Flip/Hybrid system for twins?

dragontears507

FTM here, and I'm planning on CDing my twins when they get here in December. Trying to shop sales now and figuring out what would work best for us. Read a couple of blogs in regards to twins who praised the hybrid system for keeping diaper bags less packed, ease and speed of changes due to reusable covers, and somewhat less/easier laundry. I had previously been thinking I would only do AIOs, but now my mind is shifting. What do you ladies think? Any suggestions from the veterans? Any multiple mommas with advice?

JEPES1348

Congratulations on your twins!

I personally love the hybrid system, and it's all I use. I use Best Bottoms (covers + inserts), and also use the inserts or prefolds trifolded in Blueberry coveralls. Prefolds and covers are technically an AI2 also, but if you're looking for actual systems, Flip, Grovia, and Best Bottoms all get love, though I've personally only used Best Bottoms. They are easy, cut down on laundry when you're mostly washing inserts or prefolds, dry much faster than AIOs, and do take up less space in a diaper bag or changing table. However, buying the actual system, as in the covers with the designated inserts, is more expensive than sticking with prefolds and covers (though still cheaper than buying AIOs for twins). Prefolds don't necessarily have to be folded around baby, they can be just placed in the cover and used like an insert, but this won't work as well with messy or runny NB poo- you'll get poop all over the covers.

Also, babies don't fit into OS dipes right away, so if you're considering CDing from the NB stage, you'll need a NB stash, which doesn't have to be expensive. For a couple hundred dollars you can easily CD your twins using prefolds and covers, or even splurge on a cheap fitteds like GMD workhorse fitteds and covers, which are excellent for the NB days.

I'm sure lots of mamas have advice on hybrids too, but Best Bottoms are well loved around here, though they run a little small, hence why I have Blueberry coveralls for when LO gets much bigger (if she's still in diapers).

Lurk and ask as many questions as you have, and feel free to jump in on discussions!

abby8279

When you say Hybrid do you mean a reusable cloth shell with disposable/flushable inserts?  If so, those would not come highly recommended.  Because you are going to be doing diaper laundry anyway so you might as well wash the inner as well.  Having to dispose or flush the inserts and having to store the dirty shells in 2 separate areas would probably be more inconvenient than throwing them all in the same wet bag.  And you would still have to go out and buy the disposable parts regularly.  

If that system appeals to you I would suggest an AI2.  Same concept but the inserts are cloth and usually snap in.  Best Bottoms and Grovia are the two I am familiar with.  IMO the BBs win out because the shells are more wipeable so they can be used more before having to wash.  

Lastly I would suggest prefolds and covers.  You can still go with Best Bottoms, that way you can try some of the snap-in inserts and some prefolds.  I have 2 in cloth and I love prefolds w/ covers.  They are super easy to wash and dry.  On my 5 mo old I fold them around her and snappi them.  On my 18 mo old I just fold the prefold into thirds (trifold) and lay it in the cover (basically the same thing as the insert it just doesn't snap in).

Rrrrrachel

I think ai2 systems are great. I hunk the branded ones are kind of overpriced, though, and you can accomplish the same thing with prefolds or bamboo inserts in a regular cover.

CLLDLL

I agree with Rrrrrrachel. The one benefit I miss from a branded hybrid system is the inserts snapping in as compared to just laying in with prefolds/flats. It's really NBD as I've never actually had a leak due to a prefold/flat shifting, but having the snap does give a warm fuzzy feeling.

Also just so you're aware, Flips or really any one-size diaper system won't fit a NB. They say they fit from birth to PL'ing, but really the don't fit scrawny NB legs until they bulk up a bit which is usually somewhere between 3 and 10 weeks. Probably on the later end for twins.

Oh and another benefit of a non-branded hybrid system for twins is you could buy covers that fit each baby's body type best and use the same inserts for both. Otherwise you might end up with one baby in Flips and one in best Bottoms and you'd need separate inserts for both. That kind of defeats the purpose of being able to pack lightly!

dragontears507

Thanks for the tips ladies! I should specify, I guess I mean an AI2 system. I know that these little beans will be small, and with my heart set on breastfeeding the twins, I think CDing from the start will be way too much at once, so I'm planning to use sposies at first. Once they're big enough, I'll make the switch. I may change my mind as the time gets closer and I feel more prepared, but for now that's the plan. 

Y'all have made me feel a bit more confident about AI2s being a good choice. I'll be sticking around here and hopefully learning more from y'all! 

magsmama630

I think it's a great idea for twins, or even singles.  The lure of using the insert (flip, grovia, bestbottoms...) is that they are a bit more trim than a tri-folded prefold. I think cotton is a great absorber though, as opposed to mf.

ufsandra85

I LOVE my flips! i put fst in them and it is awesome i wish i bought all flips instead of aio or 4.0

CLLDLL

magsmama630 said:

I think it's a great idea for twins, or even singles.  The lure of using the insert (flip, grovia, bestbottoms...) is that they are a bit more trim than a tri-folded prefold. I think cotton is a great absorber though, as opposed to mf.

My pad folded flats are quite a bit trimmer than my Flip and large BB MF inserts.

dragontears507

I think I'm going to try out both the prefolds and the inserts and see. I like the allure of the prefolds, since they're so inexpensive. I figure I'll just buy a few of each and play it by ear until I decide what I actually like on them. Y'all have helped me decide that I'm definitely on the right track! Thanks again! 

Heirloom28

I use Best Bottoms with my twin boys. I used a pocket diaper the first few months and hated stuffing everyday. The Best Bottoms have been easy to use and stress free. They take up
less room in the diaper bag and hold in even the worst messes. I send them to daycare everyday and have never had a problem.