BumGenius V4 vs BumGenius Freetime

Following on from my previous blog on the Freetime vs Elemental, lots of people have asked me about freetime vs V4 onesize. Again there are lots of similarities between these cloth nappies and it might seem confusing and overwhelming to the new comer. The V4 onesize is known by a number of names, the bg v4, the v4 pocket, the bumGenius pocket, its official name is bumGenius 4.0 One-Size Cloth Nappy, but thats a bit of a mouthful so here at Baba Me we just call it the v4. I'm glad bumGenius have since started naming their nappies - so much easier! Thanks Jenn!

Similarities:
1. They are both onesize. Using bumGenius' patented 3 x 3 system they both go from 8-40lbs in the weight range.
2. They both come in the same fab range of colours.


3. They both have the stretchy side butterfly closure system, unique to bumGenius. These are the bits that make these cloth nappies oh so adjustable and fit a wide range of babies.
4. Both have the choice of popper or hook and loop closures giving you the perfect choice.

Differences:
1. The v4 pocket is a pocket cloth nappy, whilst the freetime is an all in one cloth nappy. This means that with the pocket, the stuffing is not sewn in, you stuff inserts into the pocket. The inserts comes out in the washing machine {you don't need to take out before hand, the washing machine will pull them apart}. They only come out to dry, not to wash so no need to pull out before washing!

The v.4 pocket comes apart for two reasons:
  1. Quicker drying times. The v.4 pocket is probably the quickest drying nappy on the market. 
  2. Tailored absorbency. Every child is different and every child needs an different absorbency levels. Also, children change. A newborn does NOT need the same amount of absorbency as an older child. The beauty of the v.4 is that you just put the level of absorbency in for your child needs. For a newborn just start off with the newborn insert. At about 10lbs you will probably need to move to the larger insert. Then as they get older, or for overnight put in 2 inserts. Just mix and match the inserts to suit your childs needs. The v.4 cloth nappy comes with TWO inserts, but you can buy additional nappy inserts if needed.  
Whereas the freetime is an all in one cloth nappy. This means no folding, stuffing, pinning or anything. Everything is contained, its all in one! The freetime is the easiest cloth nappy to use. Just open, put on baby and close. Thats it! It follows on from the original bumGenius all in one nappy, which was a sized nappy, but the freetime is onesize, meaning it goes from 8 to 35lbs+. Also, with the original all in one nappy, the insert was sewn in complete. 
The freetime has 2 booster flaps sewn in at either end. This means you get much quicker drying times, compared to other all in one nappies, and also you can fold the absorbency to have the most where you need it. Each of the flaps have 2 sewn lines which can be used as fold lines so for girls, fold extra to the underneath, boys to the front. For breastfed babies fold extra to the back for the 'explosions'!
Both of these nappies are incredibly easy to use. However, the freetime being an all in one has the edge, as people keep telling me its manproof! Not having to stuff the pocket saves time and does make it easier {and off course finding all the inserts in the first place pre stuffing!}. 
Although I do remember when the bg pocket was launched, SIX years ago {where did that time go?}, and it totally rocketed immediately to being the number 1. selling nappy worldwide because it was so easy to use, compared to everything else. I remember so many moms telling me this was the ONLY nappy their partners/nursery would use, and I think that is now going to go to freetime.

    2. The v.4 pocket has the ability, with hook and loop options, to do the newborn fold taking this to a really slim nappy from 6.5lbs upwards. Whilst technically you can do the newborn nappy fold with the freetime, it would just be too bulky. So if you are expecting a tiddler I would suggest the v4 pocket or the bumGenius newborn, over the freetime.


      3. Drying time. The v4 pocket is the quickest nappy on the market, the freetime is quick, but not as quick as the v4. Due to the unique patented flaps inside the freetime, it is the quickest all in one cloth nappy to dry, but it is still slower than the v.4 If you are really limited in drying time, I would go with the v.4


        4. I think the way the freetime has been constructed means it is much easier to add additional absorbency. Whilst you can add numerous inserts into the pocket of the v4, if you overstuff you risk leg gape {where the nappy is too far from the leg and leaking will occur}. The flaps allow additional layers really easily so mean that this nappy could be much more suited to overnight than the v.4. Although personally for me, for overnight, I would recommend a flip stuffed with organic inserts.


          Which is the better nappy? Well they are both superb nappies. The v4 has been the best selling nappy worldwide since its launch 6 years ago, for good reason. Will the freetime overtake it? Only time will tell.... Personally I think I still marginally prefer the v4 because it can be used from 6.5lbs upwards and it dries super super quick. That said, I totally see how the freetime is easier to use and just a perfect nappy.


