If you have been reading my blog for a while you probably know that I am a “fan” of bumGenius! products. I have been using their 3.0’s since my son fit into them (around 12-14 pounds, leak free) and their Elementals (Organic AIO’s) since I bought a few when he was a couple of months old. I have reviewed the 3.0 (BG 3.0 Review) and Elemental (Elemental- FMA BG Organic AIO- review) already. I won’t say I was disappointed when they announced that the 3.0 was being discontinued since I knew the next diaper (I correctly predicted would be called 4.0) would be very similar with a few improvements. The most obvious improvement they needed to make, improving the hook and loop closure and adding snaps, were both realized. Bonus improvements: the ability to easily replace elastic and a higher rise.
They also added new colors, which I am not a huge fan of. I will specifically say I am not a fan of their names. Why must color names be so confusing? Case in point: I ordered 2 bumGenius! 4.0’s to review, one with hook and loop and one in snaps. I ordered 2 of the new colors: Noodle and Bubble. I didn’t double check what the colors were. Bubble= lavender. Let me ask you, when you think of a bubble, do you think of purple or blue? Water=blue. Bubbles=blue. Also, the color Sweet reminds me of lavender or pink. That is pale green. Noodle is the light yellow, which does make sense. Noodles are yellow, or pale yellow, and this is an accurate description of that color. I do not like that I need to research the colors, which not all stores have listed with a description or photo (and photos don’t help since the colors are so pale, they all look the same) before I buy. My son has a purple diaper. So what? Wanna fight about it?
New Color Guide:
Bubble= Light Lavender
Noodle= Light Yellow
Sweet= Light Green
Update: bumGenius has re-released their beloved “Brights” colors and has released a series of prints. You can view all of the new prints by heading to my blog post about theChelsea Perry Tiny Socialite Collection, it includes action shots of them all.
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My Review
Ease of Use ✫✫✫✫✫ The 4.0 doesn’t differ from the 3.0 in this regard. I tell anyone who asks me about a good intro cloth diaper that they should try the 3.0 (now I say 4.0). It is affordable, durable, easy to use with the hook and loop (and snaps), simple to find the right fit, and easy to take off. You still need to affix the laundry tabs before washing, and you need to remove the insert. You will need to restuff the diaper before baby wears it. Is it easy? Yes. Is it as easy as an AIO? No. Is it worth the extra steps? Pretty much. Pockets dry faster than most AIO’s and are generally cheaper. I do wish the laundry tabs were closer to the actual tab, so that when I change the baby I could just pinch it closed rather than seek out the tab farther in. I have to look for it. Some diapers you don’t need to do this.
Bang for the Buck: ✫✫✫✫ The 4.0 is the same price as the 3.0 was: 17.95. bumGenius! keeps their prices consistent among retailers. It is hard to find a “sale” on them. However, they are worth the investment. My 3.0’s have lasted for almost 2 years. I am hopeful that the improved hook and loop will last on the 4.0, and replaceable elastic will also contribute to their life span. You will see that a few hundred dollars for a stash of 4.0’s will still be far less than the thousands of dollars you would have spent on disposables.
Performance ✫✫✫✫✫ I am going to say that I have had no leaks, no fit issues, nothing with the 4.0. I was new to cloth when I started with the 3.0 and did experience leaks due to my repelling issues. I have used these overnight with both inserts and I also had no leaks. I do prefer fitteds overnight but I was happy to report dry sheets!
Fit ✫✫✫✫ I can at this time only speak to the fit on my toddler. He is still on the middle rise snap (has been for a very long time) so he has growing room. In the video you can see a comparison to the 3.0 in terms of the change in rise. While it isn’t a massive jump I figure it will help increase the time babies can wear these. He doesn’t get red marks from elastic. The diapers aren’t terribly bulky with one insert.
Overall- I am very happy with the 4.0, as I was with the 3.0. Like I said, these are really great for any parents first starting out. They don’t have bells and whistles like some diapers, and they don’t want to. You need to start somewhere and learn how to cloth diaper. These are simple enough to do that. Not everyone loves microfiber inserts because they can build up the stinkies. Microfiber is a more affordable insert option, but if you want you can always upgrade to a hemp/cotton/bamboo/zorb insert at a later time.
Where to buy: Pretty much any cloth diaper store. But, if you want, you can support my blog by buying yours at Kelly’s Closet.
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I purchased (2) bumGenius! 4.0’s to review from Kelly’s Closet.
