So your thinking "Oh my gosh! What is an AIO? Does it need a cover? What does AIO mean? Do I put a booster in a cover? Where do I start?" Well, I'm here to simplify things for you!
Firstly, congratulations on investigating cloth nappies! Does your family look at you sideways at the suggestion of using cloth nappies in the new millennium? Well you are not alone. There’s a not so
quiet revolution-taking place in New Zealand and around the world. Welcome to modern cloth nappies! It’s all about easy. Easy to use, easy to wash.
What is an AIO and does it need a cover?
An AIO or All-In-One is a nappy that has the cover and the absorbent part of the nappy sewn together so there are no separate parts. No extra inserts or padding required. Its all there – very easy! PikoBaby AIOs
are constructed with premium fleece and a layer of PUL hidden inside the nappy.
So what is a fitted nappy?
PikoBaby fitted nappies secure with touchtape (like velcro) resealable,
adjustable tabs. They have cute, printed fabric on the outside with a range of soaker fabrics and soft, white, microfleece next to babies skin. They secure easily with touchtape rather than using pins. As they are natural fabrics they absorb moisture easily and are thus NOT waterproof and require a waterproof cover to be used over the top. Fitted nappies have elastic through the legs and waist to ensure a snug fit and prevent 'explosions'!
So what is the difference between a fitted nappy and an AIO?
Basically a fitted nappy requires a waterproof cover over the top. While an AIO has the fleece cover already built in.
Why do I need a cover?
You will need a cover when using a fitted nappy system because fitted
nappies are absorbent and will leak through to your babies clothing.. You will
need approximately 3 –4 per size.
What is PUL?
PUL stands for polyurethane laminate. It is a knit fabric that has had a laminate sealed on one side of the fabric. It comes in a variety of thickness from 1mm to 2mm. PUL has tiny holes that allow air to escape through while restricting moisture. Thus preventing
leaks!
Clue 3: Right, let's go shopping! Think fiery red!
What is the difference between fleece and PUL covers?
It’s really a personal preference. Some people love the soft, warm feeling of fleece while others like the trimness of
PUL.
Is fleece waterproof?
PikoBaby fleece is a premium outerwear fleece that is tightly knitted to prevent moisture wicking through to outer clothes.
What is the difference between a booster and an insert?
PikoBaby boosters are three layers of contoured soaker fabrics, overlocked to ensure no fraying. Boosters are used to ‘pad-up’ a nappy when your baby is having a nap, going on a long car trip, overnight or just to reassure yourself while out and you are unsure when the next nappy change may be. An insert is usually two layers of absorb any fabric edged together. It is folded and laid in a snug cover, basically using as you would a fitted nappy.
What is the difference between an insert and a fitted nappy?
A fitted nappy is shaped to fit your baby’s body shape. It secures around the waist and is elasticised through the legs and waist. While an insert is folded into two or three and laid in the cover. A good cover is essential to catch any ‘explosions’
and should prevent any poo escaping.
Can I use a booster alone in a cover?
Theoretically you could, however its not going to be absorbent enough to hold any substantial wee. Perhaps at toilet training time you could try this.
What is the difference between a 'pocket' nappy and an All In One nappy?
An AIO nappy has everything sewn in together, no extra parts required for stuffing and sorting out on wash day. Pocket nappies require stuffing before use and
separating to wash. However, they don't fit all baby shapes the same and babies that wee heavily can sometimes be to much for a pocket nappy. Pocket nappy shells do dry quickly though which is a bonus in winter!
What is a blow out?
A blow out is when a baby ‘explodes’ poo into the nappy. A nappy can be put to the test by a new baby explosion, this is where you find out if you have just a cute nappy or a great, cute nappy. A great nappy will hold it all in ensuring no poo escapes up the back or out the legs.
My husband, (sister, mother, day-care and the rest) isn't very keen on cloth. How can I convince him, them and the rest of the world to use cloth nappies?
Education! Lots of information and education. Start with showing them how easy modern cloth nappies are to use. They are fail safe (especially AIO’s!). They will be amazed at how easy they are to use, how quickly you can change your babies nappy. Grandparents will love how easy they are to secure on a wriggly baby! Great waterproof covers and easy AIO’s. Then for the fathers who aren’t so sure talk about money! For every baby you have who wears disposable nappies from birth to potty it will cost an average of $2500! Get a whole set of modern cloth nappies for approximate $1000 sometimes cheaper in sets and put that saved money to better use. Save even more by using them with subsequent children.
How many nappies will I need?
This depends on how often you like to wash. If everyday then 18 for NB/small (9 for the day and 9 in the wash – changed every 2 hours), medium and large approximately 12 (6 for the day and 6 in the wash) plus 2- 4 covers in each size if using fitted nappies. This is approximate and depends on your baby and how often you like/need to change them – add or reduce numbers as you see fit. Add another 5 to 8 if you want to wash every second day.
I hate washing; do you have any washing tips? See the care
instructions page for more detail.
Don’t leave the nappies in the bucket for to long – up to 2 days. No need to soak, just tip poo into toilet and ‘dry pail’ in a bucket without water until washday.
Cold rinse with a full load of water, follow with a warm/hot wash on a long cycle if possible then follow with the machines normal two rinses. Dry on line in sunlight whenever possible or dry in a drier. (Using a drier will reduce the
life of most nappies so bear this in mind when using a dryer as it can be quite harsh on fabrics).
Can they go in the dryer?
Yes as I said above they can be dried in the drier just bear in mind this is quite harsh on natural fabrics so will reduce the nappies life span.
We're on a budget but I'd like a bit of a mix what would you suggest?
Go with the minimum of fitted nappies and covers, add 2- 3 AIO’s for the nappy bag, or for when the babysitters/dads are on duty and wash everyday.
We have a range of packages and deals that
set you up from go to whoa.
Now tell me honestly will they leak?
Proof is in the pudding. I have used these nappies on my daughter both fitted and AIO and have had a few leaks here and there but 95% of the time no leaks. No moisture wicking through to her clothes at all. I have found that adjusting my washing routine when I get leaks (as laundry powder builds up on nappies when to much used). I have had
far worse leakage from disposables! When you first receive your nappies ideally you should wash them before being used in a good warm/hot wash. Then dried as normal. Ensure all singlets and clothing is lying OVER the top of the AIO or cover and not tucked into it. You may experience a few leaks initially as you get used to cloth nappies, always change baby regularly – every 2-4 hours throughout the day. The more often the better for baby’s bum. Also you may need to ‘point’ little boys down into the nappy as sometimes if aiming to the side the wee seems to escape!
Also with AIO's it is important to ensure they are very dry. They will leak if
they have not been dried properly!
Can I use a fitted nappy or an AIO for a swim nappy?
No, I recommend you only use a nappy design for use as a swim nappy only. An AIO or fitted is too absorbent and would fill with water and weigh the baby down.