Another Monday, another video and review.  This time for the Flip Trainer- the bumGenius/Flip solution to reusable training pants.  The concept of this one combines features not usually seen on training pants- “one size” rise snaps and replaceable soakers similar to an All-in-Two.  Did the risk pay off in the design?  Read my review.  You can also watch the video to see how it works in action and see what it looks like on a 3.5 year old.

Ease of Use ✩✩✩ If you block out having to replace the wet soaker pads with fresh ones and possibly having to redo snaps on the rise after pulling it onto the child (this has been a recurring issue voiced by many parents but not one I have encountered personally) then it would be a 5 star. It goes up and down smoothly, and even though my son said it was hard I’m pretty sure he was just being a typical weird pre-schooler who complains about everything. I did not find putting the pads in to be the easiest experience, I had to ponder about what side went where and how to fold and then get it aligned correctly under the flap…. not my favorite thing. I only used the trainer at night and didn’t even need to replace multiple times a day.
Bang for the Buck ✩✩✩✩ I think the Kit with 5 pads and a waterproof shell is very fairly priced at 34.99. That is essentially 5 changes for a child unless you need to double the inserts. Flip doesn’t suggest using these at night without one of their disposable inserts so if that is your plan it will cost more in the long run. The thing about it being “one size” is strange: on the one hand you won’t need to size up on a trainer, but on the other hand- who sizes up trainers?! Most children aren’t in a trainer too terribly long, and not long enough to need to change from a medium to a large. It could come in handy for a second child who trainslater/earlier than your first child and needs a different setting though.
Performance ✩✩✩✩ To be completely up front Fletcher hasn’t used the heck out of this like we do with diapers we review on Everett. He is 3.5 and only wets on occasional nights. My personal philosphy on potty training is to cut them off so I’m not even sure I would have a use for a waterproof day trainer that often. We did use it at night with mixed results. Some mornings the sheets were wet, some they were dry. We only used 1 soaker but I suspect we should have been adding more but I just kept forgetting… The soaker was definitely saturated when he did go and he is 3.5 so his wettings are on the heavy side. I’d like to try it with a hemp insert as well soon but it was packed up when the movers came on accident. Boo!
Fit ✩✩✩✩ Fletcher is 30 pounds and wears the trainer on the middle rise. He wears the panels on the tightest setting. It fits him well in this size. I did not experience the rise snaps popping open when I pulled it up or when he did but I saw this complaint often on Diaperswappers.
Overall: I wanted to love this trainer but it didn’t do much for me. Since it hasn’t worked that great at night and I don’t have a need for a day trainer it won’t get much love from us until maybe when Everett begins potty training. In my world I don’t know that we would utiilize the AI2 functionality because of they way I like to train my babies (completely nude or undies) and would only use a waterproof trainer for outings. I might sing a different tune when Ev trains but for now that is what I’m thinking. I do prefer the looks of the GroVia as well but love the Lovelace and Albert prints in the Flip trainer.
Where to Buy Sweetbottoms Baby Boutique (affiliate link)
I purchased this kit from Cottonbabies.com in order to perform this review.

Just as Fashion Week sets the new trends for the next season of clothing and accessories, the ABC Kids Expo taking place Set 23-26 sets the newest trends in Baby Products.

With over 25 Cloth Diaper Exhibitors joining the show this year there will be lots to see.  Usually brands wait until this time of year to unveil their newest products.  Buyers will be at the show placing orders and brands want their newest releases ready for order!

This explains why the biggest brands in cloth diapers are announcing their newest products.  Already we have seen huge announcements from GroVia, bumGenius, and Swaddlebees.  

The trend?  Trainers and Prints.  

GroVia announced their new Trainers called MyChoice.  These are “One Size Fits Most” that have a snap down rise and have the option of two different Flex Side Panels.  The Regular Size fits 1T-3T (18-35+ lbs) and Plus fits 3T-5T (30+ lbs).  You can find the MyChoice with the Regular Flex Size Panels for 18.99.  If you want to add the Plus Size Panels for 3.99.  The panels can be purchased in multi colors but the trainers come in Vanilla and Cloud.  Available Dec 2012 

GroVia also came out with 2 new colors, Cloud (grey) and Surf (teal).  Also available in October.  You can view them in the trainer chart above.

bumGenius already announced recently that they were releasing a trainer that one also be a “One Size Fits Most” Design with replaceable inserts.

