Destination: All-in-One Cloth Diapers

The name makes it sound like the All-in-One is the answer to everyone’s prayers—can there be a diaper that is EVERYTHING together? Well, the AiO is the answer to some parents’ prayers, depending on their needs. These diapers are handy for caregivers who don’t want to hassle with any folding or stuffing, and essentially have a cloth diaper that is as close as possible to a disposable. These are often the answer to hesitant spouses, baby sitters and day cares, but that does not mean that every cloth diapering parent loves them.

AiO diapers have the inserts sewn onto them. When Baby has a diaper change, the whole thing—cover, lining and inserts—go into the laundry. No shaking out of inserts in required. There is no reusing of the cover, which is why some prefold and hybrid fans are not so crazy about them.  But they after a good choice for working parents with wary caregivers, despite costing between $15-$25 each.

Here are descriptions of three AiOs on the market. These are not the only brands available, but these are the ones that I know the most about (and have used myself):

BumGenius Elemental Diaper:These are absorbent, organic cotton diapers. They are so absorbent that they can take a looooong time to dry after being washed. I put mine in the dryer or by the radiator, although it is recommended that you air dry them. Make sure to prewash them 5-6 times before using them; this helps to "fluff-up" the fabric-- otherwise, you might think they are leaky. Use with a fleece liner if the wet makes Baby rashy.

BumGenius Freetime Diaper:These are uber popular right now. Made of "stay-dry" microsuede, two inserts (each with a pocket) are sewn to the lining and can be folded over one another. As the name suggests, these save you time: no stuffing (unless you want to add an insert into the pocketed inserts), and they air dry relatively fast (MUCH faster than the organic cotton AiOs).

Thirsties All-in-One Diaper:These very cute diapers come in two sizes, but are cheaper per diaper than the BumGenius. A super soft fleece insert is sewn along the sides to the liner, making a sort of pocket so that optional inserts may be added, and quicker drying allowed. Thirsties suggests to prewash these 1-3 times before using, but they will still seem leaky; better to prewash them 4-6 times, and you will LOVE them.

Like with microfleece and microsuede pocket diapers, be careful with your detergent and diaper cream selection; enzymes can build-up in the fabric to cause repelling, and you don’t want a stash of AiOs to go leaky after just a few weeks’ use. If this does happen, simply “strip” your diapers and start again. If these diapers are going to be used by someone other than the parents, it is very VERY likely that someone will unknowingly use the wrong kind of diaper cream with them, so stay calm and kindly remind caregivers to only use the diaper-safe cream you have given them.

Cotton AiOs, like the BG Elemental, are less likely to have this problem, as enzymes have a harder time building-up in natural fibers.

If you are planning on returning full-time to work, keep the AiO in mind. They are a bit pricier, so a 2-day stash will cost from $380-$600. However, this is incredibly cheap compared to the cost of disposables, and if you keep good care of your AiOs, you can use them for multiple children. They also do well with resale.