Cloth diapering can seem like a frightening task when parents first approach it. With so many options, how can parents be sure that they are getting exactly what they need?
At Franklin Goose, we know that cloth diapering can be overwhelming. We also know that many of you are fiercely passionate about your cloth diaper systems, so we went straight to the source and asked you on Facebook which was better, flats or prefolds?
And this is what we found:
Flats
Flat diapers, often referred to simply as “flats,” are large squares of a one-layer material that is folded to fit the baby and are fastened with either a diaper pin or a Snappi.
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Pros |
Cons |
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One size folded to fit child |
Folding can take time |
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Trim diaper |
Bulky on newborns and preemies |
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Absorbency is maintained with folding styles |
If not folded properly, may not be as absorbent as a prefold |
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Versatile: can be used as a diaper, insert, burp cloth, nursing cover, blanket, etc. |
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Easy to pack and store |
Not as easy to use on-the-go |
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Easy to clean |
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Inexpensive option |
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The major benefits of the flat are that it is versatile and maintains a trimmer diaper than the prefold. It's also easier to clean.
Folding
The flat is an excellent one-size diaper because it can be folded to fit almost any size baby. Because you have more freedom to work with, the flat can be folded many different ways depending on what your baby needs. While some parents say that the flat is not as absorbent than the prefold, others say that this can be improved with different folds.
Folding can take a lot of time, which can be a deterrent for parents. Becca, one of our Franklin Goose customers who uses flats, recommends folding flats after they are cleaned so that they are ready to go when needed. Folding becomes quick and easy with practice.
Cleaning
Because the flat is one layer of material, it does not leave any buildup after wash. This means that flats are easier to keep stain-free and odor free. They are quick to dry, too. Flats also clean well in hard water.
Versatility
Flats can be used for more than just diapers. Parents have used their flats as extra blankets, nursing covers, and on-the-go changing pads. Flats can be used as doublers and inserts later on stuffed into pocket diapers or lain inside. Because flats are smaller, they are also easier to pack in diaper bags, so more can be brought along, a plus for long trips!
Prefolds
But what about prefold diapers?
Prefold diapers are flats that have been pre-folded and sewn with a pad inside to absorb moisture. Although they are smaller than flats, they also fold around the baby and are held close with a pin or Snappi.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Most absorbent |
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Best fit for newborns |
Can be bulky on older children |
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Versatile: can be used as a diaper, insert, burp cloth, nursing cover, blanket, etc. |
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Inexpensive option |
Multiple sizes are required as children grow |
Folding
Prefolds are great because their form means there is less material to fold and gather around the child. Because they are layers of material sewn together, many parents find prefolds to be more absorbent than flats.
Prefolds are a good choice for newborns and preemies. The smaller sizes are easier to use than a flat because there is less material. However, they can require more purchases than the flat as children outgrow smaller sizes. Larger sizes tend to make bulkier diapers on children, too.
If parents opt to lay their prefolds in their diaper covers, they do not always need a Snappi.
Cleaning
When cleaning, make sure that there isn’t any buildup left on the cloth as this can hurt the diaper’s absorbency.
Versatility
Like the flats, prefolds can be used as nursing covers and burp cloths, as well as blankets, not to mention inserts and doublers.
For active parents on the go, prefolds are a good choice because they are quicker to put on children.
The choice between flats and prefolds is yours in the end, but we hope we have given you some food for thought. Of course, you don't need to be exclusive. Many parents enjoy using both flats and prefolds.
Throughout the week Franklin Goose will be uploading a series of How-To videos on various folds for flats and prefolds. Please check out our YouTube and Vimeo channels:
YouTube: Franklin Goose
Vimeo: Franklin Goose Media
A huge thank you to all of our fans and customers who shared their opinions and tips with us. We really appreciate it.