A flippin' update on those Flips.

One of my most viewed pages is the review I wrote on the Flip Cloth Nappy system when I trialled it with George. I think its only fair that now I have had some time to use the Flips with Oscar, I give an update on how we have found them. My opinion has changed somewhat :-)

I started using the Flips with George when he was around 2 years old. No matter what I tried, the little guy managed to out-wet them each and every time in a stupidly short time frame (note however, we were unable to find a single cloth nappy, regardless of boosting, that worked for him). It was not a success. I'll be honest and say that if this nappy had not been a 'Birth to Potty' system, I would have probably sold it on, and been glad to see the back side of it! I knew, however, that we were expecting a new baby and so hung onto the nappy just in case it suited a newborn better. I am soooooo glad that I did!

We started using the Flip on Oscar when he was around the 9lb mark. He had chickeny legs and I felt that until that point, there was too much gaping at the leg to contain anything! From the first time I used them, I was impressed with their versatility. I can use them with the stay-dry insert overnight with no problems, and during the day, I can use the outer shell with my beloved prefolds. I have also used the shell over a fitted nappy, just adjusting the waist to a slightly farther snap.

The shell has great containment, in fact...much better than disposables. Oscar's explosive breastmilk baby poos could leak out of front, back and sides of a 'sposie, yet the Flip keeps everything in.
The shells are designed with a PUL, wipe clean inner, meaning it can be reused for several nappy changes with a new insert. This is a much more economical option than using pocket nappies, or All-In-Ones.

Even on a tiny scrawny newborn, they don't look ridiculously large. Of course, there is a reasonable amount of material squashage between baby's legs, but this is always to be expected with a nappy system that will see your baby through to potty training. The tabs fasten with poppers across the waist, and have a satisfying amount of stretch to them - this means that Oscar has had his Flips on the smallest fastening for almost 2.5 months, and they still fit like a glove.

I have since bought a further two Flips to add to my stash, now consisting of  a Twilight, a Moonbeam and a Grasshopper. New colours were brought out in the UK in 2010, to match those available for the BG v3.
Whilst they are not necessarily the prettiest nappies in my stash, they are in my top 3 for reliability, and my favourites to travel with - since the shell can be reused.

I'd strongly recommend giving this nappy system a try. Even if it doesn't suit Oscar when he is older, and a much heavier wetter, we are getting lots of use out of them now, which means they will still have been a financially viable choice. Give them a try, and let me know how you get on!