            Which nappy do you prefer?





              a Rafflecopter giveaway

              Comments

              OOO I'd LOVE to try the Freetime. The BG4 is the only nappy my DH will change. Can anything beat it?!
              Stacey said…
              We haven't started with cloth yet as our baby isn't due until March, but I prefer the sound of the pocket as it has the advantages such as quicker drying, and even though it has inserts it doesn't seem that hard to use anyway compared to the freetime.
              Jane George said…
              freetime as no stuffing
              Jennifer collinson said…
              I love pockets but love all in ones more. So free time sounds good. Need to get some to try :)
              Justine Whittle said…
              I think the pocket will always have the edge for me as you can stuff more absorbancy in or not.. We sold our S AIO before dd outgrew them as she was outweeing them :o(

              Having said that I have pre-ordered a freetime just to test!!
              kara said…
              I love V4 already, haven't tried a freetime yet as I am still awaiting my preorder! Hope it is as good as the v4!
              Lee Knights said…
              Lee Knights
              As a bloke I am finding flips and V4 my favourite nappies. I prefer them to the fluffy versions we have as I find them easy to put together (yes I do that too) and find them more reliable. I love the flips for when we are out and about as they are less bulky in the changing bag (and they are great for drying quickly) And I like the V4 as they are easy to sort out and I know what I am meant to stuff them with and which way to stuff (some of our other type nappies are too complicated for me) I really don't care what colour they are though (unlike the misses)
              Nic said…
              We use v3/4 and have been really happy with them. But given the option of a quick drying AIO that was as reliable I could be turned. Would love to try one!
              Victoria Wynn said…
              So far v4 are my fave nappy buts that's because I have yet to try the new freetime!
              Marie W said…
              Freetime
              Anonymous said…
              I really like the BG4 they are bomb proof but really looking forward to the albert print freetime
              Anonymous said…
              I love the old one size nappy, even my Dad would change the babies & I love my v3s & v4s. Would love to try the freetime, not sure my bank account would once I inevitably fall in love with them!
              Emma Rockman
              Emma Cavill said…
              I Have several v4's and LOVE them. I really like the idea of the freetime and would like to try one!
              Anonymous said…
              Erica Knight :
              The proof will be in the testing. The old AIO's took bloomin' aaages to dry whereas the V4s are dry overnight. For ease of use the Freetime will be more convenient but it really depends on drying time for me!
              hollygolightly said…
              I have always wanted to try cloth nappies. :)
              Isis said…
              V4 is my main go to nappy on a daily basis . I would love to try the free time especially as the hubby hates to stuff!
              Wendy Snaddon said…
              The v4 is one of our main nappies, We'd love to try a freetime :D :D
              claire lewis said…
              would love to try a free time :)
              Unknown said…
              Not tried a fretime yet, would love to! Bumgenius have been the most reliable brand I have used so far!
              Unknown said…
              like the pocket- more flexability and quicker drying time
              clare b said…
              loved the old sized aios that are discontinued, these and v4s are the bulk of our stash.
              would love to try the new freetime though
              Fiona said…
              freetime all the way as it is bloke proof
              @thiensmummy said…
              Free time please!!!
              jen raff said…
              V4 more adjustable
              Sophia said…
              I still think I'm going to prefer the Freetime, even though it has a longer drying time and we have no drier. Will have to try them both out and see!
              annamaiinoz said…
              oh i think the freetime, although I still have yet to try it ! :-)
              Ciara Goodwin said…
              I would LOVE an Albert Freetime or V4!
              Unknown said…
              The first cloth nappy my baby had was a BG sized AIO, I loved it. Really disappointed when the decided not to make them in the bigger sizes anymore. I love BGs, but I'm just a huge fan of AIOs so I'd love to try the Freetime.
              Unknown said…
              v4 because thats what im used to at the moment as i havent tried the other
              sabbath12385 said…
              Freetime sounds ideal for hubby and mil as they sound totally easy to use.
              Matthew Wynn said…
              I actually enjoy stuffing our daughter's v4s! But a few freetime ones would make it quicker!
              Mary-Ann Cotton said…
              Freetime for me!
              Danielle F said…
              I think I would love to try a freetime. I love the new Mirror colour and the Albert print! :) x
              Helpful Mum said…
              I love the V4 but I'm sure I could be converted to the freetime!
              Claire Barnsley said…
              I've only used pocket nappies so far so I'd love to try the Freetime!
              Ruth said…
              v4 for me, because I need them to dry quickly! Plus I can get spare inserts and then I only have to wait for the outers to dry before using again. Would like a freetime though...just for the sake of research of course!
              Natalie S said…
              I'm so excited about the prospect of a freetime, we already love our V4's
              Fat Frog said…
              I haven't tried tHe freetime but I do love bum genius and love the v4 and loved the v3 !
              Jenny B said…
              I like pockets but I do find it time consuming stuffing them. I love the sized all in ones I have got but they are slow to dry. Can't wait to try a freetime sounds exactly my sort of nappy. Baby no. 3 due May so a good reason to get some more cloth!!
              Michelle xx said…
              I would LOVE an Albert Freetime or V4!
              Amy Truman said…
              I would love to try a Freetime. At the moment I prefer the Elemental to the V4 as they take up less space in the changing bag and are dad and grandparent proof! The only disadvantage is how long they take to dry. Freetime looks like it has all the advantages of the Elemental but will be faster drying so sounds like a winner to me :)
              Beth said…
              I love our v4s, but the Freetime looks great and I'd love the opportunity to try one!
              Sarah Hinvest said…
              I love my pockets for during the day, and the flips at night. I'd like to try a freetime though!
              Anonymous said…
              Freetime leanne bond
              Anonymous said…
              I love both the bumGenius Freetimes and the 4.0 diapers for different reasons. I did a full review of my experience here: bumGenius 4.0 vs Freetime Review

              Popular Posts