AI2/Pocket diapers

lulubugsmama

Sorry for yet another post! But I did some research this morning and I THINK I like the "AI2"/"pocket" diapers. They seem like the most convenient for my situation. Can anyone tell me their experience with this style? What did you like or not like about them? What brand do you recommend? What kind of inserts would you suggest?

bhdoucette

AI2's and pocket diapers are different styles. With an AI2 I believe you can remove/unsnap the insert and reuse the shell/cover (usually made of a waterproof material) with a new insert. With a pocket, you stuff the insert(s) into a sleeve. No part of the pocket diaper can be reused once wet/soiled, because you cannot wipe clean the sleeve (made of fabric, usually suedecloth or fleece).

My entire stash is pocket diapers. I love FuzziBunz (great for my petite DD), and like Kawaii (would probably love if I had a bigger baby). Normally pocket diapers will come with inserts, so unless you dislike those ones, you won't need to worry about buying a ton of different ones. That being said, I dislike the microfiber inserts that came with my Kawaii and am replacing them with hemp. Hemp is a natural fibre, and natural fibres tend to be easier to wash. 

mamatobe2012

Totally agree with PP. 

For pocket diapers (my whole daycare stash) I like Kawaii.  I replaced my microfiber with bamboo inserts but waited until my son was almost one.  MF works fine but can kind of develop a stink over time.

For AI2 (my weekend and evening stash) I love Best Bottoms.  They have double leg gussets, the inserts are sized which I think makes them a little less bulky and you can use the shell as cover on fitted/prefolds. 

I've tried flips and they are good but the insert can be bulky when you fold it down and it can move around in the cover, Grovia are good and pretty trim but the mesh on the inside can't be wiped clean after a pee so it starts to smell way faster than the Best Bottoms or Flips.

You should try both and see what you like.  

CLLDLL

Just to add a different POV, there are some AI2 systems that can be used as pockets.  AppleCheeks and SoftBums are the two I can think of.  They have a pocket made of microfleece, but also allow inserts to be snapped in or laid on top of the microfleece.  Obviously if you stuff the insert into the pocket it can only be used once.  Sometimes if you use it as an AI2 it can still only be used once.  (If LO poops or has a really wet diaper that gets on the cover.) 

I use both SoftBums and AppleCheeks.  I like them both, but I will say more often than not I end up using my covers only once because pee or poop gets on them.  The AppleCheeks inserts (and some of the SoftBums) are bamboo which holds a TON of pee.  So if you are changing LO every 1.5 to 2 hours and baby pees just on the insert you can sometimes use a cover 3 times. The versatility of having both a pocket and AI2 in the same diaper is nice.  Especially for going out for shorter time periods.  I just pack one extra cover and several inserts instead of several diapers.  That being said, I don't think I'd make my whole stash these unless you buy enough that you can use them as a pocket.

Really the best thing to do is try a few different kinds out and see what you like. 

 For pockets I like BumGenius and Rumparooz.  Imagine (by Nicki's Diapers) are also ok.

mrsnorthernbell

I use the flip system for daytime and bum genius at night. I stuff the bg with the regular insert it comes with and then a Joey kicks hemp insert underneath. If you like the idea of natural fibers touching the baby's skin you could use prefolds with the flips but some baby's don't like the feeling of being wet. Ifmthatsnthe case just cut up some fleece and lay it on top. 

I have tried best bottoms and loved the idea of the, but they left deep red marks on my daughters thighs. She is tall and skinny too so maybe she just has thicker thighs. I tried the grovia too but they leaked for me.  

hispenguin

bhdoucette:

AI2's and pocket diapers are different styles. With an AI2 I believe you can remove/unsnap the insert and reuse the shell/cover (usually made of a waterproof material) with a new insert. With a pocket, you stuff the insert(s) into a sleeve. No part of the pocket diaper can be reused once wet/soiled, because you cannot wipe clean the sleeve (made of fabric, usually suedecloth or fleece).

Ditto this.

 I prefer pockets over AI2's. I like that you can just stuff and go and not have to worry about fiddling with the inserts inside of the covers. That being said I do like to use trifolded prefolds in a cover, which is technically an AI2.

bjlucas1

I use bumgenius 4.0, bumgenius freetimes, flips, and fuzzibuns. My favorite is bumg 4.0 and they are the easiest for my husband. The flips are great because I can reuse the outer shell at least 2x before washing and that helps to stretch out my supply. I like the fuzzibuns colors and that they are less bulky but the inside gets pilly fast, plus I have had a few leaks (could have been due to my poor sizing). My husband finds snappng the fuzzibuns more difficult than snapping the other diaps for some reason. The freetimes are super bulky on my 2 month old but are awesome during the night. 

emmielou75

The only AI2/pocket combo diaper I have is a Lalabye Baby.  I really like it.

It came with bamboo inserts that can either go in the suedecloth pocket for a stay-dry feel, or it can snap on top to have natural fibers against baby.  I have only used it as a pocket.  I like that the insert can snap inside the pocket so it doesn't move around.  This is important since the bamboo insert is thin and seems to bunch otherwise.

I would buy more if I was just starting my stash, but I don't really need more OS pockets.

 ETA: haha, that last line was funny!

Lennongirl

Just getting into Ai2s now, so far I like Best Bottoms though I feel like they do run small they are super trim, especially the hemp insert. Not a big fan of the grovia I feel like the mesh inside isn't very hygienic. I also like trifolding prefolds in covers though that's on the bulkier side.

For pockets I really like BG. I also like the fit of FB on my petite DD, but hate fleece interior and the sticky feel of the PUL inside when you're stuffing the pocket which is tricky with how narrow the crotch is.