As the name implies, flat diapers are simply a square (or rectangle) of fabric with hemmed or finished edges. Parents can fold flat diapers in a variety of ways to fit them on a baby, then fasten the flat diaper with a Snappi or pins.
Pros and Cons of Flat Diapers
Like with any other type of cloth diapers, the pros and cons of flat diapers depend on the particular parent and infant. Although many parents prefer cloth diapers that work more like disposables, such as all-in-ones or pocket diapers, or prefold diapers that require less folding, flat diapers do work well in a variety of situations.
Benefits of Flat Diapers
- One size fits all – since parents can fold the flat diaper in a variety of ways, the same diaper can truly fit a baby from birth through potty learning
- Very affordable – good quality basic birdseye cotton flats cost about $15 per dozen, making them the most economical way to buy diapers
- Versatile absorbency – different flat diaper folds can put extra fabric where a particular baby needs it most
- Washes well – since flat diapers only have one layer, they’re easy to get clean
- Quick to dry – unlike thick diapers, flats only require minutes in the dryer
- Great for line drying – parents can line dry flat diapers to save electricity, or during camping trips and other times when a dryer is not available
- Easy to tell when baby is wet – although parents who are bothered by the baby feeling wetness can use a stay-dry liner inside a flat diaper, many parents believe that having the baby sense wetness aids in potty learning
Drawbacks of Flat Diapers
- Must be folded – parents who hate to fold laundry may prefer prefolds or other cloth diapering systems
- Require a cover and fastener – like prefolds and fitted diapers, flats require using a cloth diaper cover for waterproofing, and must be fastened with pins, a Snappi, or a good fitting wrap-style cover
- Not very quick for changing wiggly babies – parents of toddlers and mobile babies may prefer prefolds or pockets
- Not easiest option for babysitters – since using flat diapers requires some practice, parents may want to have a few all-in-ones, prestuffed pocket diapers, or disposables on hand for caregivers
- Not very absorbent – for older babies, heavy wetters, or nighttime use, parents can layer two or three flat diapers together, or use a diaper doubler to increase the absorbency of single layer flats
These versatile and affordable diapers are also useful as burp cloths or pocket diaper stuffers, and work great in the diaper bag as emergency blankets, changing pads, or nursing cover-ups. Even parents who use another type of cloth diaper as their main diapering system may want to have a few flat diapers as part of their stash.
