*Post updated Nov. 11, 2012

I’ve heard so many great things about the BumGenius diapers that I couldn’t wait to try one of the new 4.0s! Many people in the cloth diapering world consider BumGenius to be the “gateway diaper.”

To save a few dollars, I put myself on the waiting list for a certified pre-owned BumGenius 4.0 Pocket Diaper from Diaper Junction. They have a 30-day trial program at their store, so every so often they’ll have pre-owned diapers in excellent condition for sale. After a few weeks on the list, I received an email saying they had several. I ordered one online in the “clementine” color with snaps and picked it up in store.

A single BumGenius 4.0 retails for $17.95 at Diaper Junction, so they’re on the higher end of the pocket price range, but not as much as the Rumparooz One Size Pocket Diaper (my current favorite pocket).

There’s currently a sale on BumGenius 4.0 pocket diapers: Buy 5, get 1 free. I’m not sure how much longer the sale is going on (I’ve heard just a few more days), so if you’re interested in owning several, I wouldn’t wait too long!

This pre-owned diaper looks new. The only part of it that looked like it had some use were the inserts. They weren’t stained; they just looked as if they’d been washed a few times.

The 4.0 is a one-size diaper. This means that by utilizing the three rows of snaps on the front of the diaper, you can adjust the rise. According to the BumGenius Web site, this diaper fits approximately 7-35+ pounds, meaning you can use the same diaper on your newborn all the way to potty training.

The outside of this diaper is made of a waterproof material. It feels like TPU, but I was unable to find any information online stating exactly what it is. I have heard that they use PUL.

The top of the diaper has two rows of snaps to adjust the waist. There are no hip snaps, but my son had no issues with “winging.”

The one-size insert can be adjusted to a medium or small size from large by folding the end over and snapping it down. A separate insert, for newborns, can be added to the adjustable insert as a doubler for increased absorbency.

The pocket opens in the back and is quite wide, allowing larger hands to stuff the insert in the diaper. It has a large flap to cover the opening. There’s also another smaller flap inside to help the insert stay in place. There is elastic at the back and legs, and it’s replaceable, so this diaper can last for multiple children!

This pocket diaper’s soft, sueded inner fabric wicks moisture away from my son’s skin.

Like the BumGenius All-In-One that I own, this diaper is quite wide between the legs. It’s fine for my son (he’s large for his age), but I could see this being extremely bulky on a newborn or a small infant. I can see this diaper fitting him through potty training.

I’ve washed this diaper a few times now, and it’s holding up well. My son has worn it for 3 hours straight with the medium insert and no problems with leaks.

To be honest, I don’t understand why there’s such a hype over these diapers. It does the job, but so do certain cheaper diapers, so I’m glad I got the pre-owned. But it is a good, solid, well-made pocket diaper. Over time, I’ve reconsidered the above statement that I’ve now crossed out. I’ve heard from numerous mothers who’ve used the same BumGenius diapers over and over for several years that they hold up very well with constant washing…better than most diapers. Also, the flaps to hold the insert in place and then cover the pocket opening are just a nice feature that I haven’t found with any other pocket diaper.

By the way, as of today, Diaper Junction still had 2 certified pre-owned BumGenius 4.0 diapers available at $14.37 each, and that’s a good deal!

Note: These opinions are my own and may differ from yours. I was not compensated for this review; I purchased the above item. This post contains affiliate links.