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