Fitted Cloth Diapers: bumGenius 3.0 One-Size Cloth Diaper Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)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.

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Product Description:
Cloth diapering has never been so easy! BumGenius! one-size cloth diapers offer an industry first, stretch- to-fit tabs (patent pending). The redesigned tabs provide a comfortable fit and trim look. This simple design makes cloth diapering as easy as using disposables. BumGenius! One-size cloth diapers are perfect for care providers who might be resistant to cloth diapering (including daycares and dads)! Less Clutter BumGenius! One-Size Cloth Diapers easily fit babies from 7 pounds up to 35 pounds. One diaper for multiple children simplifies laundry and the diaper drawer. No more sorting by size or having to carry multiple diapers when going out. Three snap-downs on the front of the diaper (patent pending) adjust the rise as your baby grows. For newborns, fold down the insert stopper for an extra-small rise. Highly absorbent The BumGenius one-size cloth diaper is one-size off the shelf. In addition to the regular insert, we are including a newborn insert/booster with all version 3.0 diapers. The newborn insert is designed to reduce bulk for small babies. When the baby outgrows the newborn insert, it works great as an overnight booster or extra absorbency for a heavy wetter. Only the Best for Your Baby The soft, waterproof outer fabric keeps the diaper just as trim on a newborn setting as it is on a toddler. Soft, suede inner fabric wicks moisture away from your baby's skin. Super stretchy, ultra gentle leg and back elastic with rolled out casings keep the Yuk in and to help keep red marks away. Plus, our unique covered (patent pending) pocket opening keeps wetness completely off of your baby. After the diaper has been used, you can even avoid messes in your wet bag by rolling the diaper up and fastening the tabs before storage!