| Flat cloth diapers are the classic cotton square which is folded to fit baby, and secured with diaper pins or a Snappi.
A variation of the flat diaper is the Prefold, which includes extra layering in the center.
Flat and prefold diapers are the least expensive choice in cloth diapers, costing in the area of 90 ringgit per dozen for prefold, or around 25 ringgit for flat cotton gauze diapers. 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 but it is also an option 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. They are the a very economical and simple choice for cloth diapering and are still widely used. Fans of other diapering types often use flat or prefold diapers for doublers or pocket stuffers, so they have other uses as well.
For a little fun with prefold or flat diapers there are many dyed or embroidered options available on the market too.
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, burb cloths, or even cleaning rags.
- Available in lots of dyed colors and can be embroidered very easily.
Disadvantages of Fitted Diapers
- A cover is required to make the diaper function
- Must take the time to fold
- Not as convenient as an AIO
- 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
Prefolds will need diaper cover to be wateproof, some diaper covers available : Bummis, Thirsties, and organic IMSE VIMSE
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