Bumgenius 4.0 - Is this all I'd need?

pblge

Hi Folks,

I've been lurking for a while and doing lots of research, and I'm having a hard time understanding why I wouldn't want to simply get a bunch of the one size diapers for our first LO expected in April. If there's a good adjustable CD that fits almost all babies from typical newborn size and beyond, why would I want a system that needed frequent replacing as the kid grew?

With this in mind, I've been reading about the BumGenius 4.0, and it seems like it has far and away the best reviews and the fewest complaints of any one-size, all-in-one diaper out there. So what's stopping me from simply buying a couple dozen (or more) of these and calling my CD shopping done?

Thanks in advance!

brownmouse

Because 4.0 dint generally fit newborns unless you have an 11lb baby. You will end up needing something from birth to a few months until the OS fit. Also, some diapers don't works on some babies for different reasons (skinny legs, longer torso, etc)

That said, I loved my BumGenius with my DD, and have a stash of AIO one size and 4.0 that I plan to use along with some Alva pocket diapers once my son(due next month) is big enough to fit into them. I also bought a stash of newborn size bun genius and have made a ton of flats to use with covers until the little guy can use the one size.

The good thing about bum genius is that they hold their value so if they don't work for your baby, you can sell them and get something else. But if this is your first time CDing, if be more likely to suggest buying a few different things to see what you like before investing a ton.

CLLDLL

Yep BG 4.0s are great, but definitely won't fit most NBs. Also our aplix died after like 9 months of use. And there have been times where one rise setting is too small but the next is too big. I was very happy to have other brands/types in my stash during those times.

Oh and BG 4.0s at some point won't work over night. You'll need something like 3-4 good fitteds or hemp/bamboo prefolds with doublers.

Also when I first started CD'ing I thought I'd love pockets. I like them, but ever since two months in I've much preferred AI2s. I also like fitteds, flats and AIOs for certain uses. So glad I didn't sink my whole budget onto pockets back then.

Finally I'm pretty skeptical of most CD reviews. CDs are kind of like bras or jeans. They are so unique for each baby about how they fit. My neighbor loving a certain diaper really isn't a good indicator of whether I'll like it. I trust ladies on here for review of quality and usually just buy one or two of something I think I might like. I try it for a couple weeks and then buy more or sell it depending on my experience.

Brandiewine11

You won't be able to use a typical one-size diaper for a newborn. You'll need a stash of NB cloth or need to use disposables for a while before they fit.

BG 4.0 are great diapers. However, you might find you like other things. I bought a bunch of them (along with several other kinds of diapers). I found that I HATE stuffing pockets. I prefer AIO's or AI2's like best bottoms. Also, my kid gets a rash in anything except natural fiber diapers, so I'm having to sell all my 4.0's.

There are tons of choices in one-size diapers so just don't commit to something until you know if you'll like it. 

Good luck!

TJ1979

Personally, I loathe pockets. Cannot stand having to stuff them. We usually recommend having a diverse stash bc you never know what you are going to like, or what will fit your baby well. Plus there's the possibility that your baby could have a suede cloth allergy and not be able to use 4.0s.
All that being said, with my first I bought a full stash (24) of BG freetimes. We used disposables until she hit 10 lbs, then started with Freetimes and used them exclusively until I found out about best bottoms and wanted to try them. (They are awesome for travel bc they pack down small.) I feel like BGs are the most likely of any brand to work. They seem to be fairly universally well-liked.
Finally, once you get into CDs they are kind of addictive, and you want to buy all.the.diapers!!

pblge

Thanks, ladies! Can I ask a follow-up question or two? This is definitely a dumb newbie question, but how exactly do you try a bunch of different things when you need a couple dozen to even get started? And is there an age at which it's best to start with the experimentation, like when baby is in the 10-15 pound range? I've been looking at people's stash lists, and it does seem pretty tailored to newborns. It's also a bit hard to follow with all the acronyms!

I'd heard the newborn fitting thing, so we have been planning (although it's still up in the air) to use a service for the first couple of months, just to ease the transition. I was a 9 lb baby and my hubby is 6'4", so we're fully expecting a big baby (unless we end up with a premie, in which case we'll reconsider).

emmylou78

There are diaper trials where you can get different types. For newborn, typically most people do prefolds and covers. I did those, as well as kawaii pure and naturals, which are pockets that fit small (and are cheap!). Fitteds and covers are a good option.

People buy a few of each style and try them out. You can buy new or used. Diapers keep their resell value pretty well, so you're really only losing out on a few dollars and shipping. There are tons of buy/sell/trades online and on Facebook, plus a swap here to buy, trade, and sell.

That being said, I have a mainly 4.0 stash, bought while pregnant. It worked for me. They are still what I reach for 90% of the time, and even overnight at 1 year. I use a Regular insert and a hemp overnight. It may not work for everyone, but works for us.

