Flat Diapers: the Best Cloth Diapers?

It is a common misconception that cloth diapers are not as easy to use as disposables. They are not at all more difficult. Cloth diapers are more convenient in many ways, in fact. You never run out and you never have to take a trip to the store early in the morning to pick up more. Cloth diapers are also so much cheaper and are usually less likely to leak. Cloth diapers contain no dangerous chemicals and also cause fewer diaper rashes. They are much better for the environment.

When choosing cloth diapers, you will notice that there are a lot of options out there. You can choose from flat diapers or prefolds, pocket diapers or all-in-ones which work just like a disposable. Some have snaps and some have aplix fasteners. Some need safety pins to keep them closed while others simply need a cover over them to hold them on.

When I was shopping for cloth diapers, I wanted something very specific. I needed a diaper that was very cheap and affordable. I also needed something that would dry quickly since I would need to dry them on the clothesline and we live in a very rainy area. I was directed toward prefolds, but even those were too thick for what I needed.

Then I discovered flat diapers. Flat diapers are large flat squares of cloth, like a small tablecloth. They are fairly thin, so they wash thoroughly and dry within a few minutes. You simply fold them down into a diaper shape so that the folded layers create the padded diaper area. These are then pinned-on or simply covered with a diaper cover. Best of all, they are the cheapest diapers on the market.

Cloth diapers are only half of the diapering system. You will also need a few covers to go over them. I also decided on cloth wipes. I did not want those chemical wipes touching my baby's sensitive skin. Cloth wipes can be cut from old flannel cloth and soaked with a mixture of witchhazel extract and water.