If you’re looking for a no-fuss diaper that has it all, then look no further than the all-in-one cloth diaper!  

Also known as the AIO, This diaper is very simple to use and is generally preferred by non-cloth diapering folks, dads, and babysitters.

In this post, I’ll break down the pro’s & cons of using the AIO cloth diapering system and compare a few different options on the market today. 

Click the image above to play the video.

About All-In-One Cloth Diapers

All-in-one (AIO) cloth diapers can be described as their title sounds. They have everything you need “all in one” big happy diaper.

They come with a waterproof outer cover, either aplix (velcro) or snap closures, and comes complete with absorbent inserts or soakers. These inserts can either be removable by snapping in and out or sewn directly into the diaper.

Unlike prefolds or flats, AIO diapers require no folding, additional covers, or extra closures. All-in-one cloth diapers can be washed and dried altogether. Velcro AIO diapers can be put on just like a disposable.

The only difference is, you will wash them instead of tossing them in the trash.

Sizing Options:
Like every other style of cloth diaper, AIO’s come in a huge variety of styles and size ranges.

For busy moms, I suggest going with the standard one-size AIO as you can adjust the snap-rise to fit small, medium, and large. This will generally get you from birth to potty training.

Most one-size (OS) diapers will fit around 10-35 or 40 pounds.

However, if you have extra cash and want a more tailored fit, you can buy sized cloth diapers but you’ll have to keep buying more diapers as your child grows.

If you want to learn more about Sizing Options, check out my post.

Click the image above to play the video.

Advantages of the AIO

I consider the AIO to be a “no-fuss” diaper.  If you can use a disposable you can use an AIO, there’s not a lot to it.

Great For Busy Moms:
If you’re a busy or a working mother, I would recommend the AIO diaper with an alpix (velcro) closure because they’re the easiest and the fastest diapers to change.

To be fair, there are advantages to both snaps and velcro, if you want to learn more, check out my post on Snaps Vs Velcro.

Unlike pocket diapers, you’ll not have to fuss with stuffing. You can simply throw them in the wash and dry them. They’ll be ready to go immediately. The other benefit is you’ll have minimal folding since everything is built into the diaper.

Great For Babysitters:
My in-laws were pretty hesitant when I told them I would be using cloth diapers. They wanted to go out and purchase pampers for when I dropped the baby off at their house.

I decided to work my magic and show them just how easy it was to change him with a Thirsties all-in-one cloth diaper in velcro.

Yes, they were intimidated at first, but after a couple of changes, my father-in-law admitted it was a lot easier than he thought it would be!

At home, I use many different types of cloth diapers but when I leave my son with anyone else, I usually leave them with AIO diapers in aplix closures.

Great For Newborns:
Because newborns need to be changed frequently and throughout the night, an AIO makes it easy and fast to do. They are also easy and fast to wash.

For my next child, I plan on using AIO diapers with velcro/aplix closures for my night changes and prefolds with covers for my daytime changes.

Prefolds are an affordable option but require a little bit more work during changing.

Newborn AIO Diapers are more expensive but great for nighttime when mommy is tired and wanting to get back to bed as soon as possible!

AIO Disadvantages

As great as all-in-one cloth diapers are they do have a couple of disadvantages.

AIO’s are usually on the bulkier side because they have all of the absorbent parts built into the diaper. They are also more expensive, averaging 15-35 dollars per diaper.

If your budget is tight, you can always purchase used diapers on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Diaper Swappers at a discount.

FYI: If purchasing used, be sure the elastics and PUL are in decent shape.

I’ve found several used diapers online that I love and some people will even trade with you.

Even though AIO’s are a little more expensive, I would recommend having at least a couple in your stash for babysitters or busy days.

Drying Times May Vary:
Another thing to consider is drying time. Because AIO diapers are usually bulkier, they tend to take longer to dry.

Some AIO diapers dry faster since their inserts or soaker pads can either snap out or unfold (tongue-style inserts) to increase drying efficiency.

A Little Less Customizable:
Unlike flats, prefolds, hybrids, and other styles; all-in-ones are not as customizable since they already have everything built-in.

Again, this is fantastic for busy moms who don’t want to fuss with stuffing, folding or finding the inserts but not as great if you want a more customizable fit. Sometimes your AIO cloth diaper will come with extra boosters for naps, long drives, or nighttime.

If your diaper doesn’t come with boosters, I’ve had great results using the (Amazon aff link) Thirsties Hemp Inserts.

No matter what type of diapering system you go with they will each have an advantage and a disadvantage.

You’ll want to consider which diapering system offers the most benefits to you and your lifestyle.