Trouble with FLIP, help?

[alillemor]

We started CD a couple month ago and went with the FLIP system because my hubby liked the idea of reusing the covers. At first we didn't have any issues but now my son is soaking through his diapers after 1.5 hr. He is 17m. We are running out of clean pants!! We have tried extra rinses, washing without soap. He's ready to go back to disposables but we have another baby on the way and I would really like to stick with CD.

Any suggestions?

[bignerpie]

Are the inserts not absorbing, or are the covers leaking?

[Perdita_in_Ontario]

Microfibre Flips aren't absorbent enough for my little guy now he's on the medium setting. I find I have to change hourly or we get leaks simply because the insert is saturated.

Could you buy a couple of infant-sized prefolds (hemp is great - or try the Flip hemp?) and see if they work better? Or are you using the hemp already?

[alillemor]

I think it is both the covers and the microfiber inserts that are the issue. He's thin, at 17month, we have it set on the small setting and there is still a small gap around his legs. He is also what I would call a super soaker and those inserts get full really quick. I've thought about getting the infant size prefolds and seeing if they help at all. We don't want to try 2 microfiber inserts because it will be way too bulky and uncomfortable. My hubby is ready to give up on CD :-( and he's the stay-at-home parent.

Thanks!

[Twinklefae]

I would try doubling the inserts - I don't think it will be as bulky as you think, but keep in mind, most cloth seems bulky when compared with disposables. 

[Perdita_in_Ontario]

Hmm.. that doesn't sound right to me. Gaps around the legs on the small setting at his age? He'd have to be REALLY REALLY thin for that to happen if the diaper is working properly, IMO. DS is lean, and he was on the middle setting at 10 months. Were the covers new? Are you drying them in the dryer? I'm wondering if the leg elastic is shot.

I think it's doubtful a cotton infant prefold is going to make much difference - I'd say that they would hold about the same amount.

Do you have any stores in the area that would allow you to do a diaper trial, so you could try some different covers? I know that's more $ for you, but consider the cost of disposables..

[cc_mama]

Doubling the inserts, adding a doubler or a newborn flip insert or try some of the SoftBums inserts which will work well in the FLIP covers.

[sosurreal09]

I am really surprised by this b/c we use flip even overnight and never had an issue. Is it the stay dry? That's what we have.

[RthyCrunchyMama]

The big question is are they repelling pee or are they just completely full?  In terms of the legs, try increasing the rise so that you can make the waist tighter.  If they are super full, I would try adding hemp doublers under the stay dry inserts.  Baby Kicks are awesome!  I can stack 3 inside my diaper and it is the same thickness at the flip insert.  and they are SO much more absorbent.  I don't have to even use the flip insert if you don't want.  Maybe try a couple and see what happens.  If you still can't get it working please email me at [e-mail].  I would love to help you troubleshoot!

[TNmommyBFB]

I also think its strange that the legs are gapping, my 8 week old could wear them w/o problems. I noticed our elastic was shot after about 3 mos, we were overcompensating at the stomach to try to keep them snugger. I was told I could send them in to be fixed since they were under warranty, but I ended up just replacing them w/ bg 4.0s.
As far as the insert being soaked, you probably need to double up. Or try using a hemp insert under the flip insert. Or even a Prefold.

[Carma]

I also saw overnight FLIP inserts in Etsy made of Zorb/bamboo combo for example. Maybe you just need more absorption.

Carma

[Twinklefae]

Originally Posted by TNmommyBFB 

I also think its strange that the legs are gapping, my 8 week old could wear them w/o problems. I noticed our elastic was shot after about 3 mos, we were overcompensating at the stomach to try to keep them snugger. I was told I could send them in to be fixed since they were under warranty, but I ended up just replacing them w/ bg 4.0s.
As far as the insert being soaked, you probably need to double up. Or try using a hemp insert under the flip insert. Or even a Prefold.

Out of curiosity, you do have the rise snaps shortened, right?  Have the rise too high will effect the legs.

[Galatea]

Our 7 month old will soak the stay-dry inserts (or the 4.0 inserts) in 1.5 hours, but he is a heavy wetter, too.  It is not that weird.  You could always replace them with the organic inserts, which hold a ridiculous amount, or put a hemp doubler or insert behind the stay-dry insert (that's what we do.)  You should not need the diaper to be on the shortest, tightest setting at this age - even my baby is on the medium setting with two columns of snaps exposed - so you may have elastic issues.  Even if a diaper fits perfectly, though, it will leak when the insert is saturated.