The phrase
"to reuse the shell" means using something again instead of throwing it away. It is often used metaphorically to talk about saving and recycling resources, ideas, or solutions instead of creating something new.
Full definition
These systems have shells (or covers) with different soakers and you change the soaker but
reuse the shell unless it's soiled.
And because the insert is against the baby's skin, if it's just wet, you can remove the insert and put in a fresh one,
while reusing the shell — that allows you to stretch your diaper stash a little further between washes.
There are often times with younger babies where you change a diaper after only a small amount of urine or poop and in those cases if the mess is contained to the pod only
then reusing the shell is a definite possibility.
If you use an All - in - two (AI2) system that changes out inserts with the intention
of reusing the shell - a wipable inside is preferred such as with Best Bottom, Thirsties Duo and Blueberry Capri.
I have never tried Best Bottoms but I would surely like to try them in future... Having to change only insert and
reusing the shell is my favorite thing to do as it reduces laundry exponentially.
The interior is wipeable so that you can
reuse the shell a few times before washing.
The idea is that you purchase several soaker pads and
reuse the shell.
GroVia Hybrid Shells allow you to choose your absorbency and
reuse the shell (typically 1 - 3 times) by replacing the absorbent insert.
When changing your baby you will usually be able to remove the wet / soiled Pod and
reuse the shell - using 2 shells during the day so one can air out between changes.
If you are
reusing the shell, you have to pull out the wet cloth or disposable insert — not a huge deal but hard to avoid touching a wet insert.
When the diaper is wet, you can change the insert, and
reuse the shell.
I do however find most poops (EBF) go outside the insert but never outside the shell (because of the awesome double leg gusset) which makes for easy clean ups as most times I can wipe and
reuse the shell!