This is not a paid endorsement. I was not given a Flip to review.
As you may recall, on September 14th I posted about Cottonbabies new products: Flip and Econobums. I went ahead and pre-ordered a Flip Day Pack: Stay-Dry with 2 packs of disposable inserts.
I received my Flip pack about 2 weeks ago and I loved it right away. I’m just going to list out the reasons that I think Flip is awesome!
- You’ll remember the millions of times I have touted Bum Genius Organics AIO as my favorite cloth diaper. The reason (besides being super absorbent) for my affection is the wonderful fit of the shell.The BG butterfly closure allows for a perfect fit on any baby. Paisley wore them and she had fat thighs and quite the tummy. Sterling has stick legs and a skinny waist. On both, the BG fit was the way all cloth diapers should fit.
I have never had problems with the snap down rise on the BG shell coming undone during application or by movement of the child. All the things I love about the Bum Genius Organics AIO fit and ease of use are present in the Flip cover as it is the same!
- Cover is PUL lined not fleece or other fabric. This allows for many uses before a urine odor sticks and you can wipe out any messes that might get on the wipe-able area.
- The stay-dry inserts are absorbent, easy to use, nighttime worthy (by doubling) and one-sized. Cottonbabies even embroidered on the Flip inserts where to fold insert for which size: labeled Small, Medium and Large. The insert slides under the flap in the back and there is one in the front as well. I don’t tuck the insert in the front flap since I have a boy and I didn’t want moisture going on the cover.
- As mentioned above, the system is nighttime worthy. The first day I got them in the mail, I quickly washed and dried them and used it at night. I put two of the inserts together as recommended. As my husband and I went to bed I told him that I was nervous about changing the routine I’ve had for 6 months. He thought I was crazy for not going with a system I knew worked without fail.But, Sterling woke up the next morning not only with dry sheets but dry skin! We typically use an sbish bamboo fitted which does not wick moisture away from the skin. Although organic and natural is preferred, I liked the fact that Sterling’s skin was not visibly wet.
- Trim and absorbent- what more could you ask for? Years ago I remember the big dilemma in the cloth diaper world was how to achieve trimness and absorbency in one diaper. Fabrics like microfiber, bamboo and zorb have made this more common today. Flip gives you both all combined with a proven closure system, great colors and …
- AFFORDABLE! In a Flip Day Pack you receive 2 covers and 6 inserts. At $49.95 that comes to less than $8.50 a diaper!! Ladies, this leaves no excuse for moms wanting to cloth diaper but financially too strapped for the initial investment.For most children (newborns not included) I would recommend 2 day packs + 12 stay-dry inserts. This comes to less than $150 for 4 covers and 24 stay-dry inserts. For a limited time Cottonbabies is making the cover available by itself for $13.95. I have used the cover over an sbish fitted easily.
A couple of problems I foresee: the colors available are not gender neutral, big poopies may not stay on the insert (not found a system like this that did contain messes just to the insert), no snap for the insert could result in bunching.
As I mentioned, I also purchased 2 packs of the disposable inserts. I have used one for test purposes (the rest will be used when I travel for Thanksgiving) and was happy with the absorbency. I does create an almost too trim cloth diaper. I know, sounds weird. But, since Sterling is so skinny it was barely enough substance for the cover to fit. I just put it on the tightest settings and we were okay. I will update you in December how the disposables worked for us at Thanksgiving.
Jenn recently blogged about the contents of the disposable Flip insert. Here is an excerpt detailing the contents of the liner:
Flip One-Size Disposable Inserts are easy to use, dye free, fragrance free and the only disposable insert that has achieved Oeko-Tex certification. Perfect for travel, daycare and those moments when practical life demands something disposable. Each package contains 18 inserts, perfect for a weekend away.Each Flip disposable insert contains the following ingredients:
- Non-woven bamboo viscose, 5g
- Filler
- Wood pulp, 14-15g
- SAP, 3g
- Starch-based glue, 1g
Flip disposable inserts are very simple and very basic. No plastic, no latex, no adhesives, nothing extra. Just an absorbent pad that meets the ultra high standards demanded by Oeko-Tex. Flip disposable pads can be used in Flip, bumGenius (even in the pocket!) or Econobum.
I appreciate that Jenn and team see that there are always going to be times when life doesn’t accommodate a 100% cloth system. I have many emails come in that say they want to cloth diaper but aren’t ready to fully dive in. This is a great entry point for parents on the fence about cloth diapering.
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Wow, that sounds great. My 7 month old is also on the slim side and this sounds like an excellent solution. We will be traveling this Thanksgiving too, and no one in Oklahoma will let us use their washers to wash our dipes. We really didn’t want to do sposies though. We were thinking Gdiapers, but this sounds even better. Thanks for the info!
only 1 word to say, airports! yep that’s all, feel free to think what ya’ll wanna!
I agree completely with everything you wrote, Autumn! We tried them out, and I love the fit. I think it is better than the 3.0s. And it really is trim – I am so impressed with how much so.
Autumn, I am disappointed that you like it with the SAP — I recall that you were excited about the Huggies Natural type diaper until you realized it contained SAP. Just a thought.
