Gerber Childrenswear is always in our baby’s dressers: from the onesies we received at baby showers, to classic footed flannel pjs. Gerber prefolds have also been a part of our nursery, but usually as burp or wash cloths. Only recently did Gerber release a cloth diapering option I was curious about adding to my stash -their new Gerber All-in-One (AIO). I heard mixed reviews and wanted to try out this affordable, mainstream option to see how it stacks up to competitors.
Design
The Gerber AIO cloth diaper comes with an AIO shell that can be used on its own and an extra insert for additional absorbency. You can lay the insert on top or tuck it into the pocket area underneath. The diaper includes a double gusseted leg design (a big plus for me) and an inner elastic waist band in the front and back. This diaper is only available in aplix closure.
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by the thoughtful design. This diaper was clearly made to be easy to use and easy to wash. The gussets and elastic bands provide a great barrier against leaking and blowouts. We experienced neither using this diaper for the past couple of months.
Materials
Diaper shell: 100% polyester interlock with urethane laminate backing; Absorbent lining: 65% polyester/35% rayon; Liner fabric: 100% cotton TRANSdry
I’ll be honest – I wasn’t particularly impressed by the fabrics of this diaper. The shell is made out of a basic, solid polyester in standard colors (blue, orange, pink, and sage). The gussets are made from the laminated fabric, so this leaves baby’s skin exposed to the laminate and elastic. I imagine this could irritate sensitive skin and I would prefer to see a soft, absorbent fabric cover this area. I don’t personally mind polyester linings, but you might if you prefer natural materials. I am also noticing fraying in the back gusset after only owning the diaper since July.
The biggest red flag when it comes to materials is the aplix closures, which I could see was doomed to fail after a short time. Gerber assures me that they are aware of the issue and working on improved closures for their updated version.
Sizing
The Gerber AIO comes in 3 sizes – small (8 to 18 lbs), medium (16 to 28 lbs), and large (22 to 37 lbs). We received a medium diaper and it appeared to follow my experience with Gerber clothing in general – they run small. This is good news if you are planning to diaper a newborn. It isn’t so great if you are hoping to fit a chunkier baby or use a diaper into toddler years.
We tested the medium on my long, trim 10 month old from about 18 to 20 lbs and I actually liked the sizing on him. I am not certain, however, that the diaper will continue to meet his needs through 28 lbs. I’ll be sure to update my review at that time! For more detailed size comparisons, be sure to check out the Change-Diapers Gerber review.
Fit
In my experience, this is where the Gerber AIO really shines. The diaper has a trim, snug fit on baby and I really felt that I could get an exact fit with the aplix closure, combined with the double gussets. The aplix tabs definitely became less functional over time, making it more likely that a wet diaper would slip undone while Sebastian scooted around the room. I will say that the additional insert is small, but provided enough absorbency for a trim, nap time experience without leaks.
Cost
The cost is what really has the potential to make this cloth diaper mainstream. The price ranges between $11.99 and $13.99, depending on where you purchase it. Since it is available in mainstream stores, such as Target, it’s also very accessible. You will need to Gerber AIOs in every size and I don’t imagine that these will have a huge resale value, but you could certainly recoup some of the cost if they remain in excellent condition. There are other AIOs from trusted competitors, such as Diaper Rite, at similar costs that come with more patterns and higher quality fabrics, so I believe that Gerber will have to make some changes to compete in the larger market.
Overall Impression
This is an affordable, thoughtful effort from a well-known, trusted company. While this first run isn’t perfect, I liked the fit and absorbency, especially for the price. I would be interested in reviewing the updated version, especially with adjustments to the aplix and exposed PUL and elastic.
Have you tried the new Gerber AIO? What was your experience? Stay tuned for an upcoming giveaway so you can try it for yourself!
Disclosure: I received product to review in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own. Affiliate links are included in this post.
I have tried these and find they run a tad small. They are great “husband” diapers bc of how easy they are to use.
I really love that they’re affordable, and even though the aplix isn’t ideal, I’m glad that they’re working on a revision. I too prefer a lined diaper, even if it’s just a shell, so the PUL isn’t up against baby’s skin. I hope that Gerber takes all the feedback they have received to build an amazing next release. I have the “large” diapers and they are too small on my 32lb and 37 lb babies, even though they are build very differently. I hope they include an “XL” in their next release, or size these more generously.
I haven’t tried these but just wanted to say that I appreciated your honest feedback on things like the fraying and the hook and loop. It can be hard to strike a balance between kind and blunt but I thought you did a perfect job 🙂
Thanks for such a thorough review! I love reading all the different perspectives on the new Gerber release. It’s a really big deal when such an old company, known for baby food and Onesies launches an AIO cloth diaper! I’m glad they’ve been so responsive to feedback and suggestions for improvement, and look forward to what’s next.
I bought several different types of cloth diapers including the Gerber AIO. By far, I love that this diaper is easy peasy to use. I like that the insert can go over or under the liner! I did experience the Velcro snagging the lining but I am not that disappointed really. I just have to remember to put the Velcro on the inner tabs.
What a thorough and balanced review! I’ve been curious about these, especially because as you said, they may be the first cloth diaper that new parents are exposed to. How great is it that they’re so responsive to feedback and continuously improving their diaper!
You just never know with things that are cottage and go mainstream, you get a ‘copy’ instead of the original and it’s all thumbs, but I’m glad you found some positives about it. Others have not been so kind. Perhaps rightly so, given that an overhaul is already being undertaken.
I love the idea of mainstream cloth but hate the idea of people being taken into buying a lot of diapers that won’t fit as long as they say and wear out quickly when many other good options exist if you know where to find them. It’s a huge catch 22 for someone who has been around cloth diapers so long. I know you know what I mean…
I’ve always thought of Gerber diapers being flats and plastic pants, but these look really nice!
I’ve been hearing so many negatives about these. It’s such a bummer! Least they understand the issues and will work on them.
I’ve heard mixed reviews about the Gerber AIO. I don’t think it’s one we will add to our stash. I do hope they update and revise and promised! 🙂
I have actually thought about trying to convert the tabs into snaps, but with this thing…I don’t know if it’s even worth it. 🙁
Not sure how I feel about this diaper…..the price is reasonable, but it doesn’t sound like a great quality diaper, nor would it have fit my little chunk for very long.
I haven’t tried these yet, but I’m looking forward to!