Video: Description of AI2s and AIOs

Okay...3 things:
1)  AI2 = All In Two/Hybrid; AIO = All In One

2) I accidentally said that bumGenius AIOs have microfleece sewn inside of the pocket.  I meant to say microfiber.  Oops!  I should make myself a script first or something.

3)  Not all AIO diapers come in separate sizes.  Some of them do come in OS (One Size).  I think I said this, but I wanted to make sure.  :)

Review: SoftBums AI2

SoftBums - Pricing is a little complicated due to varying insert types.  But, a single shell plus one microfiber soaker is $25.95.  A single shell with a bamboo soaker is $30.95.  Basic Packs which are 1 shell, 3 interchangeable soakers, and 1 doubler are:  $36.95 microfiber, $52.95 bamboo.

Materials:  Outer layer PUL, with an inner liner of microfleece, double long snap in soakers made of microfiber with stay dry microfleece on top, or oganic bamboo with either a velour top or stay dry microfleece.  Velcro or snap closure.  OS adjustment through an elastic and toggle system in the legs of the diaper (more on that later).

Fit:  5 - 40 lbs.

How it works:  SoftBums are an AI2 (All In Two) diapering system.  The diaper consists of an outer shell with a PUL outside and microfleece inside for comfort.  The diaper absorbs by the means of a snap in soaker.  This soaker can be taken out when wet or dirty and replaced with a new soaker, allowing the same shell to be used multiple times.  If any poops get on the shell though the shell must be put in the diaper pail to be washed.  Don't attempt to use it again in that situation.  If the shell is slightly damp from pee just lay it out to dry and use another shell or diaper in between uses.

Thoughts from Amanda:

Aesthetics -  SoftBums come in nice bold or soft colors, as well as prints.  They also come in either Aplix closure or snap closure.  The snaps come in cute coordinating colors to the outside of the diaper.  This is a very trim diaper making it great for the diaper bag.  My only qualm would be that the top tends to roll a little bit and expose the microfleece on the wings with the snap version, but that hasn't caused us any problems.

On another side note I am often asked if the knotted elastic and toggles inside of the diaper are annoying for my son as they may seem bulky to others.  But, with the comfy soaker in between my son and the shell he doesn't even notice that they're there.  And the diapers is also left with a very trim look.  I never notice bumps in the front from the knotted elastic or the toggles.

Functionality -  I am in love with this diaper.  But, that doesn't mean it's perfect.  It just works well for me.  Lets talk about the most obvious feature...the snap in soakers.  We'll break this down by section.

SOAKERS:  I like that you have a variety to choose from when purchasing per your baby's needs, and you also have the option to buy a SoftBums package that contains 3 soakers per shell.  That makes this system very convenient to try out.  The soakers come in:  Dry Touch (microfleece top with 2 layers of microfiber-terry for absorption), SUPER Dry Touch (microfleece top with 3 layers of microfiber-terry for absorption), Organic Bamboo Velour (this one will not leave baby with a dry feeling...3 layers of bamboo fleece topped with velour), Dry Touch Organic Bamboo (just replace the velour layer with microfleece for the dry touch feeling).  The doublers are:  Dry Touch - 3 layers of microfiber-terry; Bamboo - 3 layers of Bamboo.  Okay?  Confused?  lol  

The soakers are nice because they are double long so you actually fold them under in the front which will double your absorbency with every use.  So the two layers of microfiber-terry become 4, 3 layers becomes 6, and so on.  Add the doublers and you could end up with 9 layers of absorbency!!!  And all of the soakers are nice and trim even when folded.  I love the variety you have to choose from.  I have the Dry Touch Bamboo and the Bamboo Velour b/c my son is a heavy peer.  I have noticed that the Dry Touch doesn't stay completely dry, but after consulting with some people we came to the conclusion that he must pee very hard and fast not giving the dry layer an opportunity to really work well.  If he peed slower then this wouldn't be happening.  But, it's only a little damp and doesn't bother him.  And the bamboo velour doesn't stay dry at all and that doesn't bother him either.