Nichole, I respect your thoughts. I have learned a lot in the last few months. The biggest lesson learned is that my judgemental stance of “all or none” was wrong and hurt many people. I would never eat at a McDonald’s or any fast food restaurant for that matter but if circumstances meant that was the only option for my family then I’d swallow my pride and order a chicken salad. I’ve realized that sometimes traveling means there are no laundry facilities nearby, what should a cloth diapering mom do? Just like in the fast food example, I’d make the “healthiest” choice. Cottonbabies (Gro baby disposable inserts are the same) offers the lowest SAP content available. I pray that my response brings forth understanding for you.
what are the differences between the flip and g diaper?
Amanda, gdiapers have a completely different insert system. I know many moms who use them and love them. I never could get a good fit and putting them on wasn’t as simple. gDiapers have a cloth (non waterproof) cover, then a snap in waterproof scoop like insert. Then you place in the disposable insert. The waterproof layer is what creates the “seal”. I did a price comparison for inserts on Amazon and the Flip inserts are less expensive.
Wow. These sound nice. Sure would like to see them in person. Some of the lingo is still lost on this newbie. Plus, well… I could see you.
GfG, come over and check them out…or I could bring them to family fun night
what could be more fun that cloth diaper show-n-tell??
there are disposable diapers that do not contain the gel or sap. They are made by tushies. that is what we use for travel. i am intersted in buying the flip diapers. i love the bg 3.0
Jamie! I knew there was a diaper without gel! Thank you for reminding me (((hugs)))
I haven’t yet tried the Flip, but I did order an econobum and love it as a cover. LOVE LOVE it! It’s great at night and fits over my thick night time dipes. The prefold it comes with is nice too, but mainly I seem to think of it as a cover that is OS and snaps.
I’ll have to try out a flip one of these days.
Do you think these will work for my 2yr old who is about 30lbs? If not I can just use them for my 6 month old. I ordered just the flip cover today in Ribbit. I can not wait to get it, however your pics make me wish I ordered moonbeam;( I figured I would use the crazy amount of gmd pfs I have in them. I ordered one of the sock inserts they sell at cb, I figured that would help with shifting issues and a pf. I also got the disposable inserts I hope I like those too!!! I wanted to like g-dipes so bad but I did not feel the love.
Thank you for your reviews!!! Since I have been reading your blog I have purchased sustainablebabyish longies, the flip, and am trying to convert my stash to BG organics and or flip LOL!!
Alison, I’ll have to look into this “sock insert” you speak of
Never heard of it and it may be something I’d like.
I’m reading a lot of negative reviews (on the cottonbabies website) about the disposable inserts. I was really excited when I priced them because they’re MUCH less expensive than the current options we have for disposable inserts, and much less expensive than using 7th generation or earth’s best disposables for travel. However, all the negative reviews have me thinking that they’re not good quality. Thoughts?
Got your email, Dab…replying.
Just a random observation..I think the cd manufacturer’s are INGENIOUS for creating these shell/soaker pad combos with the option to use sposie pads. What an awesome way to introduce non-receptive moms to the world of cding! I think that once they get their hands on a system like this they will be much more willing to take a look at the traditional cloth soaker options. And what a wonderful shower gift for new moms-to-be…let them try the system either way and decide from there. Love it! I personally have BIG LOVE for my Gro Babies (including the wonderfully absorbant sposie soaker pads!) so I am not sure if I want to make the switch to Flip, but I am just glad to see more manu. making these hybrid options available.
Here is the exact name of it–Cotton Babies
One-Size Insert Sock™ I guess you can put pfs in it to get the stay try feeling and lay it in a cover or you can put microfiber in it and lay it in a cover so that the mf insert does not touch baby’s skin. I figured since I have have so many pf and microfiber I will give it a shot. Just ordered one though to see how I like it and it is only $2.99. I am sure if someone is handy with a sewing machine they can easily make one–I am not!
Why do you prefer organic and natural to your diapers? Is the microfiber or stay dry lining (polyester or fleece) harmful to the baby? I’ve been using BG and fuzzi bunz one size but not organic. I thought the stay dry lining was probably better for baby, but now I wonder if I should switch. Thanks!
Tasha, I like to use organic materials because they’re organic
Having a natural fiber, free of chemicals and synthetics is important to our family. We don’t all wear organic clothes but we do stay away from synthetic fibers. It’s just a preference but I wouldn’t tell someone to switch their stash. Some babies react bad when their skin is wet at all, in that case a stay-dry fabric is best!
Just wanted to send my own feedback. I bought one organic set, one extra organic soaker, and one package of disposable liners. I haven’t tried the cloth inserts yet (they’re in their 2nd wash), but I’ve used the cover and the disposable inerts. First, let me say that cottonbabies shipping (the free economy shipping) was super fast! I ordered on Saturday, it shipped on Monday (UPS ground) and I received it yesterday!
Anyway, the organic inserts are SO incredibly soft! The cover is a wider fit between the legs than some of our other covers, but the fit is far less bulky because with our others, they have to combine a lot of absorbency in a smaller area, thus creating quite the “bubble butt” (and crotch!). Because the Flip covers are wider, they can spread the absorbency out more so the diaper isn’t near as bulky.
