Smart Bottoms AIO (3.1) Cloth Diaper Review

Just jumping right in here...

I'm going to go over the Smart Bottoms AIO (aka 3.1).

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I've had this diaper in my stash for probably about 6-7 months now, so it's definitely been put to the test.

My first 3.1 was actually purchased USED, because I wanted it to be prepped (and I got it for a good deal).
I did purchase a brand-new one a couple months later, because the talk about prepping this thing had me curious about how much truth there was to it...but more on that when we get there.

OVERVIEW:

The 3.1 (what I will call it from here on out) is obviously an all-in-one diaper.
It has one long, snake-style tongue (which is apparently pending patent?) made up of cotton.
100% organic, hug-your-grandma-I'm-obsessed-made-in-the-US-of-A (probably) COTTON. 
If I haven't mentioned it enough times, I am basically in love with cotton.

From Smart Bottoms website

It has a four different rise settings, to fit from approximately 10-35 lbs.

It retails for $29.

WHAT I LOVE:

I love the simplicity of this diaper.
My husband and I both grab these ones when we want a quick diaper change without any extra pieces.

I adore the fit. These sit high all-around, which I used to be against, but the 3.1 has turned me. It fits narrow between the legs.
When the fit is good, my heart eyes pop out.

This the first one-size diaper I put on my new baby, because it's really trim, and decently absorbent. It's not as absorbent as my AIOs that have hemp, but it still is plenty for my kids.

And, of course, I fricken LOVE cotton. LOVE IT. This diaper dries so quickly, unlike diapers infused with hemp, that take FOR-everrrrrrrr to dry, in my unprofessional opinion.

I love all-natural fibers against my baby's bottom-and there's no synthetics here!

Oh- their packaging is recyclable. Or maybe even reusable- I think they actually will take them back if you collect a stack. That's cool.

WHAT I DON'T LOVE:

Don't get freaked out by how long this section is.
This diaper does come with some downers (they all do! I've never met a perfect diaper).

First, we have to talk about this prep time. Smart Bottoms does sell a prepped diaper, thankfully.
The the 3.1 prep process is NOT a joke. It's not for the faint of heart. It WILL weed out the weak.

It's not going to kill you, but it is the most prepping you'll ever do for any diaper, ever (probably. Quote me on that, but then feel free to tell me if you find out I'm wrong).

When it shows up at your home, it will have this beautiful, cream-colored cotton inner.
....That is covered in the cotton's natural oils, that needs to be washed over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over, and over- literally that many times- just to use it without the pee sliding riiiight on off, out the sides of the diaper.

See:

This will not absorb anything.



It's so cute that I thought I could wash it twice and then put it right on my baby.
Don't do that.
It doesn't work.

So, it needs to be washed a lot of times just to be able to absorb pee, at all. And then it will be even more washes before it becomes absorbent enough to confidently use anywhere but at home.

Buying used is a great idea, because they should be prepped already.

BUT.

The other downer to this cotton, is that it comes with the strength of cotton (or lack thereof).

Natural-fiber AIOs tend to start breaking down at their weak points (especially if your machine is a bully, like mine), so they will get edge wear over time.

This is the diaper I bought used (already with some edge wear) about 7 months ago:

My newer one has very slight edge wear- after 6 months of use in my killing machine.
Realistically, diapers do not last forever.
And even once they start wearing at the edges, it won't cause any issues at all. You can essentially use them until they completely shred apart.
But I just think it's something to be aware of with natural fibers.


People also complain about the elastics when putting them on, because you have to roll them in to get a good fit, and keep all the cotton inner on the inside (something my husband struggles with, but I guess it doesn't matter much when your kids don't wear pants.)

And also, the price point is difficult for some people.
The 3.1 sells for $29.
That's the price for quality, American-made, organic cotton, all-in-ones, though.

I say that, but I've also never paid full price for one. ;)

As I'm writing this, Nicki's has their exclusives 30% off

Again, buying used is a great option.
If you aren't going for a limited print, you can usually get them used at half off, or more.

OVERALL:

I do love this diaper. It's simplicity, fit, and my love for cotton will keep these a part of my stash for the rest of my diaper days. It's one of my favorite diapers, and probably my absolute favorite all-in-one diaper. I highly recommend giving it a try.


You can purchase it through my affiliate link at Nicki's Diapers and Amazon (and can even add them to your Amazon Baby Registry, if you have people cool enough to support your cloth journey that way)


See all my reviews here.


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