SHELLS:  The shells are functional but take a bit of practice learning how to use effectively.  I find that the crotch of the shell is very narrow, which is nice but also means you have to check to make sure the soaker is covered by the shell around each leg.  I do a leg check every time I put these diapers on him because if even a little bit of the soaker is sticking out you will have a leak.  That's a bit of an annoyance, but with all of the other great features of this diaper not something that would keep me from using it.  The SoftBums shell is VERY stretchy.  You will need to size this diaper a smidge smaller than your other diapers.  When you pull it up over baby you will see that it has TONS of stretch.  This is a good thing in my opinion because it means the SoftBums will truly last you to potty training.  My biggest qualm about this diaper (which is also something I love about it) is the microfleece inner lining.  This lining is soooo soft, but if your baby poops this diaper will hold onto that smell until washed again.  I find that a sprinkle of Baby Powder helps with that issue.  It's not that the shell is dirty, but that the smell lingers.  

OS ADJUSTMENT:  I will say it right now and I will stand by it.  This is the BEST OS adjustment system ever!!!  Seriously.  Ever.  Softbums uses a very unique internal leg/diaper adjustment system.  At the front of the diaper there is an opening between the PUL and the microfleece.  You will find the two leg elastics knotted together.  If you pull on these and push the diaper shell back you will find two toggles.  One on each side of the diaper.  Now, this will take some practice.  I used another diaper of my son's and laid the SoftBums on top of it to help me find the right sizing.  Press and slide the toggles up or down the elastic making the diaper either smaller or larger as needed.  This diaper gets the smallest I've ever seen and the largest I have ever seen, and has infinite sizes in between.  This is truly a OS diaper.  The toggles will stay in place when washed so there is no need to mess with them again until your baby grows enough to need an adjustment.  

Now a little tip.  When sizing your diaper make it about a 1/2 an inch shorter than your other diapers.  This elastic is super stretchy and you will find it a little too loose in the legs if you don't adjust it smaller.  

TIPS - PUTTING ON THE DIAPER:  The SoftBums system is great but can take a little patience while getting used to it.  I find that it's nice to have the shells already ready to go with one soaker snapped in place.  Lay baby on the diaper and pull up the soaker only first.  Fold it down to double up and make sure that the important areas for absorption are properly covered.  Hold the soaker in place and using your free hand pull up on the SoftBums shell.  Make sure that the soaker stays nice and flat against the shell.  It is easy to get bunching if you're not paying attention.  Pull up tightly and secure in place.  Lastly check the legs to make sure they are fitting snuggly and tuck in any soaker that may be peaking out the sides.  I know it sounds complicated, but with a few tries this takes me no time at all now.  Even on a wiggly 13 month old.

Durability -  This diaper holds up very well to repeated use and washings.  The bamboo inserts will take 6-10 washes to be fully prepped so don't give up on them before then.  I started using mine at three and they did absorb well enough though.  The aplix is nice and strong, and the laundry tabs work beautifully.  Never a diaper chain problem with diaper in the wash.  The snaps are nicely placed and do give you the ability to cross the wings.  The elastic is of a good thickness and very secure.

This is a wonderful diaper and I HIGHLY recommend it.  Not only that but it is made in the USA!  So great.  SoftBums do take a bit of practice, but if you stick with them I think you'll love them as much as I do.  I can't wait to use this system on vacation.  It is going to make being out so much easier.  

Review: GroBaby (a.k.a. The Diaper I Wanted Desperately to Love)

Diaper:  GroBaby - $24.95 (This gives you 1 shell, one soaker pad, and 1 booster)

Materials:  Outer layer PUL, is a mesh with snaps for attaching the inserts, Velcro closure, one size adjustment on the outside of the diaper, Organic Cotton 6-layer elasticized snap in soaker and booster.

Fit:  8 - 35 lbs.

How it works:  GroBaby diapers are a hybrid, or AI2, diaper.  This differs from most of the diapers that we have reviewed because each diaper is a shell that has a front and back snap on the inside.  An insert snaps into the shell.  This allows you to remove an insert from the shell, and to replace it with a new insert thus reusing the same shell multiple times throughout the day.  No stuffing of pockets with this diaper, and the inserts supposedly dry faster than an AIO diaper system.  GroBaby diapers are a OS diaper with snaps on the outside of the shell.  The insert is elastic so it stretches as you "up-size" the diaper.  It closes with a hook and loop closure, but unlike other diapers the velcro on the tabs attaches to a soft loop fabric rather than your traditional strip of female velcro on the outside of the diaper.

