Hidden PUL / Fleece info (aio's and hf's)

So let's talk AIO'S,  Hybrids and hidden layers: 

Sometimes people are confused by the multitude of variations in cloth diapers.  This is completely understandable. 

So an all in one (aio) is a fitted diaper with PUL attached to the outside of the diaper.  This is done so you don't have to use a cover, cuz its attached.  Now PUL comes in many wonderful prints and makes the diaper cute and attractive.  But some moms aren't a big fan of the feel of pul or just found a super cute print in another fabric.  So they cover the outside of the pul, this makes the pul hidden.  Its still an AIO weather your pul is hidden. Or not. 
Read more about AIO'S here

Hybrid Fitted's are much like an aio in function.  A Hybrid is a diaper with water resistant fleece on the outside so that you don't need a cover (most of the time).   If your "fitted" has water resistant fleece then it is an HF and not a fitted.  They are generally constructed differently too.  Now much like AIO'S sometimes a mom wants a different fabric on the outside and not the fleece.  Most common reasons being they want a certain print or don't like how fleece pils.  So the fleece is covered by the decorative outer and the fleece is hidden. 

Read more about HF's here 

Just to be clear AIO and HF doesn't imply that there is a hidden layer.  Hiding the pul or fleece is a completely optional choice.  Below is a photo showing two diapers.  On the left monkey is in an HF with hidden fleece.  On the right the fleece is not hidden . 

AIO's - All In One diapers

An aio or all in one diaper is a fitted diaper with a PUL outer layer.  Sometimes the pul is covered by a decorative outer but this isn't necessary as pul comes in many adorable prints.  Using a aio is exactly like using a disposable because its all one piece.  As usual I advise having a sewn in flap or snap in soaker to help wash clean and reduce drying time.  I first used aio's with my second child when Kushies came out with them.  Those not used to cloth diapering will not have issues using these which makes them great for babysitters.  Pul cannot be washed or dried on high heat.  And since it is part if the diaper you will need to wash and dry on lower heat levels.  One of the drawbacks of an aio is that the pul doesn't hold up when washed with every diaper change, so durability is an issue because the pul eventually delaminates.  Don't plan on it lasting till baby #3, you may even need to replace before baby #2 is done with them.  Aside from the durability issue, aio's are a great and easy choice.

Pros:
•The easiest CD to use
• functions well
• contains mess in one piece
•can be used on it's own as an overnight diaper

Cons:
• low durability
• moderate wash and dry
•many styles have issues with wicking around the leg

To make you need:
•pul
•elastic
• snaps or Velcro
• absorbent fabrics
• ball point sewing machine needle
• clips to hold together cuz you can't pin the pul

Optional:
• rotary tool and cutting mat to make cutting out pul easier (cuz you can't pin it)
•wicking fabric for against baby's skin
•decorative outer