Meet the Flip Trainer!

The Flip Trainer has stretchy side panels similar to the bumGenius tabs, replaceable organic cotton inserts so that your toddler can feel when they are wet, and those inserts use touch tape to be secured inside, and can be replaced when wet.  This should save a little money in the Trainer department since you are usually dealing with wet misses.  There is a snap down rise and the trainer should fit toddlers 20-50 pounds!

Rumparooz has a new line of EcoPosh diapers including their Organic Training Pant.

Kissaluvs released their new Pocket Trainer a few months ago but it is still worth mentioning.

I can’t say what is coming but I know of two major brands also releasing Trainers in the near future.

bumGenius also announced new colors and PRINTS!

Lovelace (on left) and Albert (on right)  You can preorder them from Mom’s Milk Boutique and won’t be charged until they are shipping, sometime in December.

Yesterday I also posted about the 6 new prints from Swaddlebees.  These will be available for most of their product line.  You can view them all on my post and even enter to win one of the new prints in a Bluberry Coverall!    Here is a peek:

I also have in my possession a very fashion forward print from Charlie Banana designed by Matthew Langille.  I can’t share it just yet though!  For now check out one of his other designs, these are Swatches.

Thirsties just released their new print, Hoots.

And Sweet Pea also announced an Owl themed Print.

Other recent but not “brand new* prints that have been introduced lately include Bottombumpers, Tiny Tush, AppleCheeks, and itti bitti.

Rumparooz released their new line of EcoPosh diapers made from recycled plastic bottles.  They have a One Size fitted, Newborn Fitted, and a Wool Soaker.

Then there are more prints being announced soon by a few other brands!  *hint, one is a DDL advertiser* I can’t wait to see them all at ABC Kids!  I have a feeling I will be updating my Cloth Diaper Finder with at least 30 new products soon!

Which is your favorite new product announcement or print?  

*Some links included are to DDL affiliates.  If you purchase anything through the links I will receive a small percentage, so thank you!

Ease of Use ✰✰✰✰ The Antsy Pants pull on cloth diaper is so super simple to put on and off of your toddler.  Since my son can be particularly “antsy” some days these have been awesome to use.  I can pull them on him while he is standing or laying down.  He never did make a solid mess in them, but if he had I could have also unsnapped it to avoid having the mess be slid down his legs.  The only reason I wouldn’t give it a 5 is that to put the insert in (which we didn’t use much) you need to put in in the slot on the inside of the diaper.  You have to fold it in a way that fits and then put it in.  If you dno’t use the insert and have these more as a trainer then it is definitely a 5 star.

Bang for the Buck ✰✰✰✰ The Antsy Pants are a unique item.  They work just like pull ups but have the benefit of being reusable and way cute.  The diaper runs 25.oo unless you buy them in packs, so you can get them as low as 21.00.  I think if you are trying to potty learn or EC your toddler these are worth the price for the convenience.  I would like a non waterproof version also so I could tell if we did miss a tinkle.  But, I still love these for when we are going for potty only!

Performance ✰✰✰✰ These are perfect for what I think of them for, training They pull up and down easy, they hold a miss without an insert and more than that with the insert.  I personally wouldn’t use this as a diaper when I think he is going to be in it for a while.  I prefer it when we are using the potty.  They will still work for that just fine with the insert.

Fit ✰✰✰✰ These fit so cute on my son.  I have a red and yellow pair and they look like superman undies.  They have a bikini style and cover less of his butt than a diaper.  Might not be good if he did have a solid mess in them… and worse for a less than solid mess.  I referenced the size chart to choose his size and they fit well.

Overall- I am really happy with this diaper.  It has made potty learning easier when we know we are working on it.  You can pull some traditional cloth diapers up and down but it isn’t near as easy as this.  Plus they look so cute on him I just love it!  I wouldn’t buy a ton but I would definitely buy a few more to ease potty time on mommy and toddler.