I read the comments from the maker of Flip diapers re: the disposable inserts causing leaks. She said the problem was from people having the diaper covers too loose. The insert needs to be right against baby’s skin, so the cover needs to be snug enough to create that kind of fit. I decided to be brave and try them at night, using one disposable insert, with the top folded down once to create more aborbency in the front for my little boy. He woke up this morning with no leaks, no shifting, bunching, etc., and believe me when I say I have a crazy sleeper who thrashes around all night, lol! Better yet, I was able to simply wipe out the cover and there is NO pee smell!
So thank you, Autumn! I’m sold!
Dab, thank you!!
i use flip and gdiapers. i think i might switch to all flips although i would like a velcro option. love love love them. very trim which is what i love best cuz my ds is already a chuncky monkey, he doesnt need any more bulk.
I love your website and really appreciate your reviews. I am 6 mo pregnant with baby #3 and will be cloth diapering for the first time. I had decided to try the gro baby diapers (after the newborn stage) and saw the wonderful review your wrote about them. My kids tend to be VERY skinny as you have described Sterling. The Flip system sounds very similar to the Gro Babies and I was wondering which you like better and why. Thanks for your time and expertise. I think I’ve read just about everything on your site and just became a fan on facebook.
Do the Flip covers need to be put in the drier to “seal” the PUL? On the tag of the cover it says line dry, but should I put it in the drier every few times I wash or will that mess them up? Or would the PUL stick to other dipers or the inside of the drier since the PUL is exposed?
Jennifer, I dry my covers in the dryer. They have not stuck together or even gotten soft from the heat. I would follow the washing instructions as they are directed unless you are okay with the manufacturer’s warranty being nullified.
Thank you so much for your great site! I too am preparing to make the first time switch to CD with my twins (1 mo. old girls), and like Ali wanted to see which you prefer Gro Babies or the Flip. I have decided that both look good to me, I like that the Flip has the ability for the cover to be wiped out and used again, but like that the GB has snaps to keep the inserts in place. So, after using both, which do you prefer? Would you recommend a newbie like myself who needs a goodsized stash to purchase some of both, or stick to one so everything is interchangable? My hubby will be a SAHD when I go back to work, so I need them to be super easy, and need to spend as little as possible. Thanks for your help!
Congrats, Stephanie, on your twin girls! What a blessing. I’d go with the Flip for a couple of reasons: 1) newborn poo is hard to contain. neither of these systems will do it well but atleast the Flip cover can be easily rinsed off in the sink. 2) the Flip covers have a greater size range (in my experience). 3) Flip is extremely affordable at this time. You can purchase them from my go-to stores: Cloth Diaper Superstore or Banana Peels Diapers. Banana Peels Diapers
Another option you may consider is Econobums. Both of the above stores carry them as well.
One more question, what is the material like on the inside of the flip? Is it plastic-y? I have not seen it described anywhere, and if it has the ability to be wiped out I am having trouble figuring out what it could be. Does it make noise when the baby moves? Thanks!
I cd with my 2nd child, using the fuzzi bunz. I really liked the softness and how it kept my sons skin dry but I did have problems with them leaking. I eventually went back to disposables. We have since had another child, girl, who is now 21 months and have started the process for adopting. That said, I am considering cloth diapering again and have been researching for something convenient and something that works. I have purchased 1 Flip diaper and was totally impressed with the fit and it never leaked! I am definitely considering purchasing several day time kits. After reading previous reviews, I love how it seems to give a good fit to both chunky babies as well as smaller ones. My daughter is pretty chunky and they fit her very well. Not knowing what our adopted sons size will be, I wasn’t sure about investing in something that may not work for both children. I think this cd seems great and can’t wait to purchase my stash! Thanks for such a great blog that has such great information!
Oh, and saying all that, I meant to ask, any tips on washing? I would like to hear what detergent (s) everyone recommends for this particular brand.
Also, does anyone recommend the toilet sprayer?
@Judy, I use Kirkland’s (costco) environmentally friendly detergent. Check out Crunchy Clean and Rockin Green also. I think most people use the bum genius sprayer but I don’t have any personal experience with any sprayers.
Do you need to soak the Flip inserts or do they get put into a dry diaper pail?
They go straight into the pail.
my son is 2 months old and i’m exclusively breastfeed him, so you can imagine how mess his poop. i’m new in CD but i would like to leave all my disposable diaper and change to CD. I live in Indonesia (south east asia) and not so many choice of CD available here. Do you prefer Gro baby or Flip for my first time regarding my son situation?? what do you think about knickernappies and which one is better: velcro or snap..? thx a lot
That’s a tough one. First, I have never used Knickernappies so I don’t have info for you on them. But I do really like Katydid pockets. Recommend them fully.
If I had to choose between Flip and Gro Baby I’d go with Flip. I like that you can rinse out the cover and reuse if poop gets on it. With Gro Baby this isn’t easy because of the fabric inner cover. I did use them on Sterling when he was a baby and I did wash it off occasionally but the poop left a stain and it wasn’t always easy to get the poop off.