Haute Clothed Buns

The quest to find the “perfect” one-size (OS) all in one (AIO) cloth diaper is challenging to say the least.  Each family has unique preferences and every baby’s shape is different which means that the perfect diaper for one baby may not be the best option for another baby.  In an endeavor to help you be successful in your quest for finding the perfect OS AIO for your situation, I’d like to compare the Blueberry (formerly Swaddlebees) Simplex to the bumGenius Elemental.

Both of these diapers are excellent and are some of the best thought out designs on the market.  They are both USA made and offer natural fiber inners.  You might think that two One Size, Natural fiber, Front Snapping All In one cloth diapers couldn’t be very different from each other, but they are.

Before we explore those differences, here’s a little comparison table that overviews the basics:

If you just glance at the OS Simplex and the BG Elemental, your first impression would probably be that the two diapers are relatively similar.  When the are all snapped up, the only difference that is blatantly obvious is the leg opening.  If you were looking closely, you might notice that the wing tabs were a bit different.

In the following pictures, the OS Simplex is the “Butterflies” print and the New bumGenius Elemental is the aqua blue color, “Mirror.”

SMALLEST SIZE SETTING:  The two diapers below are snapped up to their smallest size.  As you can see, they are very similar in size at the smallest setting–even though bumGenius states that it should fit babies 8lbs and up at this setting and Simplex states 10+ and up.  My guess is that both diapers would start fitting best after the baby hits 10lbs or more.

On the left:  Front of diapers.  On the right: Back of diapers.

LARGEST SIZE SETTING.
Once again, both diapers look pretty similar in size.
On the left:  Front of diapers.  On the right: Back of diapers.

FROM THE SIDE VIEW
Smallest size setting

Largest size setting
Largest SizeWIDTH OF THE CROTCH/STRIDEWhen laid side by side on the largest rise, the Simplex does appear to have a bit longer rise.  However, the BGE is brand new, and the Simplex has been used, so it is possible that the elastic on the Simplex could be relaxed (although I don’t think that it is).INSIDE VIEW  I hope you’ll pardon my mistake here–I wasn’t thinking and took this inside comparison picture with the diapers on different rise settings.  That aside, you can see here the many differences on the inside, which we’ll explore in depth in the “Design” section.

I noted above that the most significant differences between the OS Simplex and the New BG Elemental can be found in the interior design of the diaper.  However, there are a few differences in the outer design, the most significant being the type of elastic casing in the leg.

FRONT/Snaps  Once the diapers are fully unsnapped and laid side by side,  if you look closely, you’ll see that the OS Simplex has eight snaps that go across the front waist panel while the new BGE has 10 snaps.  Functionally, this means that that BGE is a little more customize-able.  As baby grows, the BGE will give you more flexibility in finding just the right setting.  However, in the long run, in probably won’t make a huge difference.

Both diapers also have rise snaps to convert the diaper so that it can be “small,” “medium,” and “large” and grow with your child from infant to 35lbs.

For reference, I’ve laid the OS Simplex on top of the new BGE.  The front panel of the new BGE is significantly wider than the OS Simplex is.
BACK WAIST & WING TABS   The overall shape and design of the back waist is fairly similar between these two diapers.  At the top middle is the elastic.  Both diapers feature encased elastic.  The wingtabs where the snaps are located vary slightly however.

The bumGenius features tabs made from a different material that is attached to the tab (see the seam?).  The material is different from the rest of the diaper in that is has 4-way stretch; the PUL in the body of the diaper only stretches horizontally.  The stretchiness in the tabs enables you to get a better fit that you might otherwise.  Unlike the bumGenius, the OS Simplex tabs are from the same continuous piece of material that the rest of the outer diaper is made from.Close up of the wing tabs.  In addition to the construction of the tabs being different, you’ll also notice that the snaps of the OS Simplex are set a little closer to the edge than the snaps of the new BGE are.Remember how the front panel of the BGE was wider than the OS Simplex, well the opposite is true of the back.  When you lay the BGE on top of the Simplex, you can see that the OS Simplex is cut wider through the tabs  than the BGE.

