Flat cloth diapers are the classic cotton square which is folded to fit baby, and secured with diaper pins or a Snappi. They were used widely in old days.
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. However, another option is 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. Still widely used today, flat and prefold diapers are a very economical and simple choice for cloth diapering.
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, burp cloths, or even cleaning rags.
Disadvantages of Flat and or Prefold Diapers:
- A cover is required to make the diaper function
- Must take the time to fold
- Not as convenient as other cloth diapers
- 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
How to fold prefold diapers
There are three ways to fold prefold diapers: newspaper fold, angel wings fold and twist fold.
Newspaper fold
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Lay the prefold out flat |
Fold into thirds lengthwise. |
Place one half under the baby's bottom and fold up. |
Cover the prefold with a wrap style diaper cover to secure. |
Secure the cover |
Angel Wings Fold
 |
 |
 |
| Lay the prefold out flat. |
Fold into thirds lengthwise.Pull the top edges out to form "wings". |
Place one half under the baby's bottom and fold up.Pull the "wing" tips over the bottom half that is now folded over the baby and secure with pins or a snappi. |
Twist Fold
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Lay the prefold out flat. |
Fold into thirds lengthwise. Take the top and bottom halves and twist. |
Place one half under the baby's bottom and fold up. |
Pull the "wing" tips over the bottom half that is now folded over the baby and secure with pins or a snappi. |
|
