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.

MCN are Modern Cloth Nappies or diapers.  They are called modern to distinguish them from the old flat cotton terry towelling or flannelette nappies our Mums used, which is what most people still think of when you talk about cloth.  Sometimes they are called re-usable or washable nappies/diapers.

There are a huge range of cloth options now, from the simplest improvements in covers to specialty all-in-ones or night nappies.  There are eco-friendly and super absorbent anti-microbial fabrics, from ancient hemp and wool to the latest in microfibre.  They come as sized nappies or one-size fits most, with nappies for heavy wetters, trim nappies to fit under clothes and gorgeous nappies to show off.  And they come in a dazzling range of slightly different patterns so there will be one out there to suit your baby.  Because babies aren’t all the same size and shape, so there will be a modern cloth nappy to suit yours.

Just a few reasons to check out MCN:

• They are flexible – there will be one out there to suit you.
• They are cheap – it is a bigger upfront cost, but in the end far, far cheaper than disposables.
• You can support local/Australian businesses and give Mums the chance to stay home with their children.
• They are easy – I haven’t had to pull out the copper and mangle once in 4 years!  Some days it’s not easy dragging 2 kids down to the shops, but I’ve never run out of cloth nappies.
• They are better for the environment -when you take into account the entire life cycle of nappies, from getting the crude oil out of the ground, processing all the materials, transporting them to you, using them and disposing of them, cloth nappies and diapers are better for the world, which means your baby’s future.
• They are just so darn cute!  Isn’t this what you want your baby to look like?

Appliqued Minkee

Natural Bamboo Velour

Appliqued Dalmation on a newborn