Comparison of the width through the crotch.  Since we’re comparing width, I thought you might be interested to see how the two diapers compare in width through the crotch (can I just say that I feel funny every review when I type that word!).  The OS Simplex is noticeably narrower than the new BGE, in part due to the rolled elastic casing.  Personally, I prefer the narrower widths because I’ve found them to look trimmer on my petite girl.  However, I do know that some parents prefer the wider widths because they feel like it gives them increased absorbency where it’s most needed and greater coverage for poopy diapers.  One reason why we need different styles of diapers–everyone has their preferences LEG ELASTIC
One of the most significant differences between the OS Simplex and the new BGE is the style of leg elastic. The new BGE now has encased leg elastic.  Encased elastic basically is elastic that is placed inside a special channel/tube and is literally encased by the fabric surrounding.  In contrast, the OS Simplex sports “rolled elastic”  where the layers of the PUL, absorbent inner material and elastic are all sewn together, causing the elastic to roll inward.

In the picture below, you can see how the different style of elastic casings affect the leg closure.  The rolled elastic pulls the PUL of the Simplex inward and it usually tucks in.  The BGE however lays flat.

Each style of leg elastic has it’s benefits and drawbacks.  Some parents prefer the rolled elastic because they feel like it’s gentler on their babies thighs.  Other parents prefer the encased elastic because they find it to be more secure and/or it fits their baby better.  Occasionally, the inner cotton may try to poke out of a diaper with encased elastic, but I don’t usually have a problem with it.   In my opinion, neither style is superior to the other on it’s own; which one is best is simply a matter of your babies build.

 Something both diapers have in common, is a design that makes adding additional absorbency easy.    However, the interior designs of these two diapers could not be more different.  The new BGE has the organic cotton attached at either end of the diaper, but it is not attached through the crotch.  To add extra absorbency, you simply lift up the layers of the inserts, and add whatever type of doubler/insert you’d like.  The OS Simplex on the hand, has the cotton attached on the sides through the crotch area, but it is NOT attached at the end.  This way, it forms a pocket or tunnel that you can simply slip your favorite insert/doubler into if you need to increase the absorbency.

Below:  Both diapers have synthetic material at the top, and then the absorbent inner starts about an inch down.  The reason for this type of design is to help prevent wicking. The other difference that is evident here is the amount of exposed PUL on the BGE vs. the absence of exposed PUL on the OS Simplex through the crotch area.

It’s easy to see the pocket opening of the Simplex in the picture below.
Inside of the wing tabs.  Below is the inside front.  Again, you can see that the cotton lining is attached to the PUL at the top of the new BGE while it is NOT attached to the PUL at the top of the OS Simplex.

INSERTS
SIMPLEX:  For those unfamiliar with the design of the OS Simplex, here are some photos to help illustrate the unique pocket design.  At the end of the the pocket, a long snake style (long and narrow) soaker is attached.  One side is birdseye cotton, the other is lined with stay-dry microfleece.  This gives you the option to have either 100% cotton touching your baby’s bum, or stay material.  For parents who desire to use natural fibers but need or prefer their baby to have stay dry fabrics against the skin, this feature is really helpful, and not found in very many, if any other natural fiber diapers.

Fold the insert over onto the TOP of the pocket and you’ve got super soft, stay-dry fleece to go against baby’s bum.  
Slip the insert INTO the pocket and only natural fibers touch your little one’s skin.  Additionally, clean-up after a poopy diaper is a lot easier because you only  have to worry about cleaning it off of one layer of material instead of multiple layers.

REDESIGNED BUM GENIUS ELEMENTAL
The absorbent material of the BG Elemental is comprised of two “inserts” of organic cotton, each one 3 layers thick and sewn all together.  Extra absorbency can be slipped underneath or in between the layers.  Cleaning poopy messes off the multiple layers can be a bit of a pain.  This is the BGE on the largest rise, and the inserts lay pretty flat.  Here the BGE is on the smallest rise and the inserts need to be folded under so they don’t bunch up too much.  

