Even though flat diapers are the most basic type of cloth diapering system available, parents who are interested in the benefits of flat diapers still have lots of options when buying and folding flats.
Flat Diaper Fabrics
One of the most common types of flat diapers are birdseye flats, made from 100 percent cotton, although flats are also available in cotton gauze, muslin, flannel, and terry cloth. Cotton flats are easy to wash clean, since they only have one layer of all natural material. Many online diaper stores, such as Cotton Babies, Sew Crafty Baby, and Wee Bunz, carry quality flat diapers. Some stores, such as Green Mountain Diapers and Little Lions, also carry unbleached cotton flats, for those who prefer softer, more natural diapers with fewer additives.
For an even more natural choice, Hemp Babies makes flat diapers from 55 percent hemp and 45 percent organic cotton. Although hemp flats are significantly more expensive than plain cotton ones, and can be more difficult to wash clean, some parents feel these diapers are more absorbent and environmentally sustainable.
When choosing a flat diaper material, parents should consider how they plan to fasten the diaper, since materials such as hemp and flannel may be too densely woven to fasten the diaper with a Snappi. These flat diapers need to be fastened with pins, or placed in a close-fitting wrap-style cloth diaper cover.
Folding Flat Diapers
For many newborn babies, simply folding the flat diaper in half, then folding it in half again may make the diaper just the right size. Another popular way to fold flats is to shape them like prefolds. (Using a prefold for comparison can be helpful to get the flat diaper the right size.)
First, spread the diaper out flat and fold the top edge down (or bottom edge up, depending on where the most absorbency is desired) to make it the length the baby needs. Next, make a fold or two in the center of the diaper to create absorbent layers in the middle and make the diaper the width the baby needs, as pictured below. For more advanced folds, such as the origami fold, visit the Green Mountain Diapers instructions for folding flats, which includes diagrams and a video.
Adding Doublers for Absorbency
Even when folded, flat diapers may need extra absorbency in the middle, especially for older babies, heavy wetters, or naptime use. Parents can create their own doublers by simply folding a second flat diaper so that it’s long and narrow and placing it in the center of the diaper. Parents can also choose to use a prefold diaper as a doubler, or buy a commercially made doubler that uses cotton, microfiber, or hemp for extra absorbency.
With a little practice, flat diapers can be an easy and economical way to diaper with cloth.
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