 per child by using All-In-One Cloth diapers over disposables.
Environmentally friendly
AIO (All-in-One) cloth diapers are more environmentally friendly than disposable diapers due to several key factors.
AIO cloth diapers allow you to wash and reuse them, reducing waste in comparison to disposable diapers that you use only once. Parents can choose to use cloth diapers instead of disposables. By doing so, they can prevent thousands of diapers from ending up in landfills. Disposables take hundreds of years to break down in landfills.
Additionally, the production of disposable diapers consumes vast amounts of resources and energy, contributing to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. AIO cloth diapers last longer and can be used for multiple children, reducing their impact on the environment. Using AIO cloth diapers helps the environment and encourages a greener mindset for the planet's well-being.
Easily Customizable
You can customize AIO cloth diapers to fit your baby's needs. If you have a heavy wetter, you can add additional inserts to the diaper so it has more absorbency.
You can add more layers on top of the attached inserts if you want, even though they are already attached.
Most all in one cloth diapers can be adjusted from birth to potty training. One-size All-In-One Cloth diapers are great because they can grow with baby.
They also come in Size 1 or Size 2, so you can customize the perfect fit to your baby's needs.
Caregiver Friendly
All In One (AIO) cloth diapers are user-friendly, making them a popular choice for both parents and caregivers.
The key advantage lies in their simplicity and ease of use. AIO diapers are not like traditional cloth diapers. They have absorbent layers sewn into the waterproof cover.
This eliminates the need for separate pieces and complicated folding techniques. Once they come out of the dryer, they are ready for use. No stuffing required like a pocket diaper.
All-in-one diapers also simplifies diaper changes when on the go, making them an excellent choice for outings and travel. AIO cloth diapers allows caregivers to experience the benefits of cloth diapering without the added complexity. This makes AIOs the best type of cloth diaper for daycares, grandparents, or caregivers not familiar with cloth diapering.
Disadvantages of AIO Cloth Diapers
Price
Because AIO cloth diapers are the easiest type of diapers to use, they are also the most expensive. However, parents that need convenience usually find this a great trade off for the time saved with laundry.
Not as Easy to Find
AIO cloth diapers can be trickier to find than pocket cloth diapers. Since they are considered a specialty diaper, not all retailers carry them. They are not as readily available as pocket cloth diapers or covers.
Care and Maintenance of All-In-One Cloth Diapers
Washing All In One (AIO) cloth diapers is a straightforward process that ensures their longevity and effectiveness.
First, it's essential to remove any solid waste by using a diaper sprayer or diaper liners. After cleaning the poop, keep the diapers in a dry container or wet bag until it's time to wash them.
Before washing, use a cold water rinse cycle to remove leftover dirt. This is the pre-wash cycle.
Wash the AIO diapers using a recommended amount of cloth diaper-friendly detergent in a hot water cycle. Make sure all detergent residue is removed by finishing the wash with an extra rinse.
Avoid using fabric softeners, bleach, or harsh additives as they can damage the absorbency and waterproof layers. Finally, either air dry the diapers in the sun, or tumble dry them on a low heat. Do not use high heat, this can damage the diaper's elastic components.
By following these simple steps, caregivers can maintain the cleanliness and effectiveness of their AIO cloth diapers, ensuring they remain an eco-friendly and caregiver-friendly diapering option.
Conclusion
AIO (All-in-One) cloth diapers offer a multitude of benefits that make them a highly appealing choice for both caregivers and the environment.
Their user-friendly design requires no assembly, and it's easy to use. This is great for busy parents.
All-In-One cloth diapers significantly reduces waste, making them an environmentally friendly alternative to disposable diapers that contribute to landfills.
AIO diapers also prove to be cost-effective in the long run, as their durability allows them to be used for multiple children. Moreover, their soft and breathable materials are gentle on the baby's skin, reducing the likelihood of rashes and irritations.
AIO cloth diapers are a practical and eco-conscious choice for modern parents.
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About the author:
Vanessa Tomchik is the founder and CEO of Lighthouse Kids Company - an Award Winning cloth diaper brand made with the highest quality recycled materials and Voted Best Cloth Diaper Brand of 2021, 2022. LKC has helped thousands of parents cloth diaper easily since 2017. Vanessa is passionate about natural parenting and toxic-free products and is a certified babywearing instructor as well as a former cloth diaper instructor for the Real Diaper Association (2016-2017). Connect with Vanessa on LinkedIn.
