bumGenius 3.0 One-Size Cloth Diaper
by bumGenius
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Category: Baby Product See more product details |
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Baby Products Reviews of bumGenius 3.0 One-Size Cloth Diaper
Customer Review: DEFINITELY Worth the Price!
Summary: 5 Stars
These diapers are fabulous! I have the bumGenius 2.0 (paid $17.95) I thought the adjustable sizing would case the diaper to leak when my child was small, but it didn't. These diapers have worked great and not leaked even as we have changed sizes (up to 17 lbs). The leg openings are snug, but do not leave marks. There is also elastic in the back of the diaper, which has resulted in no "up the back" accidents.
I personally prefer the velcro tabs over the snaps that are on the Fuzzi Bunz diapers. The velcro makes it easier to fit the diaper, especially if your child is moving around. During the day, I use only one insert with the diaper and have not had an issue with leaks. To insure that I did not have leaks with the Fuzzi Bunz, I had to use 2 inserts. The Bum-Ware diapers completely soaked through. I have heard good things about Swaddlebees Organic Velour Fitted Pocket Diaper Medium Periwinkle, but haven't not tried them yet.
The fleece interior of the Fuzzi Bunz was softer than the bumGenius material, but bumGenius was still much softer than the BumWare diapers and all disposables.
One negative is that the bumGenius is only available in a very limited number of colors and no prints. Happy Heiny's has a much wider selection of colors and some very cute prints. I have not used #1 Rated Diaper Happy Heiny's Pocket Diaper with Free Insert to comment on the quality.
All of my bumGenius diapers are colored and I have had them a couple of months. So far, the colors have stayed true and not faded. The diapers have washed well in that neither the diapers nor the liners have stained. I am very conscious about using the velcro tabs before washing them, so I have not had a problem with the diapers sticking together and creating a snake.
Overall bumGenius is my favorites by far! I like bumGenius AIO's because of the convenience, but the ability to modify the diaper size as my child grows makes more sense financially than having to purchase new diapers.
Updated: April 8, 2008
Below I have specifically addressed some of the issues expressed in other reviews with my personal experience.
Length of time owned - over a year and used daily
Size - 24 lbs they still fit great
Fraying tabs - I have one diaper where the tabs have frayed a little, but not enough to impact the function of the tabs.
Piling - All of my tabs have some degree of piling next to the Velcro. It is not pretty, but you can not see it when the diaper is on the baby. It has not impacted function.
Colors fading - No colors have faded. My stash includes multiple pinks, yellows and whites. I also have a blue and one green. The whites are dingy/grayish. I only wash in cold and hot water might help resolve this problem, but I do not recommend purchasing the white color.
Elastic around the legs and back - I have not had ANY elastics break or stretch on any diaper. I do wash my diapers on the gentle cycle.
Suedecloth lining - For my baby the fleece lining of the Fuzzi Bunz caused diaper rash. For us, the suedecloth lining has worked better. However, I have friend who loves the fleece lining. It probably depends upon your baby's skin as to which will suit you best.
Snaps vs. Velcro - I prefer the velcro better because I feel like you can adjust the diaper to fit your baby better and it is faster with a moving toddler. My snap experience has only been with Fuzzi Bunz not with Mommy's Touch One-size Snap All in One - Cloth Diaper, which I have been told is more adaptable.
Bulky - Yes they are bulky. In some pants/outfits you may need to go up a size to accommodate the size of the diaper.
Odors - this can happen to any cloth diaper. I have found the longer they sit unwashed the more likely they will hold odors. At times some of my diapers have held odors, but not the point that they have required stripping. The odor has subsided with subsequent normal washings. However, the dirty inserts must always be removed from the diaper (can be gross) or they will not get clean. I use All Free and Clear, which does contain an optical brightener (this is against Mfg recommendations). I have not tried the Flushable Diaper Liners that were mentioned, but they might help too.
Current opinion: Still love them!!! So much so that in Dec. I added some 3.0s (paid $17.95) and a bumGenuis wet bag. The 3.0s are even better! The biggest drawback is the price, but they are worth it.
UPDATE Dec.7 2008
30lbs still fit
Leaks: No problems with diapers leaking. I don't know if this has contributed to their longevity in this area, but I line dry the covers and put the inserts in the dryer.
Fraying tabs: A couple of tabs have fraying, but not enough to impact functionality
Colors: pink has faded slightly; white looks dingy/grayish; yellow, blue and green still look true
Odors: In the past few of months, the diapers have started holding odors. I called Cotton Babies and was advised to wash them with 1/4 of a cup of bleach in your hot wash routine once a month. I now use bleach on the inserts about once a month. However, I do not use bleach on the covers that often.
