Flat cloth diapers are the classic
cotton square which is folded to fit baby, and secured with diaper
pins or a Snappi.
A variation of the flat diaper is the
Prefold, which includes extra layering in the center.
Flat and prefold diapers are the least expensive choice in cloth
diapers, costing in the area of $15-$20 per dozen. These diapers
require waterproof outer covers, so they are a three
piece diapering system (diaper,
cover, closure for diaper). Typically these diapers are closed with
either diaper pins or a Snappi but it is also an option to simply
lay them in a wrap style cover and forgo the additional closure
type.
Most of these diapers are made from
birdseye or other gauzy fabrics. Some are made from velour or hemp. They are very absorbent, easy to
clean, and quick to dry. They are the a very economical and simple
choice for cloth diapering and are still widely used. Fans of other
diapering types often use flat or prefold diapers for doublers or
pocket stuffers, so they have other uses as well.
For a little fun with prefold
or flat diapers there are many dyed or embroidered options available
on the market too.
Advantages of Flat and/or Prefold Diapers:
-
Absorbent
-
Very economical
-
Easy to launder and fast to dry
-
Can be used as diapers, doublers,
pocket stuffers, burb cloths, or even cleaning rags.
-
Available in lots of dyed colors
and can be embroidered very easily.
Disadvantages of Fitted Diapers
-
A cover is required to
make the diaper function
-
Must take the time to fold
-
Not as convenient as an
AIO
-
Hard to use on squirmy babies
-
Pins and/or a Snappi can be hard
to use
-
Runny messes are harder to
contain with these diapers
Want to learn about other diaper
types? Visit our Cloth
Diaper Terminology section.