Thoughts from Amanda:

Aesthetics -  The colors are very bold (well, aside from vanilla of course and they have a few prints.  However, color selection and print selection is VERY limited.  In the end this shouldn't really matter though because you will be reusing shells throughout the day.  You may only need 3-4 shells in the beginning (newborn) and fewer possibly as your child grows.  So, if you want to look at a variety of cute diapers in your stash this type of system may not be for you.  I also found them to be nice and soft.

Functionality - These diapers are HIGHLY functional.  The system itself is very user friendly.  Prep your shells by snapping in inserts.  When it's time to change a diaper simply remove the insert (or shake/rinse off poops first if necessary) throw it into your diaper pail or wet bag and do one of the following:

1) If only a poopy diaper and the poops didn't get on the shell, snap in a new insert and voila...re-diaper the baby and you're done!

2) If the diaper is wet, and it got wet enough that the shell is a smidge damp on the inside, no worries, just remove the insert and toss it in a wet bag or pail.  Lay the shell out to dry and it will be ready to use again at the next diaper change.  Simply use a new diaper.

I cheated when I was out and about.  I reused the shell, and simply wiped it out with a wet wipe. Yeah, sue me.  lol  But, it sure made being out a lot easier.  Just carry a little ziploc of inserts and use the shell your kiddo is wearing.  If you're in a runny poop stage though...I'd carry along an extra shell as well though.  :)

Now...why this is "The Diaper I Wanted Desperately to Love."  I LOVED the GroBaby!  Truly I did. I promise.  Are you convinced now?  Okay...here's where it went wrong for me.  It did bother me that the insert got damp and that was touching my kiddo's little bum and private area.  Easy enough...toss on a fleece liner.  But, for me...it was the fit.  There was NO way this was going to make it to 35 lbs. for my kid.  And knowing what a big wetter he is, I must say in the end it wouldn't have held up well to his high volume of tinkle either.  It appears as though on their website that have added some more heavy duty soakers, but I still think they could have even more absorbency in their soakers.  Now, you could add in your own, but that would potentially mess with the snapping system.  

Please, please, please keep in mind that my son is a ridiculously heavy peer.  I have only met a couple of moms who are dealing with the same wetting issues I am.  So, most likely your kiddo is of average wetting and this shouldn't be an issue for you.  But, size was the biggie for me.  So, I sold them.  Part of me regrets it because I could have toyed with it more, but I was desperate at the time.  I plan on trying this brand out, plus some newer versions on the market with the same concept with the baby on the way.

Durability -  I have read some complaints that the velcro on these wears out, or that the wings start to curl.  I never had this problem and the velcro was very sticky.  I did have issues with diaper chain in the washer with these.  But, they held up very well.  The stitching on one of my soakers was pulling away a smidge, but that would have been an easy fix.  All in all I highly recommend GroBaby diapers to average size kids and average wetters.  :)

Shop Review - Giggle Britches

Physical Location:  Troy, Illinois
Phone Number:  618-795-8301

Website:  http://www.giggle-britches.com

Store Basics:

Giggle Britches was started by LeAnn Kitchen because she 
noticed a need for a "cloth diapering and natural parenting
store in the St. Louis Metro-East area."

She has a great Cloth 101 section that gives a quick rundown 
of how she does her cloth diaper laundry and what you would 
need to get started which can be handy when you are looking 
at a shop and just getting started in the cloth diapering world.  

What Giggle Britches carries:  Prefolds, Fitteds, Covers, 
Pockets, AIOs, AI2s, Package Deals, Inserts/Liners, and 
Accessories (i.e. wipes, Snappies, Charlie's Soap, wetbags, 
and pail liners).  