Elastics: In the past couple of months, several of the elastics have lost their elasticity. I called Cotton Babies and after a few questions I was told that the problem was likely caused because I had switched to 7th Generation detergent. I was told that the diaper covers have a year warranty, but all of mine that had problems were outside the warranty time frame. The representative did email instructions on how to replace the elastics. I have not attempted this yet, so I can comment on the process. She also sent me a list of approved detergents. For us, both the odor and elastic issues started appearing about a month after switching detergents to 7th Generation. We have gone back to All Free and Clear now.
Stripping: The bumGenuis website specifically says not to use vinegar or baking soda on the diapers, which is the most common way to strip cloth diapers. It might be ok with the inserts, but I definitely would not use it on the covers as it would probably void your warranty. These are the instructions sent to me for stripping when I contacted Cottonbabies about my issues:
For leaking issues: 1. Wash once in hot water with Dawn liquid dish detergent in the original blue formula (yes, it must be Dawn). Use one tablespoon for regular top loaders and one teaspoon for high efficiency machines.
2. Do two additional hot water washes with no detergent, just clear water.
For smell issues:
1. Wash inserts once in hot water with Dawn liquid dish detergent in the original blue formula (yes, it must be Dawn). Use one teaspoon for high efficiency machines or one tablespoon with a regular machine. Use ¾ cup of chlorine bleach for a top loader and ½ cup for a high efficiency machine.
2. Do two additional hot water washes with no detergent, just clear water.
3. Normally, covers do not hold odors as inserts can, however, you may strip them using the instructions that apply for leaking issues.
Current opinion: I still love these diapers and I want some of the new colors! I don't like that I am going to have to repair the elastics, but I still feel they are cheaper and healthier than disposables.
Customer Review: Good diaper, but not great
Summary: 4 Stars
I was recently asked by a friend for some honest feedback about my experience using BumGenius 3.0 cloth diapers and thought it was worthy of sharing. Now that I have been using them for 5 months I have found that they are not as perfect as many other mom's claim they are (although I am not sure there is a perfect diaper out there!).
A few things to know: Next to a new baby, these diapers look gigantic! We didn't start using them until my daughter was 10lbs/2 months old. We used disposables until then which was convenient since she was going through about 12 diapers a day in the beginning. We still use the newborn inserts with her at 7 months old because the regular inserts seem too bulky for such a little baby (she is 14 lbs now). Once we adjust the size of the diaper we will probably start using the regular inserts. However, since we use the newborn inserts, they fill up with pee quickly. The diapers make it hard to tell when she needs a diaper change because the diaper doesn't look or feel saturated like a disposable would. So, we try to change her diaper every 3 hours (unless we know she pooped!) to avoid leaks. The only place it leaks is around the legs when the insert is completely saturated. If it leaks, her pant leg might get a little wet, which isn't terrible, but still requires a change of clothes. I don't know any cloth diaper that avoids this problem.
Also, my daughter gets diaper rashes. Many other reviewers swear that their child never had a diaper rash while using a cloth diaper. This is not the case for us, infact her diaper rashes are somewhat severe. Since you can't use diaper rash cream with cloth diapers (because it can stain the diaper fabric) we put her in a disposable diaper at nighttime so we can use diaper rash cream while she sleeps. I have heard that you can line the cloth diaper with fleece to avoid staining. I thought this would add to the bulki-ness, so decided not to try this.
The other disappointment I have is how the diapers now look after five months of use. The velco looks VERY worn. However, I think this would be the case for any cloth diaper with velcro. The other option is choosing a cloth diaper that uses snaps (I think bumgenius makes their hemp diapers this way). I like the velcro though because I can make these diapers as snug as I want around her waist. Also, I think diapers covered in snaps are really ugly! So, I took a pair of small sewing scissors and trimmed all the loose velcro fuzzies and the diapers look much better!
I have found that the inserts stain. I wash them as directed (A cold wash with extra rinse then a hot wash with extra rinse, using a small amount of Purex free and clear detergent each time) and the inserts still come out stained (although the covers - the important part - come out very clean). About twice a month I run the inserts (not the covers) through a bleach cycle. I dry the inserts in the dryer, but not the covers (I air dry these overnight in the laundry room). You can dry them in the dryer, but I am hoping they will last longer if not subjected to the intense heat of a dryer. I recently ran the covers through a bleach cycle to get rid of some odors. The bleach got rid of the stinky ammonia smell and didn't affect the color of the covers at all! Just make sure you let the washer fill up first before putting in the diapers. This dilutes the bleach.
Also, make sure you buy the diapers from an authorized retailer in case you need to make a return. I sent a few covers back because the stitching on the velcro was coming apart. [...] was super helpful when I made the exchange. This means don't buy from ebay!
I bought two wahmies wet bags for the diaper pail (I just use a regular garbage can) and throw them in the wash when I do diaper laundry. And two travel wetbags for the diaper bag (all washable!) I throw the diaper wipes (I just use target brand unscented - not washable) into a separate smaller garbage pan.
