Organic Cotton Flats vs All In Ones: Which Fits Your Routine?

Quick answer

Choose organic cotton flats if you want the lowest cost per change, fully customizable absorbency, and don't mind folding. Choose all in ones if you want the fastest, simplest diaper change and are willing to pay more per diaper. Many families use both: flats for daytime and all in ones for outings or caregivers.

Cost per change: flats win over time

Organic cotton flats are the most economical cloth diaper style. At $8.38 each, a flat costs roughly half of a One Size All In One at $16.07. Because flats are one-size and adjust by folding, you can diaper a newborn through toddlerhood with the same set. A dozen flats plus covers costs less than six all in ones. All in ones cost more upfront, but their simplicity may save you money if it prevents you from quitting cloth altogether. If you're on a tight budget or diapering multiple children, flats deliver the lowest cost per change.

Absorbency and customization: flats adapt, all in ones are set

Flats let you control absorbency by how you fold them. You can add extra layers in the wet zone for heavy wetters or use a simple fold for light days. This flexibility is why flats are popular for overnight solutions when paired with a cover. All in ones have a fixed absorbency. The One Size All In One offers multiple absorbent layers and a dry layer that keeps baby comfortable when wet. The Natural One Size All In One uses multiple layers of natural absorbency. Neither design lets you add absorbency without adding a separate insert. If your baby is a heavy wetter, flats give you more room to adjust.

Routine and ease of use: all in ones are fastest

All in ones work like a disposable: put it on, take it off, wash it. There's no folding, no stuffing, no separate cover. That makes them the best choice for daycare, babysitters, and reluctant partners. Flats require folding and a waterproof cover. The folding takes practice, but many parents find it relaxing. If you value speed above all, all in ones win. If you don't mind a few extra seconds per change, flats are simpler to wash and dry because they unfold into a single layer.

Washing and drying: flats dry faster

Flats are a single layer of organic cotton, so they wash thoroughly and dry quickly, even on a line. All in ones have multiple layers sewn together, which takes longer to dry and may need more cycles. The Natural One Size All In One and One Size All In One both have a waterproof outer layer, so you cannot separate the absorbent part from the waterproof part for washing. That means longer drying times. If you air dry, flats will be ready hours before all in ones.

Fit and sizing: flats adjust, all in ones have a rise

Flats are one-size by design. You fold them to fit a newborn or a toddler, so you never need to buy a new size. All in ones like the One Size All In One and Natural One Size All In One have an adjustable rise that grows with your baby. That rise setting changes the fit as your child grows. Both styles can fit a wide range, but flats give you more control over the exact fit because you can fold them narrower or wider. All in ones are quicker to adjust with snaps or hook-and-loop, but the fit is limited to the rise settings available.

Try before you commit: sampler packs

If you're unsure which style suits your routine, a sampler pack lets you test both. The Newborn Sampler Pack includes a Duo Wrap, a Duo Fitted, a Duo Hemp Prefold, and two newborn all in ones (one natural, one standard). That mix lets you try flats, prefolds, fitteds, and all in ones side by side. You'll quickly learn which style you reach for first. Many families discover they prefer flats for home and all in ones for outings.

Trade-offs at a glance

• Cost: Flats cost $8.38 each; One Size All In One costs $16.07. Flats win on upfront price and cost per change. Choose flats if budget is the top priority.
• Ease of use: All in ones go on in one step; flats need folding and a cover. All in ones are faster for caregivers. Choose all in ones if you want disposable-like simplicity.
• Absorbency: Flats let you fold in extra layers; all in ones have fixed absorbency. Flats adapt to heavy wetters. Choose flats if you need customizable absorbency.
• Drying time: Flats dry fast as a single layer; all in ones have multiple layers and take longer to dry. Choose flats if you line dry or want quick laundry turnaround.

Product facts

• Organic Cotton Flat: Organic Cotton Flat is a no-frills, one-size cloth diaper that is an economical choice. Lowest cost per change and fully adjustable absorbency by folding.
• One Size All In One: One Size All In One has multiple absorbent layers, a dry layer, a waterproof outer layer, and an adjustable rise. Fastest change with no folding or cover, but fixed absorbency.
• Natural One Size All In One: Natural One Size All In One features multiple layers of natural absorbency, a waterproof outer layer, and an adjustable rise. Natural fiber option with all-in-one convenience for busy families.
• Newborn Sampler Pack: Newborn Sampler Pack includes a Duo Wrap, Duo Fitted, Duo Hemp Prefold, and two newborn all in ones. Test flats, prefolds, fitteds, and all in ones before investing in a full stash.

Which style fits your routine?

Best for

• Budget-conscious families who want the lowest cost per change
• Parents who don't mind folding and want customizable absorbency
• Heavy wetters who need extra layers in the wet zone
• Families who line dry and want fast laundry turnaround

Not for

• Caregivers or daycare providers who need the fastest possible change
• Parents who want a diaper that goes on in one step with no folding
• Families who prefer a stay-dry layer built into the diaper