An Introduction to Flat Nappies
I reckon the first thing most people picture when you mention cloth nappies is probably a fluffy terry towelling nappy secured with nappy pins. The OG flat nappy. But times have changed haven't they? With the development of modern cloth nappies, nobody uses terries anymore… or do they?!
I'm a huge fan of flat nappies (terries included!) and if you stick with me for a few paragraphs, I'll run you through the main types and why I love them so much.
What Will You Need
Flat nappies, fleece liners, a nappy fastener and some wraps. I'd recommend boosters too to increase absorbency.
Terry Nappies
A non-stretchy square of fabric, usually cotton or bamboo. You fold the square to place the absorbency where your little one needs it most (kite fold and bat fold are my personal favourites). Line with a fleece liner to keep baby's bum dry and secure with a nappy nippa or nappy pins. Super absorbent and a great option for night-time. The main downside is that terry nappies tend to be quite bulky. A big pro is that nappy nippas grip them really well, so you get a nice secure fit.
Bright Bots Birdseye Cotton Flats and MuslinZ Muslins
Probably (certainly?) my favourite type of flat nappy. Made from a non-stretchy square of cotton, these nappies are slim, super absorbent, easy and quick to wash and dry and very cost-effective. I love bat fold for giving lots of absorbency in the middle with long wings to secure the nappy and enough fabric to roll around the legs to keep poop contained. You could even fold the square into a simple rectangle and place in a wrap or inside a pocket nappy. Easy to boost as your baby grows. Wish I'd discovered these nappies sooner!
I'd highly recommend MuslinZ muslins. They are soooo much thicker and more absorbent than any other brand, wash brilliantly and are amazing for refluxy babies. Your regular high street muslin would need a lot of boosting to work as a nappy so it is worth spending just a tiny bit more for this brand.
Pre-flats
A hybrid between a fitted and a traditional flat nappy, giving you the best of both worlds. Made from several layers of fabric sewn together, often with some stretch. Available in cotton, bamboo, tencel or a mixture of fabrics. Simply fold the square section of the nappy so that the edges are in the middle giving you a T shape. Pop baby on top, bring the T up through the legs, wrap the wings and secure with pins or a nappy nippa. I've needed to add a booster to most brands of pre-flat I've tried, but even after boosting they make a lovely slim option. They tend to be the most expensive type of flat nappy.
Pre-folds
A rectangle/square of non-stretchy cotton, sometimes hemp or bamboo. Sewn to have multiple layers in the middle. The nappy can be secured around a smaller baby or simply folded into a rectangle and placed in a wrap.
The Perfect Fit - A True Birth to Potty System
One of the great things about flat nappies is that they can be folded to fit babies from newborn to toddler, so the flats your baby uses as a newborn can be used all the way to potty training. I recommend giving kite fold a go for a very easy to adapt option. For a teeny baby you might need a few newborn wraps to go over the top for those early weeks, but from around 6 weeks most babies will fit birth to potty wraps.
A Great Option For Nights
A cotton or bamboo terry, boosted if you have a heavy wetter, makes a great option for nighttime.
Incredibly Easy to Wash and Quick to Dry
Because flat nappies open out fully they are easier to thoroughly clean in the wash. Non-stretchy cotton flats can be tumble dried and washed at very high temperatures if you need to get your nappies super clean, maybe because they are being used on a newborn or because your little one is poorly. The fact that they open all the way out also means that they dry more quickly which is a big advantage over pocket nappies or all-in-ones which tend to have multiple layers of absorbency sewn together. Flat nappies are a great option if you are travelling and limited on space and can even be hand washed if you don't have access to a machine.
Super Cute Prints
Any flat nappy will need a waterproof wrap to go over the top, meaning that you don't miss out on having a cute cloth bum if you decide to use flats. The wrap keeps the wet nappy away from clothes and the elasticated waist and legs help to contain poop. My favourites are Fiyyah and Bells Bumz, but Fox and Marsh stock a wide range.
Cost Effective
Terries or cotton flats with some lovely wraps to go on top will certainly cost less than a stash comprised of pocket nappies or all-in-ones. And flats can be even more economical if you use the same wrap with a fresh flat nappy underneath over several changes (just make sure to change the wrap if the elastics get wet or the wrap gets poop on it!).
Reach Out for Help
The Fox and Marsh team love flats and are happy to provide support with folding, fitting, washing and choosing the right flat system for you and your little one. I have lots of videos and posts on my Instagram (clothbum_2nd_time_mum) if you want to check them out.
Have fun experimenting!
Alex