Flats and Prefolds
These are the simplest nappies and probably don’t deserve to be called “modern.” However there is still a new take with different materials both for the nappies themselves and the covers for them, and they are now available in a huge range of bright colours.
Flats –
The traditional squares that are folded and then pinned or snappi-ed. Normal old cotton ones are available from supermarkets and big chain stores like K-Mart, although you might have to look around. Many people like flannelette on a newborn because it isn’t as bulky, but this has to be pinned. Terry towelling can be snappi-ed, a rubber T-shape with hooks on the end that grips onto the loops.
Terry towelling flat nappy with a snappi closure
This is definitely the most economical way to buy nappies, you can get a dozen white terry towelling flats for less than $30. Personally I use a heap of flats, when they are toddlers I tend to use flats and change every wee. And they have so many more uses than just nappies!
There are also some flats made from bamboo terry, but these are far more expensive (around $10 ea) although still cheaper than other MCN. They are extremely soft and absorbent, much more so than cotton.
Flats can be folded in many ways, most people have their own favourite fold that puts the layers and absorbency where it is needed. I use a variation of the batwing fold from birth to toilet training. It puts most of the layers right in the front, and can easily be extended (I’ll link to instructions when I get that post up!).
Batwing/Chinese/Origami fold
Pros:
- Cheap, especially if you are starting out.
- Very versatile, and can be used for all sorts of other things – toy, spew cloth, …
- Will fit newborns to toddlers, especially handy if you have two in nappies.
- Quick drying.
- Easily re-used on other babies, many of mine have lasted 4 years and are still going.
Cons:
- Have to be folded.
- Are not water resistant.
- Cotton ones are not very absorbent compared to other materials.
- Bulky.
- Legs can be open, leading to accidents.
Prefolds –
Like flats, but with several layers down the middle. They usually come in infant or toddler sizes. They are often made of hemp or bamboo, so are more absorbent that flats. Some can be used like flat nappies with a snappi, or they can be folded into a pad and used inside a well fitting cover.
Prefold Nappies
Pros:
- Cheap.
- Versatile, make good inserts in pocket nappies as well.
- Quick drying.
Cons:
- Have to be folded.
- Are not water resistant.
- Bulky, although less bulky than flats.
- Can be re-used on other babies.
Related posts:
Categories: Types of MCN
Snappis
[...] usually cotton or bamboo. Many people start out with snappis because they work so well on flat nappies or diapers, and there are many basic fitted nappies that have terry outers and can be used with snappis. [...]
Fitted Nappies or Diapers
[...] flats and prefolds they are shaped, with elastic around the legs and usually somewhere on the waist as well. They [...]