MrsSarahRenee

pblge said:

Thanks, ladies! Can I ask a follow-up question or two? This is definitely a dumb newbie question, but how exactly do you try a bunch of different things when you need a couple dozen to even get started? And is there an age at which it's best to start with the experimentation, like when baby is in the 10-15 pound range? I've been looking at people's stash lists, and it does seem pretty tailored to newborns. It's also a bit hard to follow with all the acronyms!

I'd heard the newborn fitting thing, so we have been planning (although it's still up in the air) to use a service for the first couple of months, just to ease the transition. I was a 9 lb baby and my hubby is 6'4", so we're fully expecting a big baby (unless we end up with a premie, in which case we'll reconsider).

DH and I were large baby was 8 lbs and then she lost a lb. I was very glad to have NB diapers! Plus her legs are so skinny that even size small covers didn't fit and will leak pee.
No other advice because we are still navigating the NB stash right now. I actually like the AIOs best right now but I like the cost efficiency of covers and workhorses. I am not having much luck with the prefolds...

Brandiewine11

A diaper trial is great, or just get several different kinds, but enough to fill out what you need. For example, my NB stash was made up of mostly prefolds, GMD fitteds, and kissaluvs fitteds. I had 4 AIO's (blueberry) and 7 Kawaii P&N's. So some of everything.

My OS stash was similarly diverse, but now is mostly BG elementals & best bottoms, with a few blueberry simplex and some specialty diapers (little butts). I have some prefolds and flats to fold and lay in covers too. Then I have a few kinds of fitteds for overnight.

Buy.All.The.Diapers.

pblge

@MrsSarahRenee - What's going wrong with the prefolds? Also, are these the workhorses you mean?

MrsSarahRenee

They seem to leak through more often than I would like... I am probably not using a good fold for her? She is two weeks old so I just need to troubleshoot.
Workhorses are fitteds from Green Mountain diapers. They seem to hold more and fit tightly to her legs better - no leaking. These are the best as far as no leaks...
BG AIO newborn fit her well too though. I also like the Imagine NB AIO which are inexpensive and cute prints.

TJ1979

Ooh, I loved the nb imagines.

Are you doing jelly roll? Are you tightening it up around her legs? Are you fastening with a snappi? These things all helped me. It takes a bit of practice. Also, are you sure your covers are fitting well?

MrsSarahRenee

TJ1979 said:

Ooh, I loved the nb imagines.

Are you doing jelly roll? Are you tightening it up around her legs? Are you fastening with a snappi? These things all helped me. It takes a bit of practice. Also, are you sure your covers are fitting well?

I was not using the jelly roll or snappis. Rookie move? ">
The covers are fitting well! There are some that don't so we avoid them for now.

TJ1979

Yeah, definitely try jelly roll fold and a snappi. That should help a ton.

DanandVan

I can't help with the nb question since we didn't start cd until our 3rd was 4 mo old! I just want to tell you that there are diaper trials out there, Kelly's Closet has a 30 day trial.

I personally LOVE BG 4.0. I got sick of my other brands and am currently selling them off so I can buy all BG! They work great overnight with a hemp doubler. We bought Hemp Babies for $3 each, and love them paired with BG 4.0.

Ok, one last tip, go with snaps and avoid the velcro. It wears out way quicker than snaps.

Mandmeesh

DanandVan said:

I can't help with the nb question since we didn't start cd until our 3rd was 4 mo old! I just want to tell you that there are diaper trials out there, Kelly's Closet has a 30 day trial.

I personally LOVE BG 4.0. I got sick of my other brands and am currently selling them off so I can buy all BG! They work great overnight with a hemp doubler. We bought Hemp Babies for $3 each, and love them paired with BG 4.0.

Ok, one last tip, go with snaps and avoid the velcro. It wears out way quicker than snaps.

If you're talking BG aplix, I agree. But all Velcro is NOT created equal. Tots bots, grovia, Softbums, imagine Velcro is all great

mrshudson618

MrsSarahRenee said:

Ooh, I loved the nb imagines. Are you doing jelly roll? Are you tightening it up around her legs? Are you fastening with a snappi? These things all helped me. It takes a bit of practice. Also, are you sure your covers are fitting well?

I was not using the jelly roll or snappis. Rookie move? "> The covers are fitting well! There are some that don't so we avoid them for now.

We don't use jellyroll, but a snappi is a must!!! Unless you are using pins

DanandVan

Mandmeesh said:

DanandVan said:

I can't help with the nb question since we didn't start cd until our 3rd was 4 mo old! I just want to tell you that there are diaper trials out there, Kelly's Closet has a 30 day trial.

I personally LOVE BG 4.0. I got sick of my other brands and am currently selling them off so I can buy all BG! They work great overnight with a hemp doubler. We bought Hemp Babies for $3 each, and love them paired with BG 4.0.

Ok, one last tip, go with snaps and avoid the velcro. It wears out way quicker than snaps.

If you're talking BG aplix, I agree. But all Velcro is NOT created equal. Tots bots, grovia, Softbums, imagine Velcro is all great

You are right, @Mandmeesh‌ I was talking about BG aplix. I haven't tried the velcro on other brands, but it's nice to know there are some better ones out there!

TJ1979

Welcome back @ovenrack‌!