All In One (AIO) Cloth Nappies vs Pocket Nappies

There are several kinds of nappies on the market today, with all in one (also called AIO) and pocket nappies being two of the most popular kinds available. There are some differences between these two styles, and one may not be right for you while the other meets your needs perfectly.

What Is an AIO?

An all in one nappy is one of the modern cloth nappies that are very similar to a disposable nappy. The nappy is made with a layer of absorbent material, generally microfiber, cotton, or bamboo, in between a layer of fleece or suede cloth and an outer layer of FOE or PUL. The materials may vary, but the outer layer is always waterproof, and the inner layer that is next to the baby’s skin should be made to help the baby feel dry longer.
What is a Pocket Nappy?

A pocket nappy is one of the modern cloth nappies that are adjustable for your personal needs. Pocket nappies come with two inserts, one large and one small. The small insert can be used alone for tiny babies, such as newborns, or you can use both inserts for overnights or heavy wetter. You can also customize your nappy by stuffing the pocket with a prefold nappy or a hemp insert, which may be more absorbent than cotton.

Which is Better?

Ultimately, you will be the only one who can determine which of these two types of modern cloth nappies is best. Pocket nappies are great for those who want to adjust their nappies for their baby, while all in ones are an easy, convenient way to use cloth nappies. Many moms purchase AIO nappies just for babysitters and daddies to use while they are away for the day, but find that pocket nappies are best for overnights.

One advantage to pocket nappies is that when you use only one insert, you have a trimmer nappy that fits under clothes easily. Another is that pocket nappies take less time to dry, since the inserts come out of the outer shell of the nappy in the wash. AIO’s, however, don’t need to be stuffed, which does take a few moments once the nappies are washed and dried.

Choosing Your Nappies

You may want to purchase a few AIO’s and pocket nappies to compare on your own before making your final choice. If you line dry, then you may find that AIO’s are simpler to hang, while pocket nappies dry in less time. Both nappies have the advantage of being simple to use and easy to take on and off of baby. You will find that all in ones and pocket nappies are available in both snaps and aplix, which is like Velcro.

Look for modern cloth nappies with laundry tabs for both pocket and AIO’s to avoid pilling in the wash. Whatever type you choose, know that you have made a positive, healthy choice for your baby and the environment.