Cloth Diaper Geek’s
Recommended All-In-One Cloth Diapers: Pocket Style
by Karla Fischer

Top Picks Photo Credits:  HappyHeiny’s Diagram of a Pocket AIO; ApronStrings Pocket AIO; HappyHeinys Pocket AIO

The diagram above gives a pictorial representation of the general structure of the pocket AIO. As you might recall from the introduction, a pocket AIO diffing a “pocket” that you slide a soaker into (called an “insert”). You can stuff a pocket AIO with anything, including a kitchen towel in an emergency: typical inserts include the less expensive prefold diapers (approximately $2 each), or specially made hemp inserts that cost approximately $5 each.

There are fewer WAHM’s that make pocket AIO’s than other kinds of AIO’s, and there are fewer differences between pocket AIO’s as well. It is a pleasure to see pocket AIO's becoming diaper art: AngelLuv hand paints and appliqués some of her pocket AIO’s, at a very reasonable cost, and Doodlebottoms and SweetieBums both offer custom appliqués as well. On a more basic construction level, the Happy Heinys diagram shows its front aplix closure, but pocket AIO’s can also be found in front snap (ApronStrings, Chumbas), and side snap (AngelLuv, BabySoftWraps, and FancyPants). Although no one makes a bound style Pocket AIO (I’m guessing that is because it wouldn’t be feasible because you need to have the open pocket at the top), pocket AIOs are available in both the traditional turned style and a serged style. As the Happy Heinys diagram shows, Happy Heinys and most of the other pocket AIO’s do not have leg casings, which refers to topstitching around the legs that encloses the elastic. No leg casings make for a more gentle fit around the legs, although some WAHM’s prefer the security against blowouts that leg casings can provide. One WAHM (Doodlebottoms uses gussets around the legs of her Pocket AIO. Here are examples of each of these two leg styles, so that you may compare them to the Happy Heinys:

Photocredits: AngelLuv turned pocket AIO with leg casings (see stiching around the leg openings); Doodlebottoms leg gussets.

Top Picks Pocket AIO’s

From the public reviews on pocket AIO’s, it is clear that there are two standouts in the field. The first of these is relative newcomer Apron Strings, who has amazingly positive reviews on each of the three public review boards that contain numerous superlatives like “wonderful” “fabulous” and the like. The availability of these AIO’s might be somewhat limited at times, but she appears to produce a steady output. She offers the most variety for outers: AIO’s can be made with fleece outers for the most breathability, or they can be made with microfleece or cotton prints with hidden PUL. Happy Heinys are widely available at many cloth diapering online stores, and their elegantly simple design includes a wide selection of prints and solids. The public review boards praise not only how well the product works (most consumers report no wicking or leaking), but the exceptional customer service should there be a problem.

Top Picks Inserts

If you are looking for trim and absorbent inserts for your pocket AIO’s, your best choice will be hemp inserts specially designed to work with pocket diapers. Joeybunz by BabyKicks have long been a favorite for pocket AIO users, and they are made out of hemp jersey. Joeybunz are 6 layers of hemp jersey, but they are not quick-drying. Two other recommendations for inserts are both hemp fleece (recall that most people consider hemp fleece to be more absorbent than hemp jersey) and quick drying. Happy Heinys and DuckyBuns both make gender specific inserts with more absorbency in the front for boys and the middle for girls; both have 7 layers of hemp fleece. The Heinys’ have a larger insert with a pocket (how appropriate!) that you slide a smaller insert into. The Ducky Buns are a foldover style.

Photo credits:  HappyHeinys Heiny Stuffins (boy version; girl versions); Chava Weiman, Ducky Buns boy insert

Introduction

PUL AIO's

Fleece AIO's 

Pocket AIO's

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