Changing BumGenius 3.0 from Velcro to Snaps

Before my daughter was born I spent a small fortune on cloth diapers in many different brands and styles. It has been over a year and all of my diapers have been worn and washed hundreds of times and now, as is expected, they are showing a bit of wear and tear.

The Bum Genius 3.0 diapers have especially shown a lot of wear. The Velcro hook tabs are beginning to roll and the loop strip has begun to fray and pill so bad nothing will stick to it unless you used glue.

I have heard other parents who use the Bum Genius 3.0 diapers complaining about similar problems. Recently, Cotton Babies sells a Bum Genius refresher kit which includes 2 pieces of legs elastic, 1 piece of back elastic, 2 laundry tabs, and 2 tab closures for $1.00. Plus, it includes sewing instructions. And you can easily replace the hook strip. It is a 9.5in long piece of loop Velcro 1.5in wide. You can purchase it by clicking here or visit your local fabric and craft store.

Another option is to replace the Velcro all together with snaps. Snaps last a lot longer than Velcro and are not very expensive. Usually, you can't get plastic snaps at local craft stores and you also need snap pliers or a snap press to apply plastic snaps.




This is before. You can see how worn the loop Velcro is.




This is after I removed the Velcro and added snaps.
Yes, it is a different diaper but I ran out of clean diapers
 and needed the white one.
I had already finished that one and forgot to take a photo.
But you can see how much nicer the snaps look.

 I got my snaps and pliers/press at KAMsnaps. They have everything you'll need to use snaps. You'll need 24 caps, 4 studs, 20 sockets in size 20 snaps for your diapers (I would have a few spare just in case), an awl, and snap pliers (or press).

1. Remove the old Velcro tabs and strip with a seam ripper being careful not to tear the fabric. (I also removed the laundry tabs but you do not have to.)
2. Put the diaper in the dryer on high heat for about 10 minutes. This helps to seal all the little holes from the Velcro thread.
3. Mark the spots wear you will put each snap with a fabric pen. There will be 2 rows of 10 snaps each. There must be an inch space between each snap and between the rows. 2 snaps will also be on the tabs and need to be close the the edge of the tabs an inch apart.
4. Place a piece of card board inside the diaper's pocket to prevent the awl from puncturing the liner.
5. Puncture the fabric where you marked with the awl so there is a defined hole.
6. On the front of the diaper place a cap on the inside of the fabric and a socket on the outside. Insert the cap prong through the hole you created with the awl and place the socket on top. Use the pliers to press the snap together. Repeat for all 20 holes. Use a caps and studs for the tabs.
7. Snap the snaps together to make sure they fit together. You should hear (you got it) a snapping sound when the snaps are correctly put on. Refer to KAMsnaps tutorial videos if you need further instruction.