LEG ELASTIC  Although we’ve already discussed the differences in the styles of the leg elastic, I want you to see the difference it makes on the inside of the diaper and how it looks.

There are several implications of the differences in the leg elastic.  First and most obvious is that the cotton lining IS attached to the outer PUL of the OS Simplex while the inside cotton on the NEW BGE does not come into contact with the outer PUL.  This may mean that the new BGE will be less likely to wick moisture since the absorbent material is not connected to the non-laminated (waterproof) side of the PUL.  It does mean though, that some of the exposed lamination on the PUL will come into contact with your baby’s skin.  For most babies, this won’t be an issue.  However, there are a small handful of babies whose sensitive skin cannot tolerate it.  Conversely, the cotton lining attached to the outer PUL of the Simplex means that it could possibly wick.  ***I would like to note here that while this is a possibility, in my personal experience of over 1 year of using the Simplex, wicking has seldom, if ever been an issue.***

Also, over the course of time, the OS Simplex will most likely develop wear holes along the legs from the friction of the leg rubbing against the natural fibers.   Before you jump ship though, realize that ALL natural fiber diapers are expected to develop holes especially in the spots where they receive the most friction and stress from wear and multiple washings.  If you want a diaper that will not get holes, you need to stick with synthetic materials (and even those will deteriorate, just at a slower rate).  Part of the reason bumGenius changed the design of their original Elemental from having rolled elastic to the current style seen here in the new Elemental, was to delay/reduce the occurence of holes.  Again, I would like to voice my opinion that this does not make one diaper superior to the other; it is a matter of preference and need.  Parents who do not want, or cannot have their baby’s skin touching PUL are going to prefer the design of the OS Simplex.  Parents who don’t mind exposed PUL may prefer the design of the BGE.

Although there were several photographs in the initial section of this comparison that dealt with the size differences, I thought it would be helpful for you to see the difference of the cut and lengths of the new BGE vs. the OS Simplex.

SMALLEST RISE:  OS Simplex on Top of New BGE.   The Simplex appears to be a teensy bit longer through the rise than the BGE and significantly narrower, especially in the front.
LARGEST RISE:  OS Simplex on Top of New BGE.  Again, the Simplex appears to be longer than the BGE and is most definitely narrower through the front, crotch and bum.
LARGEST RISE:  New BGE on Top of the OS Simplex.  As you can see, the OS Simplex is a bit longer, wider across the wings in the back, and narrower in the front.

In conclusion, I want to reiterate that I believe that both of these are excellent diapers and I would not hesitate to recommend either of them.  They are both excellent options for natural fiber AIO’s:  they are trim, very absorbent, dry fairly quickly, very easy to use and made well.  So, how do you decide?

The bumGenius Elemental is for you if you prefer:

• Encased leg elastic
• 100% Organic Cotton
• A wider cut through the bum and crotch
• No cotton attached to the outer PUL

You can find a complete review of the new BGE here.

The Blueberry One Size Simplex AIO is for you if you prefer:

• Rolled leg elastic
• No exposed PUL
• The option for natural fiber OR stay dry material against baby’s bum.
• A narrower cut through the leg and across the bum.

You can find a complete review of the OS Simplex here.

I hope that you have found this comparison helpful in your decision making process!  If I left any questions unanswered  or if you’re still not sure what is right for you, I would love to hear from you!  Please feel free to comment below, or contact me via email (modmamma @ googlemail dot com) or on my Facebook Page.  ***Both the diapers in this review were purchased by me.  I have not received any compensation for this comparison.  These are my honest opinions.***

I am SO very thankful for the generosity of  Christina at theclothmenagerie.com for graciously contacting me and offering to sponsor a giveaway of a brand new Blueberry OS Simplex!  Be sure to check out her online store and become a FB fan

To celebrate and support “The Great Cloth Diaper Change” The Cloth Menagerie will be offering 10% off all purchases with the coupon code: CHANGE April 1st – 30th!

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