BG Elementals vs. Freetime vs. 4.0

CharlotteJ2

Ok, I've been looking into aios because to me it seems to be the cheaper in the long run option. What I'm most concerned about is the cleaning aspect of having AIOs instead of prefolds. If you've used these and prefolds what are your opinions on AIOs vs Prefolds?

 The AIOs I've been looking into are the BG diapers they seem to have pretty good reviews. I was leaning more towards the elemental diapers.

 

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated! 

CLLDLL

As PP said, the Elementals are a little harder to prep and a little harder to get poop off of.  But they are natural fiber, which I really like.  The BG 4.0s are not my favorite, but it's what we use for daycare.  It's really easy to add or remove absorbency. I like the suggestion of trying one of each to see what works best for you.

tjkdlhb

Definitely try one of each.  You can rent a diaper trial to see what you like.  Like jeans, diapers will fit each baby differently, although the BGs are pretty much the standard brand right now. 

Prefolds/covers are the cheapest option and the easiest to get clean/dry.  When the baby is on solids, you can just tri-fold them and lay on top of the cover...easypeasy. Before that a Snappi works well to help hold in the runny poop.

 Daycares and Daddies often prefer AIOs/pockets though.  I like that I have a mix of diapers because I can use them for different reasons

(prefolds/covers because DD has a rash now and they seem to help... They're easier to put away... no stuffing....

pockets/aios- for grandparents/daddy etc)

Just because you mentioned the cost... a stash of Elementals would cost $625 for the diapers alone (25 @ $25 each).  Even though you'd need more sizes, you can get a stash of prefolds/covers for about $250 that would last birth to potty. 

I haven't tried the Elementals, but I do like my 4.0s and my freetime.  

lynnyrd80

I've tried all of these and I usually use tri-folded prefolds in a flip or some other cover at home because they wash so well.  These are usually the first thing I reach for.  I also love 4.0s.  I stuff them with infant size prefolds.  I don't like to put these on him when he poops though.

I use AIOs when we are out and about.  I have tried freetimes and elementals and I don't really love either.  I really wanted to love elementals but they have never fit my ds well and the soaker lays in weird.  I love the OS simplex.  I recommend getting one of each to see what you like the best.

tjkdlhb

lynnyrd80:

I've tried all of these and I usually use tri-folded prefolds in a flip or some other cover at home because they wash so well.  These are usually the first thing I reach for.  I also love 4.0s.  I stuff them with infant size prefolds.  I don't like to put these on him when he poops though.

I use AIOs when we are out and about.  I have tried freetimes and elementals and I don't really love either.  I really wanted to love elementals but they have never fit my ds well and the soaker lays in weird.  I love the OS simplex.  I recommend getting one of each to see what you like the best.

My OS Swaddlebees Simplex is my favorite AIO. 

thismplsgirl

We use a mix of Elementals(14), FreeTimes(4) and Flips(4). Elementals are by far our favorites.

Aurora_Borealis

AIOs are probably the most expensive option out there aside from fancy WAHM fitteds & wool.

I no longer use AIOs because they take forever to dry and DD is a heavy wetter. So it was annoying to have diapers that took over twice as long to dry as my other diapers AND that I had to add extra absorbency to for them to not leak (which defeats the point of a one-piece diaper IMO).

Much to my surprise I love prefolds. They are cheap, absorbent and launder so easily. Though I'm probably in the minority on this, I would choose them over a stash of AIOs any day.

I also like the BG 4.0, though, which is a pocket diaper that requires stuffing (not an AIO). They are DH's favorite to use.

In any case, it's a great idea to try different types of diapers that interest you as opposed to buying all of one kind and hoping that you like them and that they fit your baby. Don't be surprised if what you end up loving is completely different from what you expected, though! I bought my GMD medium PFs to use as burp cloths because I got such a good deal on them off ebay - turns out they are my absolute favorite daytime diaper. And they might even fit DD until PL-ing, so that's an even better deal.

 

jussagirl02

My stash is primarily Elementals and Freetimes. I really like them both. Like everyone has already said the Elementals take a while to dry. My Freetimes are my go to dipe. The Elementals are trimmer than the Freetimes. I've had no staining issues with either, I hang dry all my dipes. I only use Freetimes at night since they are stay dry. 

CharlotteJ2

I think I will get a few of each to see what exactly works best for our lifestyle. I am also interested in Gro Via and FuzziBunz. There are literally SO many to choose from I'm so confused which route to take without buying one of every brand and ending up not liking some of them. 

I have thought about doing the trial, but I'm afraid 21 days wouldn't be long enough or I wouldn't get them back on-time, etc. I am starting to lean more this way though!

Thank you all for your advice. I will continue wading through the huge sea of cloth diapers until I find something I love. I won't really know until May!