Baby Blogs, Cloth Diapering Info

Everything You Need to Know about AIO and AI2 Diapers

Posted on by Dad
24
Oct

When it comes to cloth diapering, convenience is key for many parents. All-in-one (AIO) and all-in-two (AI2) diapers are designed with ease of use in mind, offering a simplified approach to diapering without sacrificing the benefits of reusable diapers. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between AIO and AI2 diapers, their pros and cons, how to use them, washing and drying instructions, cost comparisons, and other helpful information.

What Are All-in-One (AIO) Diapers?

All-in-one diapers are exactly what they sound like: a complete diapering system in one piece. They have an absorbent core sewn directly into a waterproof outer shell, making them as easy to use as a disposable diaper. AIOs come in various sizes, but many brands offer one-size options that grow with your baby. This makes AIO diapers one of the most user-friendly options on the market.

How to Use All-in-One Diapers

  1. No Prepping: Since everything is already sewn together, there’s no need to stuff inserts or attach additional pieces. Just grab the diaper and go!

  2. Put the Diaper on Baby: Lay your baby on the open diaper, bring the front of the diaper between their legs, and fasten it with snaps or Velcro.

  3. Change as Needed: All-in-one diapers should be changed every 2-3 hours or when wet or soiled, just like any other diaper. Since they don’t require inserts or covers, diaper changes are quick and hassle-free.

Pros and Cons of All-in-One Diapers

Pros
  • Ultimate Convenience: With everything in one piece, AIO diapers are the closest reusable option to disposable diapers. There’s no need to assemble or stuff anything, making them perfect for daycare, babysitters, or anyone new to cloth diapering.
  • No Leaks: AIOs are designed to be highly absorbent and have built-in waterproof layers, which significantly reduce the risk of leaks.
  • Trim Fit: Many AIOs offer a slim profile, giving babies a trimmer fit than some bulkier cloth diaper options.
  • Wide Variety of Styles: AIO diapers come in a huge array of colors and prints, so you can find designs that suit your style.
Cons
  • Longer Drying Time: Since the absorbent layers are sewn in, AIO diapers take longer to dry compared to pocket diapers or AI2 systems where inserts are separate.
  • Less Customization: You can’t adjust the absorbency as easily as with pocket or AI2 diapers, though some AIOs do have additional pockets for inserts if needed.
  • Higher Upfront Cost: AIO diapers are typically more expensive per diaper than prefolds, flats, or pocket diapers, which could be a factor for families on a budget.
  • More Wear and Tear: Because AIO diapers have sewn-in absorbency, they can experience more wear and tear over time, especially in the elastic and waterproof layers.

What Are All-in-Two (AI2) Diapers?

All-in-two diapers are a hybrid system that includes a waterproof outer cover and a snap-in absorbent insert. Unlike pocket diapers, where the insert is placed inside a pocket, AI2 diapers allow you to simply snap the insert onto the cover, making it easy to swap out a wet insert for a fresh one without changing the entire diaper. This allows you to reuse the cover multiple times before washing, reducing laundry and increasing convenience.

How to Use All-in-Two Diapers

  1. Snap In the Insert: Simply snap the absorbent insert into the AI2 cover before putting the diaper on your baby.

  2. Put the Diaper on Baby: Lay your baby on the diaper, bring the front of the diaper between their legs, and secure it with snaps or Velcro.

  3. Change the Insert: When the diaper is wet, you can often reuse the cover by unsnapping the wet insert and replacing it with a clean one. If the cover is soiled, replace the entire diaper.

Pros and Cons of All-in-Two Diapers

Pros
  • Customizable Absorbency: AI2 systems offer the flexibility to add extra inserts or doublers to increase absorbency as needed. You can also swap out different types of inserts for daytime, nighttime, or heavy wetting.
  • Less Laundry: Since the waterproof cover can often be reused for multiple changes, you’ll have fewer diaper covers to wash compared to AIOs or pocket diapers.
  • Faster Drying Time: Inserts and covers are washed separately, which allows both to dry more quickly than AIO diapers.
  • Cost-Effective: AI2 diapers can be more affordable than AIO diapers because you don’t need to buy as many covers, and you only need extra inserts.
Cons
  • Assembly Required: While not as labor-intensive as pocket diapers, AI2 diapers do require snapping inserts into the cover, adding an extra step to diaper changes.
  • Less Caregiver-Friendly: The snapping system can be a bit more complicated for caregivers who are new to cloth diapering.
  • Fit May Vary: Depending on the type of insert used, some AI2 systems may not offer as trim of a fit as AIO diapers.
  • Not Always Leak-Proof: Reusing covers can sometimes lead to leaks if the cover becomes too saturated or soiled.

Washing and Drying Instructions for AIO and AI2 Diapers

We’ve created our own effective wash routine for all diaper systems. Please click here for that information: The Ultimate Cloth Diaper Wash Routine for Clean and Fresh Diapers Every Time

Types of Fabrics for AIO and AI2 Inserts

For both AIO and AI2 diapers, the choice of fabric for the absorbent layers or inserts plays a crucial role in performance. Here are some common fabric options:

  1. Microfiber:

    • Benefits: Dries quickly and absorbs moisture rapidly.
    • Drawbacks: Can cause skin irritation if placed directly against the skin and is prone to compression leaks.

  2. Cotton:

    • Benefits: Natural, breathable, and affordable.
    • Drawbacks: Bulky and takes longer to dry compared to synthetic materials.

  3. Bamboo:

    • Benefits: Soft, absorbent, and naturally antibacterial.
    • Drawbacks: Slightly more expensive and slower to dry.

  4. Hemp:

    • Benefits: Extremely absorbent and eco-friendly, making it ideal for heavy wetters or overnight use.
    • Drawbacks: Hemp can be stiff and slow to dry, and is more expensive than cotton or microfiber.

Cost Comparison: AIO and AI2 Diapers vs. Disposables

All-in-One Diapers

A stash of 24 AIO diapers typically costs between $400 and $600, depending on the brand and fabric type. This may seem steep initially, but these diapers will last from infancy to potty training, making them a long-term investment.

All-in-Two Diapers

An AI2 system can be more affordable than AIOs. A typical stash of 8-10 covers and 24-36 inserts can cost between $250 and $450, depending on the materials and brand. The ability to reuse covers helps reduce the overall cost.

Disposable Diapers

A baby will use approximately 2,500-3,000 disposable diapers in the first year alone, costing between $500 and $1,500 annually. Over two to three years, disposable diapering can add up to $2,000 or more, making cloth diapering a more economical choice.

Additional Tips for AIO and AI2 Diapers

  • AIO for Caregivers: All-in-one diapers are ideal for grandparents, babysitters, or daycare providers, as they require no assembly and are easy to use.
  • Rotate AI2 Covers: Rotate the use of AI2 covers to give them time to air out between changes. This helps prevent odor and wear.
  • Boost Absorbency: Both AIO and AI2 diapers can be used with extra inserts or boosters for added absorbency, making them a versatile option for day and night use.
  • Keep a Diaper Pail: Always have a designated pail or wet bag for storing dirty diapers between washes. A hanging wet bag is a great space-saving option.

Conclusion

Both all-in-one and all-in-two diapers offer convenience and flexibility, making them fantastic choices for modern cloth diapering families. AIO diapers are perfect for parents looking for the simplest solution, while AI2 diapers offer the added benefit of flexibility and reduced laundry. Both systems are economical and environmentally friendly alternatives to disposable diapers, ensuring that you can provide the best for your baby while reducing waste. Whether you choose AIO, AI2, or a combination of both, you’re making a sustainable and cost-effective decision for your family.

Dad