Single Layer Flat Cloth Baby Diapers

There are several different kinds of baby diapers out there on the market right now. The types of diapers available can be divided into six groups: flat, pre-folded, contoured (or shaped), fitted one-piece construction, fitted two or three-piece construction, and all-in-one.

Flat diapers are single-layer flat squares of cotton flannelette, gauze, bird’s-eye weave or terry cloth. They usually measure 23”, 26” or 27” square. They don’t look very thick when they are new, but fatten up considerably after a couple of washings. Flat diapers may be folded and fastened with pins (with a waterproof pull-on pant as a cover), or folded and held on with a wraparound cover.

Flat diapers have several advantages. Folding allows the diaper to be adapted to a growing baby. If you have a diaper that is fitted to your baby, as your baby grows you will have to get larger diapers to fit. With flat diapers, you fold the diaper to fit, so you do not need to buy new ones as your baby grows. Also Folding allows extra layers to be put where they are needed the most. This allows you some flexability to meet the individual needs of your child, as well as adjust for days or nights or times when you child will be in the diaper an extended period of time.

Another advantage of flat cloth diapers is that they wash well and dry faster because they open up. Shaped or fitted diapers are just that and they more or less hold their shape. They still clean up great, but perhaps just not as easily as flat diapers. Flat diapers are nice because they fit inside wraparound covers for a fast, pinless change. Unwrap the cover, pull the diaper of and your ready to put the new one on. Very quick and efficient.

Some other good things about flat cloth diapers are that they are usually less expensive and easier to find. These are usually the most common type to be found in stores. Also flat cloth diapers are very easy to make. Just head to your local fabric store and pick out some fabric. Cut out some squares and hem the edges and you’ve got yourself a flat cloth diaper. If you make your own you also have the possibility of many different colors and prints that you can pick from that will be to your liking.

If you are considering flat diapers, they do also have some disadvantages when compared with some of the other kinds of cloth diapers. For one, obviously they have to be folded, so that takes a bit more time and is less convenient than the styles that are already pre-folded for you or fitted. Another disadvantage is that flat diapers will most likely require pins or fasteners unless you are going to use a wraparound. With a flat diaper a diaper cover is required. If you are making your own, then you will most likely have the choice of colors and prints, but if you are buying flat diapers, white is pretty much your only option.

Overall, flat cloth diapers are a good option for those that don’t mind a little extra work in order to save some money as they are definitely the cheapest of the cloth diapers to buy. They are still a wonderful product that has all the advantages of cloth diapers, they are just a little less convenient than some of the more expensive styles of cloth diapers.