Selection:  The selection is small but 
seems to be growing with more and 
more quality products over time.  
They do carry some of the major tried 
and true brands such as bumGenius, Thirsties, Happy Heinys, 
Fuzzi Bunz, Haute Pockets, Tiny Tush, etc. so it's definitely 
worth checking here and comparing prices with other stores 
before buying.I only give this category a three because 
compared to larger stores this store is small in comparison.  
But, I think you'll see in the next few categories that LeAnn 
is in a leagueof her own in customer service.

Level of Service:  LeAnn is friendly 
and helpful.  She's great about 
keeping in touch with her customers 
and has a great fan page for her store 
on Facebook which you should join to hear about the latest
sales, discontinued products, or new items that will be added 
to the store.  

I also want to say that she has the FASTEST delivery of a store 
I've ever experienced.  My order was at my house within a 3 
days of purchase.  I was majorly impressed and it is one of the 
many reasons I check her store often when hunting for diapers.  
After all...when you're addicted don't you want to get your fix 
fast?  I know I do!  

Package Deals:  Giggle Britches has 
some of the best small diaper packages 
I've seen.  If you know what you're 
looking for in a diaper this is a great 
place to buy a package to try different versions of one type.  
For example...if you know you're a pocket diaper person then 
you could try her One Size Pocket Sampler.  She has them for 
several different categories including nighttime diapering so 
check those out for sure.

My favorite feature:  Some of the 
diapers come with a 15 day Risk Free 
Trial.  This gives you an opportunity to 
buy 1 diaper (only 1), try it for 15 days, 
and return it for a full refund.  All you are out is the cost of 
return shipping!!!  (Don't forget to wash and dry it before you 
return it!)  I don't know about you, but that sounds like a great 
deal to me.  

Definitely check Giggle Britches out and see what they have to 
offer.  Quick shipping, packages, and Risk Free Trials?  I think 
you'll be impressed too!

How to Get Started

What kind of diaper is for you? 
Some stores offer sample packages in which you can try varying types of diapers so you can find what type works for you and return what doesn't.  Jillian's Drawers has two packages to try for at the most $10 if you don't like cloth diapering.  One trial package is for infants and one is for newborns.
There are many kinds of diapers out there to try.  The most commonly used are:

• Prefolds -  These are probably what you visualize when you think of "old-fashioned" cloth diapering.  They come in several different materials and sizes, but have a thicker portion in the center for good absorption.  They do require a cover or wrap over them.  Prefolds also need to be fastened with a diaper pin or a Snappi.  To keep moisture away from baby's bottom I use a piece of fleece to wick moisture away.
• AIO/AI2s  (All In Ones/All In Twos) - These are the most similar cloth diaper to a disposable diaper.  In AIOs there is an inner absorbent layer that is attached to an outer waterproof layer, and on top of the inside is a layer of fabric which wicks moisture away from the baby's bottom.  In the AI2s (also referred to as Hybrids in some places) the inner portion of the diaper can be removed (usually via snaps) for easier cleaning.  Both AIOs and AI2s close with velcro or snaps, and can be purchased in varying sizes or as a One-Size diaper.
• Fitteds - Similar to an AIO diaper the fitted allows you to control the tightness of the diaper via velcro or snaps, and some WAHM made diapers with a Snappi or pins.  Fitted diapers will also need a waterproof cover over them.  These diapers can be purchased in varying sizes or as a One-Size diaper.  (These are very popular with the WAHMs.)
• Contours - Contours are a cross between a prefold and a fitted diaper.  They go under a waterproof cover and come with a sewn in doubler which can be a plus for a big wetter.  They come in fewer sizes as they can be folded somewhat to accommodate a growing baby (OS), but they may need to be fastened with a diaper pin or Snappi if you can not get a decent fit by just overlapping the wings under a cover.
• Pockets - These are a two part diapering system.  They have an outer waterproof layer, and an inner layer that wicks moisture away from the baby's skin leaving it dry.  There is an opening or pocket built into the diaper in which you "stuff" inserts in to absorb the moisture.  These are convenient as you can easily adjust the amount of absorption you get by adding more inserts, often referred to as doublers.  Pocket diapers are also usually One-Size Diapers.
• One-Size - Allow you to adjust the rise through a series of snaps on the front outside of the diaper or sizable elastic in the legs.  This creates a diaper system that will grow with your baby over a large period of time.  

