BumGenius All-in-one vs. Pocket

by Rachel on July 25, 2011

I recently received an e-mail asking me which diapers I recommend when choosing between the BumGenius Elemental, All-in-one, and the BumGenius Pocket Diapers.  I wanted to respond to this e-mail by posting my answer because it can be helpful to many new moms trying to decide what works best for them.

In 2008, when my first son was born I bought some Pocket BumGenius diapers with velcro and some All-in-one BumGenius with velcro and one All-in-one BumGenius with snaps.  I really do love the ease of these diapers and they are great for care givers because they are all as simple as disposables to use, but I will highlight the pros and cons of each type to give you a better idea of what works for you. (Note: I’m still using all of these originally purchased diapers on baby #2, so I have had a very thorough experience with them).

BumGenius All-in-one, One Size

Pros:

  • Organic Cotton material that is good for your baby’s bottom
  • No stuffing required
  • Quick to dry (Line or machine)
  • Very Absorbent
Cons:
  • Become very worn over time (holes in the cotton)
  • Cannot replace the elastic in legs
  • Very bulky on an itty bitty baby
  • Spraying/dunking or dumping toddler poop can be a bit tricky with the layer of fabric
BumGenius Pockets, One Size
Pros:

  • With small insert, not too bulky on a small baby
  • Large insert is very absorbent
  • Soft material against baby’s skin
  • Elastic can be replaced, easily around legs and in back
  • Diapers wear very well (over time)
  • Quick Dry  (Line or machine)
  • Easy to spray or dump toddler poop in toilet
Cons:
  • Must pull out inserts before washing
  • Large insert with snaps can be a pain and a bit bulky
  • Synthetic material, not organic cotton
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Overall, I like both types of diapers, but the Pocket diapers have proven the test of time much better than the all-in-ones.  I have the snap version of both types and like the snaps much better for the fact that they never have to be replaced and do not stick together in the washing machine.  Caregivers and fathers may find the snapping diapers to be a bit more of a hassle, especially for mobile children (i.e. wiggly babies), but as the launderer/seamstress I like the snaps much better.
Here are some photos I am sharing of my diapers.  Note: Don’t mind some of the stains, I have been away and have not had time to sun my diapers.  If you don’t like the stains, place your diapers in the sun to dry and they will be bright and white!

BumGenius, All-in-one, One Size (Snaps):

BumGenius, All-in-one, One Size (Original Velcro):

Bum Genius, Pocket Diapers, One Size (Replaced Velcro and Elastic):

Here is a video turorial to show you how to replace the velcro and elastic on your bumgenius diapers.

Related Posts with Thumbnails

7 comments

  • http://www.lifewithlevi.com Jen – Life With Levi

    I’m all about the pockets! I find it much easier to spray off solids with a pocket instead of an all-in-one, since I take the insert out first and then spray. I’ve found that the inserts can get a little stinky over time, but I just give them a good grape stomp and I’m good to go!

    Thanks for the awesome comparison. I think it will help other moms pick which bum Genius to purchase.

    • http://www.greenbabiesblog.org Rachel McFadden

      If the inserts get a bit stinky, which they will…I use a bit of baking soda in with the wash cycle and then line dry outside. The sun and fresh air really help get rid of those smells:)

  • http://www.contest-corner.com Beeb Ashcroft

    This looks like helpful info for new moms!

  • Katie V.

    I used the All-in-One diapers for my son, and I absolutely loved them with no problems at all.
    But, now i’m expeting #2! I still have about 6 AIO CD, but I accidently bought 6 of the diapers with the inserts.
    I’ve only heard good things about the inserts. However, on the website, it was suggested to by 24 CD if I have inserts and only 12 if I have AIO.

    Why would I need to buy so many with the inserts? (since I haven’t actually USED the inserts yet)
    Should I buy more? OR just return them and get the AIO (but again, I hear great things about the inserts, so I don’t know)

    Thank You!!

    • http://www.happygreenbabies.com Green Mama

      I’m a bit confused on your question. For your first you only had 6 diapers? Did you use exclusively cloth? If you use exclusively cloth you should use go with about 24 diapers total. It shouldn’t matter if you use AIOs or pockets you’ll still need about 24 diapers. I love my pocket diapers, so if I were you I wouldn’t return them!

  • Katie V

    Thank you! I will try them out!
    I did use them inclusively cloth diapers. Between throwing a few out just because they were looking gross with holes and daycare “misplacing” them, I just needed to buy a few to replace them.
    Thank you again

    • http://www.happygreenbabies.com Green Mama

      You’re welcome, good luck!

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