Flip with Stay Dry Insert Review

Flip is an offshoot of Cotton Babies, a company that also makes bumGenius and Econobum diapers. A cover/insert combo is the only thing the Flip brand offers, but it is something they do well. You can choose from three different reusable inserts that will work with the Flip cover, as well as a disposable option. In this review, we decided to test the Stay Dry insert as we like the wicking properties of the microfleece liner. The combination of great features and functionality make this a diaper we love to use.

Performance Comparison

Absorbency

The Flip was near the top of the cloth diaper group in our absorbency tests, showing little green on the filter paper at the end. When put to the test with a real baby, the insert felt dry to the touch after changing, showing off its impressive wicking properties.

Three layers of absorbent microfiber lay beneath a stay-dry liner and provide the perfect combo for a happy baby. The insert has lines sewn along one end to indicate the correct fold position for various sizes, which can also help place absorbency in the right areas. Below you can see the filter paper that shows the results of Flip's absorbency test. The insert's quick absorbency rate and notable wicking capabilities kept the paper (aka baby's skin) relatively dry from start to finish.

Fit/Leakage

Thanks to the double row of snaps around the waist and three rise positions, it is easy to get a snug and secure fit with the Flip. This one-size diaper will fit babies from 8-35 lbs. Having a one-size-fits-all system is handy because it can help lower the cost of cloth diapering. You won't have to rebuild your stash halfway through with larger-sized covers. Despite being one-size, the Flip is one of the trimmest diapers in this review, making it easier to fit under those adorable tiny outfits.

We loved how well the insert fits with the cover, reaching edge to edge both length and widthwise and tucking up underneath the contoured flaps at each end. This fit helps keep the cover cleaner and enables you to reuse it more times. The cover only has a single gusset, but the elastic keeps it snug to a baby's leg crease and does not let out any leaks during our tests.

Comfort

We didn't get to try on the diaper ourselves, but the Flip is something that our baby tester was happy to wear. With very little bulk, a soft stay-dry liner, and smooth fabric around the edges of the cover, it is a cushy diaper. Thanks to the well-fitted insert, not much of the waterproof cover comes into contact with the baby's skin. The fabric is soft enough that it never seems to irritate sensitive baby skin where it does touch. The extra flaps of material on the front and rear edges of the shell cover the backside of the snaps so they wouldn't lay directly against the baby's belly. The trim fit remains a perk even when the insert is folded down to the smallest setting. When preparing this diaper for a change, you must pay attention to which side goes up and which goes down. If you place the absorbent microfiber side against the baby's bum, it can act as a desiccant, drying the skin and causing rashes.

Ease of Use

Keeping it about as simple as it gets, setting up the Flip for a diaper change only requires two steps: lay the cover flat and place the insert inside. We had no trouble fitting the insert underneath the extra flaps at each end and appreciate this feature for the added security. This way, messes are more likely to stay within the liner without reaching the cover, making it more reusable and minimizing laundry. If anything, a quick wipe-down of the laminated polyester shell will be adequate preparation for the next wear.

The insert can be machine washed and dried, but you must air-dry the cover. We don't feel like it is much of a hassle to pick out the covers when transferring diapers from washer to dryer. And the polyester fabric is so light and thin that they dry in a matter of minutes. This step also helps to preserve the longevity of the snaps and elastic pieces in the cover.

Should You Buy the Flip?

For such a simple diaper, we were very impressed with the Flip. We love that there are so many small but beneficial features that make using this diaper very easy and intuitive. If you are hoping to save a few bucks in your cloth diaper journey but still want the convenience that comes with a nicer diaper, then this is the one for you. We highly recommend looking at the Flip cover and matching Stay Dry Insert. At first glance, the price of the Flip seems comparable to that of other hybrid diapers, but there are a few things that set it apart. First, this is a one-size diaper. So once you build your stash, you are done, theoretically eliminating the need to buy a single additional diaper for the rest of your baby's life. Second, you must consider that you will most likely purchase the inserts and covers separately. You will probably need fewer covers (because you can reuse them through multiple changes) and more inserts. Individually priced, the inserts are less expensive than other brands, which is great because this is the part that you will be buying in larger quantities. The covers are a bit more expensive, but we think they are higher quality. They will last longer, and you will not need to purchase as many from the start.

What Other Cloth Diaper Should You Consider?

While there is much to love about the Flip, and it is a good choice for many families, if you want the absolute best absorbency and are willing to sacrifice some ease of use to get it, the Rumparooz Pocket is a comfortable diaper with great leak protection and absorbency.