Amount of diapers:

• Every day use - For newborns you will need at least 10-12 diaper changes per 24 hour period.  So if you only want to do laundry every other day you'll need around 18-24 diapers.  As babies get older they will begin to need fewer; however, it's always good to be prepared for more than what you will need so we suggest having 18-24 diapers on hand in general.  Make sure to do laundry every 2-3 days.  You can get enough diapers to last you just one day/night and then doing laundry every day if you prefer.
• Just the evenings and weekends -  You will need at least enough diapers to get yourself through a full day on the weekend.  So at least 12 - 14 diapers which will allow you to make it through the night, to change in the morning, and then wash the rest of dirty diapers.

(Other trial diaper programs to check out:  Nicki's Diapers, Diaper Daisy, Cute Caboose)

Other supplies you will need:

• Doublers - If you have a big wetter than doublers are a must.  Many pocket diapers will come with a regular insert and a doubler.  But, for making it overnight most babies will need some extra absorption.  Microfiber is good for moderate wetters, but for heavy ones I recommend a hemp doubler.
• Liners - You can get liners for diapers so that wetness won't come in contact with your baby's skin (if you're not using a pocket diaper) and also for easy clean up of those early soft baby poos.  There are flushable liners and then there are fleece, flannel, or silk liners that need to be washed. These lay on top of the inside of the diaper. 
• Storing dirty diapers - There are many schools of thought on how to store your dirty diapers.  You can invest in a bag that keeps moisture in or use a trash bag.  You will just have to replace the trash bag each time.  A dry diaper pail is what is recommended and you can even use a Diaper Champ.  A pail with a lid on it will trap odors in more.  Some people feel that is a con.  It works for us.  A diaper pail liner will help you tote diapers back and forth to the laundry.  A wet diaper pail (a pail filled with water) is NOT recommended as it can be a drowning hazard for babies and young children.
• Using diapers on the run - Cloth diapering on the run can be very easy if you have the right kind of diaper and something to keep them in when they're dirty.  A ziploc will do but investing in a traveling wet bag is a great way to save money...and look super cute on the go.  :)  
• Wipes - You can use throw away wipes, but part of the fun of CDing is helping the environment.  Reusable wipes are a great way to do this.  You can use baby washcloths, flannel wash cloths that are purchased online, there are all different kinds to look at.
• Wipe Solutions - You can also make your own wipe solution that can be poured over wipes in an old wipe container, or that can be stored in spray bottle and spritzed on your child's bottom or directly onto the wipe itself.  Here is a great place to find recipes for your own wipe solutions.

Detergents:
Be very careful of which detergents you use on your cloth diapers as additives such as perfumes, brighteners, enzymes, and dyes are not good for your dipes. This website provides a fantastic overview of many types of detergents out there and rates them based on their friendliness to CDing.  
Amanda uses: Planet 2X
Natalie uses: Mrs. Meyers Baby Blossom 

Cost:  


This really depends on what type of diapers you plan to buy.  But, for a general idea see the information below from Diaper Daisy:
Cloth diapers are affordable. On average, you will spend $2000 on disposable diapers per child during the diapering years. Compare that to an average of $700 for your first child's cloth diapering system. A second and third child will cost much less, as many of the diapers can be re-used. Plan on spending a little more or less, depending on the type of cloth diapering system you choose.

Did you know that In 2.5 years of diapering...


Cost of disposables: $2000
Cost of disposable wipes: $800
Total cost disposables: $2800


Cost of cloth diapers: $840
Cost of cloth wipes (24): $42
Total cost of cloth: $882


Savings: $2000!*


Figure washing time as 15 minutes every other day. That adds up to just over 60 hours a year. With a savings of $800 a year, the time you spend laundering diapers equates to an earnings of $17.50 an hour. If you hang dry your diapers, you are spending more time...but saving more $$ in utility costs.
*The savings will go up even more if a family chooses a more affordable cloth diapering option such as prefolds.*

You can also re-sell many of your cloth diapering items and get half or more of your money back!