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Are All in Ones (AIOs) All They are Cracked Up to Be?

I would say the easiest cloth diaper to use is a true (everything sewn in) All-in-One (AIO). If you can operate a disposable, you can operate an AIO! (I say operate for the men, it has a more manly sound than just changing diapers, right? I kid! I kid!)

Seriously, it doesn’t get any easier than this….

Step 1: Slide under baby’s butt.

Step 2: Fasten.

Just now Step 3 is to toss it in a diaper pail or wet/dry bag instead of in the garbage! 

They are excellent options for dads, grammas, and various other care givers, like daycare, to use.

So if they are so easy to use, then why do I only own one? (I own one true AIO. I have a few snap in AIOs and a few AI2s.)

In my experience, I find AIOs to be:

  • Too bulky
  • More expensive
  • Don’t clean as well in the wash
  • Take longer to dry

I do like their convenience factor at diaper changing time though. So, I’ll bring it with on an errand or have it available for someone else changing her.

Otherwise, I prefer my snap in AIOs and my AI2s because with the soaker being detached I feel they clean better and dry faster. They aren’t necessarily cheaper though.

This is why I love having a varied stash – a different diaper for every occasion!

Make sure to check out the thoughts my lovely cohosts have on the subject. I definitely know that Mama on a Green Mission loves her AIOs!
Their take:
Formula Mom
Mama on a Green Mission

What are your thoughts on AIOs? Love ’em? Hate ’em? Somewhere in-between?

Jamie McMillan

Friday 17th of June 2011

I always wonder if AIO's wouldnt either break down faster (drying on high heat) or take eons to dry (low heat). I think my future purchases will be AI2's and covers...although I might have to try a pocket :)

Andrea G.

Saturday 11th of June 2011

I plan on getting a bunch of AIOs for daycare/family babysitting purposes. I feel like I can make people more okay with using cloth if it's as easy as a disposable for them.

Cassondra

Thursday 9th of June 2011

i love my AIO's! I Find i grab them whenever i'm lazy, its too early, or if there is a babysitter / church nursery. yea, they take longer to dry but lately i have been handwashing all diapers. i was the previous days' dipes in the morning and let them to dry all day long outside. i bring them all in before bed and even my AIO's are dry. One thing though, for some reason I am finding the AIO's to smell musty while drying outside. ew. ...

Melissa

Wednesday 8th of June 2011

I really like how easy AIOs are, but yeah the cost and drying time are not cool.

Tandra A

Tuesday 7th of June 2011

I do love my AIOs. They're just quicker, especially with a 2 year old and four month old. They do take forever to dry, but we usually try to line dry (inside, still need an outside line) and they just sit there for two days or so. I'd love more, but they're spendy. Nice for going out places. I'm kinda loving pockets a little less just cuz of the extra time needed for stuffing, etc. But, am loving AI2s more! =)