It may not sound like it, but I really do like the Bumgenius 3.0 cloth diapers. I don't mind the 15 minutes it takes to start the laundry and stuff the inserts into the diapers. I like not spending money on disposables. The small leaks bother me a little but right now the diaper rash is my biggest concern. I would buy these again... although I might have tried other cloth diapers to see if they work better for me, leak wise.
Customer Review: Absorbent, Easy to Clean, Daddy/Daycare Friendly, but Quick to Wear
Summary: 4 Stars
I gave these diapers 4 out of 5 stars because I have been happy with them for a year. We bought 24 for our daughter, who has been our only baby to have cloth diapers. They were a bit pricey when compared to prefolds and covers, and even some other pocket diapers, but I heard good things, so I was willing to spend the money. After a year, I am shopping for more diapers. :-(
What I love:
Super absorbent: We tried these on our 2.5 year old just before he potty trained. He was a VERY heavy overnight wetter and with the toddler inset and doubler, we didn't have any leaking issues as long as we changed him as soon as he got out of bed. He used to destroy Pampers, Huggies, and Luvs overnight, so that was very impressive for us. I think he had some light wicking maybe once, but just enough for a seam in his pajamas to be damp.
Easy to Clean: The layer of fabric that sits against the baby's skin is very easy to clean. We've been using these for a year and all the insides of our diapers are almost perfectly white. We've never bleached the diapers themselves, so I am impressed with the ability of the liner to stay white!
Daddy / Daycare Friendly: Because of the pocket design, I could take these out of the dryer and prepare them all again. I just put the insert back in, lined it up, folded it in half, and my husband or sitter could take them right off the diaper stacker just like a disposable. They don't have to mess with anything like most prefold / cover diapers.
What I don't like:
Very detailed washing instructions: I am glad I had to wash these (particularly the inserts) a few times before we were able to use them because I felt like I was doing something wrong or forgetting a step every time. I ended up taping the instructions from the BumGenius website above the washer. Maybe I was paranoid, but the money I spent, I didn't want to destroy them by using the wrong detergent or wash cycle!
Quick to Wear: When I did the math, what I spent on these diapers (24 of them) was what I would have spent on 2 years of disposables. For me, that was more than acceptable because while it seemed really expensive up front, it meant we would be saving money in the long run unless our daughter potty trained VERY early. Our boys were potty trained at 30 months, and 40 months, so 2 years would be amazing for our daughter. Now, a little less than a year afetr using them, they are wearing a lot. The velcro isn't as catchy as it used to be. I dried them slightly warmer to encourage the hooks to curl back up as BumGenius recommended, but it didn't change anything. The edges of the seams where the velcro tabs and the velcro strip are sewn onto the diaper are getting raggedy or as with one diaper, unravelling completely. I have had 2 diapers where the top back seam has come completely undone, which makes the diaper unusable because that's the seam that secures the back elastic. My daughter isn't terribly big, nor are we particularly rough with the diapers, so it seems a bit ridiculous for this sort of wear and tear, even with daily use. I have joined a Cloth Diaper swap to try to get some feel for other types before we make another big investment, and it seems I am the lucky one in the circle - most of the other moms who use the BG's have had the same problem in less time.
If you've got the money to spend, these diapers are very good. They contain blowouts very well, are absorbent, easy and convenient for other care providers, and aren't terrible to look at. If you're trying to cloth diaper on a budget, or don't want to have to expand your stash in a year, I would check out Thirsties Duo Wraps, gDiapers, or another prefold / cover combination. We've added 2 gDiaper covers and 2 Thirsties Duo Wraps to our rotation in the hopes of holding on to the BG's until she potty trains, but at this rate, I think we will probably be buying more Thirsties and gDiapers!
Customer Review: Smartest move I've made!
Summary: 5 Stars
I love, love, love these diapers for several big reasons:
#1 After five months of heavy use (I only have 18) they are still brand-new acting and feeling. No pilling or velcro issues at all.
#2 After five months of continuous use, my daughter still hasn't had a single diaper rash. NOT ONE! We went on an extended vacation over Christmas and I used disposables because we were on the road for over a week. Wouldn't you know, she got her first diaper rash, and it was awful! Poor little thing! As soon as we got home I put her back in her Bum Genius and it cleared right up (not because they're magic, but because they keep her so dry).
#3 I work part-time, and I was worried about finding a daycare that would take her cloth diapers, but the facility I chose doesn't mind these AIO's at all. No pins, no plastic pants, how could you go wrong??? Sadly, the director told me in the four years she's been running the center, I am the FIRST woman to ask if they mind cloth diapers. Isn't that awful?
