Flip with Stay Dry Insert Review

Flip is an offshoot of Cotton Babies, a company that also makes other cloth diaper brands, like bumGenius and Econobum. A cover/insert combo is the only thing the Flip brand offers, but it is something they do well. They offer a selection of inserts that work with the Flip cover, including a disposable option. We decided to test the Stay Dry insert as we like the wicking properties of the microfleece liner.

Performance Comparison

Absorbency

The Flip ranks near the top of the best cloth diaper group in our absorbency tests.

The Stay Dry inserts come in packs, and you can select newborn (6-12 lbs) or one-size (8-35 lbs). We used the one-size Stay Dry inserts during testing. Three layers of absorbent microfiber lay beneath a one-size 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.

The Flip's filter paper result shows very little green. The insert's quick absorbency rate and impressive wicking capabilities kept the filter paper (a.k.a. baby's skin) relatively dry from start to finish.

Fit/Leakage

The Flip with Stay Dry Insert scores above average for this test metric.

This one-size diaper will fit babies from 8-35 lbs. Thanks to the double row of snaps around the waist and three rise positions, it's easy to get a snug and secure fit with the Flip. 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

The Flip's above-average score in this metric is higher than many, and our baby tester was happy to wear it.

It is a comfy diaper with very little bulk. The Stay Dry liner is soft, and the fabric is smooth around the edges of the cover. 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, Flip's score in this metric is above average and right behind top performers.

Setting up the Flip for a diaper change only requires two steps: lay the Flip cover flat and place the Stay Dry 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 picking out the covers when transferring diapers from the washer to the dryer is much of a hassle. 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 on the cover.

Should You Buy the Flip?

For such a simple diaper, we are very impressed with the Flip, and it's a well-rounded option that's less money than top performers. If you are hoping to save a few bucks in your cloth diaper journey but still want the convenience of a nicer diaper, we highly recommend looking at the Flip cover with Stay Dry Insert. At first glance, the price of the Flip seems comparable to that of other hybrid diapers, but a few things 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 likely purchase the inserts and covers separately. You will probably need fewer covers (because you can reuse them through multiple changes) and more inserts. A set of Stay Dry inserts are less expensive than other brands, which is great because you will need to purchase larger quantities. While the covers may be a bit more costly, we think they are of higher quality and will likely last. Overall, we are pleased with this duo and believe you will be too.

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