Pocket Style Diapers Vs. All in One Style Diapers

Which choosing a style of cloth diaper for your family now days you have a lot of different choices to choose from. Cloth diapering has evolved a lot since your grandparents time of pins and prefolds style diapers. There are many different styles to choose from today that are simple and easy to use. Two of these styles of cloth diapers are that of the All In One diaper (AIO) and the Pocket diaper.

All In One Diapers (AIO):

All in One Diapers are basically the easiest style of cloth diapering to use. These diapers do not come apart. They have everything built right into the diaper, including the waterproof barrier, and the soaker. Most AIO style diapers function exactly like a disposables and are easy enough for use for daddies and daycares.

Pros Of AIOs

Easy to use, just buckle onto your child and your done

No having to stuff inserts into the diaper, or take out wet inserts for washing

Great for daddies.

Daycares prefer them.

Makes diaper changes on squirmy toddlers fast and easy.

Cute.

No cover is needed, the waterproof shield is built right in!

Most like a disposable.

When cared for properly, do not wear out any faster then covers/prefolds

High Resale Value if taken good care of

May Be trimmer in fit then other style diapers

Some come in one size styles, which will last you through your child’s diaper days

Cons Of AIOs

The inside soaker can collect build up making it less absorbent over time. And since the soaker is sewn in you may have a hard time cleaning off the build up.

AIOs may not be for every type of wetter. They may be not absorbent enough for extremely heavy wetters

May not be good overnight diapers for your child, unless they are very light wetters

Expensive. All in One Diapers run more pricey then other types of cloth diapers

Bacteria may cling to the inner soaker of your AIO. Since the parts can not be taken apart, your AIO may not be cleaned as good as it should be

Longer drying times, since the diaper has more layers to it.

Pocket Style Diapers:

Are a more recent style of cloth diapers. Pocket diapers consist of a water-proof outer and a stay dry inner such as fleece or suede cloth. The two parts are sewn together leaving an opening or pocket to stuff an absorbent insert in. Inserts can be cotton, hemp, micro-fiber or pre-fold diapers to name a few. You can customize what you put in the pocket diaper depending on how much wetness needs to be absorbed.

Pros of Pockets

Removing insert makes for easier rinsing of soiled diapers (doesn’t absorb water during the rinsing process)

Can control absorbency by how much you stuff.

No wet tush – inner wicks moisture away from baby’s skin.

Not too bulky, if you have a light wetter you may only need one insert making it extremely trim in fitting.

Pockets are normally cheaper then AIO style diapers

May last through more then one child if taken good care of

Rarely leak

Cute, and may come in adorable prints

No cover needed

May be used as a cover for a trim fitted diaper or a prefold

May be used unstuffed for a great swim diaper

Inserts are cheap, you can use mircofiber towels from the automatic department at Wal-mart and a huge bag of those only costs $5 or less!.

May be stuffed with infant prefolds you have laying about the house.

If stuffed and stored, they may be just as easy for fathers or daycares to use

Cons of Pockets:

May have up problems with build up on the synthetic liner part.

No wet feeling on your child, if you are potty training this may cause issues

You have to take the insert out of the diaper before washing, making you pull out a soaked with pee insert

Inserts may need to be purchased separately from the diaper

PUL on some pockets may weaken over time

Inserts may need to be stripped often, as build up tends to cling to them.

Elastic on some pockets tends to go out a lot more then other types of diapers

Pockets may be hard to stuff for big hands

Can not be bleached, so stains may be harder to remove

May need to try a few brands to find one that fits your baby’s shape.

Fleece may retain strong urine smells and fleece on pockets may pile

There are many pros and cons of pocket and AIO style diapers. The choice is basically yours. You may want to try a mixture of both styles to find one that best suits your families personal needs. Remember each diaper company varies in sizes and styles, if you find an AIO or pocket diaper doesn’t fit for you don’t be scared to try another company. Sure, Fuzzi Bunz may not work for your family; but they may work for another and vice versa. Good luck on your search for a good diaper! I hope this short comparison has helped you on your cloth diapering journey! Have to stuff them once they are done washing. Some wear out faster (especially ones with pul outers), since they spend more time in the dryer than pockets and regular covers, which is necessary in order to get the absorbent part dry.