#4 No leaks! Even overnight! We haven't even gotten to the point where I need to double up the liners yet either. I pre-washed my diapers per the Mfr's instructions (hot water several times with very little detergent on one round, if I remember right) and I think this is the reason why I haven't had leaks. My sister-in-law wanted to use these diapers too, but she complained to me of leaks being a real problem. But she didn't pre-wash her Bum Genius collection so I guess that really does make a difference. Fortunately she can fix that with Dawn Dish Detergent, per the Mfr instructions for leaks.
#5 Color options! Hooray! We've got a few of each, even the new bold colors. They're all beautiful and not fading in the least bit. The liners are still white, as are my white diapers, but this may be because I use bleach once a month. (I use All Small & Mighty Free & Clear detergent for my HE washer on her clothes and her diapers.)
Drawbacks:
#1 They are starting to stink, so I just went online to get the instructions for stripping (with Dawn Dish Detergent), which I am going to try tonight. (Will try to update with results later)
#2 My baby is large for her age (seriously, she's a super-chunk), and this compounded by the bulk of the diaper means she's wearing 12 month size clothes at 5 months. I wasn't prepared for that when I had my babyshower, so I've had to buy a lot of clothes.
#3 She's already wearing the diaper in the largest size possible (all snaps open), so while I was hoping these would last me until she potty trains, I am worried she won't make it to her first birthday in them. She shouldn't get too much broader in the hips, so who knows, maybe they will last. I'll just plan on potty-training early!
#4 While I don't mind overnight trips away from home using the Bum Genius, extended vacations with them are out of the question for me. I just can't trust the commercial washing machines in hotels to clean them, and I refuse to carry around dirty diapers for longer than 2 days. So we use disposable when we go on road trips. THAT'S IT! No other complaints.
These are the greatest diapers, and even though I probably won't be able to use them until she potty trains, I know I've gotten my money's worth out of them, and of course I feel like I'm doing something wonderful for the environment. I'm only a teeny bit smug about being able to use cloth diapers, and I try to campaign wherever I go to get other women to at least THINK ABOUT IT, because these Bum Genius 3.0's really are great. I'm going to get some for my best friend, who's expecting her first baby in the summer, and hopefully make another convert out of her.
Customer Review: One-size pocket diapers are the way to go!
Summary: 5 Stars
SUMMARY: Great diapers, very economical (in the long run) and very easy to use, contain messes better than disposables, dry quickly in the dryer, can look bulky, washing routine can be complicated
When I first began looking into cloth diapers, it was mostly out of curiosity. I wanted to be environmentally friendly but I assumed cloth diapering would be too inconvenient. Why else would disposables have the corner on the market? My research turned my assumptions on their head. With modern cloth diapers, you can avoid pins and leaks - and still save money! (Some also say less diaper rash and earlier potty training. It's only been three months for me, so I can't comment on these supposed benefits yet.)
There are several types of cloth diapers. Read a summary here: http://diaperpages.com/cd_article.php. I decided that pocket diapers were the way to go for me. They offered the convenience of not using pins or a cover, but they dry much faster (and reportedly hold up better) than all-in-ones.
I did my research and decided to buy 24 BumGenius 3.0s. Since I bought in bulk, I paid only $384. That sounds like a lot, but I expect these to last until my baby is done with potty training (about 2 years old). If I spent $40 a month on disposable diapers, in two years I would have spent $960. (And beware the hidden costs of fitted diapers. Although fitted diapers may be a little cheaper than all-in-ones, remember that you'll have to buy new fitted diapers when your baby outgrows that size. Additionally, fitted diapers typically require covers, which are also sized.)
I began using these diapers when my baby was about a week old. I told my husband it was because I didn't want to stain the diapers with sticky, black newborn meconium, but really the diapers looked so big and I just couldn't imagine them fitting my tiny baby. But my fears were unwarranted. She weighed in at just over 7 pounds and although the diapers were a little bulky, they fit her perfectly and did not leak. (We used disposables again on a week long car trip. We splurged for the expensive name-brand, but even then they didn't contain any of my baby's explosive poops.)
Washing gets a little complicated. We remove the inserts and spray poopy diapers with Biokleen Bac-Out Stain & Odor Eliminator 32 oz.before placing in a Bummis Waterproof Bag (Large 10 Gal. Diaper Pail-23"X22"). Every other day we place that in the washer and run one cold cycle with half the recommended amount of Country Save HE Laundry Detergent, Powder, 160-Load, 10-lb Boxes (Case of 4). (Be sure to choose a powder detergent with no additives. Liquid detergents and additives have a tendency to stick in the fabric and cause staining and stink issues.) Then we run the diapers again in a hot cycle with no detergent. (NEVER run a sanitary cycle or you might ruin your diapers!) Finally, we place them in the dryer for 30 minutes. (If you have the time, line drying helps with stink and stains and saves energy.)
Final tip: The price currently listed on Amazon is over $36. Do NOT pay that much. On most other sites, they are listed for about half that.