Okay, you’ve committed to Flat diapers (Grandma is proud!), but how in the world do you Fold them so there’s no leaking?

Side note: going with cloth diapers is the epitome of saving $$$ and being green, so I’m psyched you’re here.

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Why choose flat diapers? Admittedly, I mostly went with the Bumgenius Freetime All-in-One for my babies. Being in daycare, they were convenient and easy-to-use for the caretakers.

But since the diapers were one-size-fits-all, there were some struggles along the way as they grew.

There are a number of different advantages that come with using a flat diaper for your babe, so let’s take a closer look. 

Benefits of Flat Cloth Diapers

1. Cost

Did you know the average child will use a few thousand diapers during their life? Disposable diapers will burn a hole in your pocket.

Even the convenient prefolds and all-in-one cloth diapers add up. The flat diapers win in the cost category.

2. Sustainability

Regular diapers make up approximately 3.4 million tons of landfills, so you’ll be doing your part to reduce single-use waste.

Flats are a cool, back-in-the-day type of cloth diapering. You can literally use anything: t-shirt, towel, etc.

Most mamas go with something more absorbent like these bamboo/organic cotton flats or make your own flats with this 100% GOTS organic cotton fleece.

But gone are the days of rubber pants and safety pins (ouch). Now you’ve got waterproof diaper covers and Snappi cloth diaper fasteners.

And, once you’re done using the flats or prefolds for diapers (or you have extra), they’re also awesome for things like:

• Burp cloths (typically overpriced and non-absorbent).
• Putting underneath your baby while changing a diaper (read more about diaper changing here).
• Keeping a few in your diaper bag for on-the-go spills or runny noses.
• Rags — from dusting to washing and drying the car. When your babies get a little older and ready to clean the house, it’s a great recycling lesson.
• Endless uses for these with babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

3. Versatility

One of the great things about flat diapers is you can choose a fold to suit your specific needs. 

From tummy sleepers to babies who sleep on their backs, there’s a fold for every preference.

You also have greater control over which areas have more absorbency by adding another layer.

Flat Diapers vs. Prefolds

It took me a bit to wrap my pregnancy brain around this, but it’s simple.

The flat diapers are a large flat cloth. Because there’s more fabric, there are more options with folding.

The prefolds are a pre-sewn fabric with typically more layers in the middle (i.e. the wet zone). Hence, you don’t need to “pre-fold” the flat fabric — just go right to the diaper wrap/fold.

Sometimes they’re labeled by layers. Example: 4x8x4 means 4 layers of fabric on each side and 8 in the middle.

There are pros and cons to each:

Flat Diaper

PROS: Less expensive, allows a more custom fit, washes and dries faster.

CONS: Can be less absorbent than a prefold, more time-consuming to fold.

TIP: If you’re on a tight budget and know your way around a sewing machine, turn your flats into prefolds with this awesome tutorial.

Prefold Diaper

PROS: No extra folding, super absorbent.

CONS: Pricier than flats, not customizable, takes longer to dry.

TIP: My fave prefold is 100% GOTS organic prefolds found here.

Note: whichever you choose, you’ll need waterproof diaper covers.

How Do I Fold Flat & Prefold Diapers?

I feel like there are a gazillion types of folds you can find online, enough to make your head spin. So I’ve narrowed it down to 4 folds that are classic and work:

• Jelly Roll
• Angel Wing
• Bikini Twist
• Newspaper

Once you’ve nailed down a few different types of folds, you’ll be able to do them in your sleep… wait you have time for sleep? 😉

Remember with all of these folds, cover with a waterproof diaper cover.

To better show you the folds, I’m using a napkin here. You’ll want something more absorbent (and something you don’t use to wipe your mouth).

Note: all of these folds can be used for flats and prefolds. Since a flat has more fabric, you can either 1. fold the flat to the size and shape of a prefold or 2. give more layers/folds where needed (noted below).

1. Jelly Roll Fold 

The jelly roll gives extra support on the sides, which is great for breastfed babies and their less-solid poops.  

1. Lay the diaper out flat on a suitable surface making sure it’s lying vertically.
2. (For flats only:) Fold into thirds depending on the size of your baby.
3. Fold down the back to create a “poop pocket” and fold the front if there’s still extra fabric.
4. Roll up both of the two front corners/sides toward the center, creating a gusset.
5. Keep the back part flat. Fold up the front part onto your baby.
6. Wrap the back part on top of front and attach with fastener. Tuck in sides as needed for a secure fit.
7. Cover with a waterproof diaper cover.

2. Angel Wing Fold

Aptly named for the angel wing shapes the side sections of the fold create around your baby’s waist, this is another fold to have in your collection. 

It’s one of most common (and simplest) folds.

1. Lay the diaper out flat on a suitable surface making sure it’s lying vertically. 
2. Fold into thirds (or more for larger flats) depending on the size of your baby.
3. Fold up the front.
4. Fold out the two back flaps to create the wings.
5. Fold up the front part onto your baby.
6. Wrap the back part on top of front and attach with fastener. Tuck in sides as needed for a secure fit.
7. Cover with a waterproof diaper cover.

3. Bikini Twist Fold

The bikini fold is similar to the Angel Wing fold but with a twist (literally).

Have a baby with chunky thighs? …awww I miss that… this might be the fold for you. It may also work better for baby girls, giving absorption where it’s needed the most.

Some love it, and some say it makes a poop diaper too messy to clean.

1. Lay the diaper out flat on a suitable surface making sure it’s lying vertically. 
2. (For flats only:) Fold into thirds depending on the size of your baby.
3. Twist the diaper at the bottom 180° so that you can see a visible crossover where the cloth twists.
4. Making sure that the twist of the diaper stays between your baby’s legs, fold up the front part onto your baby. (Fold over once if there’s extra fabric in the front.)
5. Wrap the back part on top of front and attach with fastener. Tuck in sides as needed for a secure fit.
6. Cover with a waterproof diaper cover.

4. Newspaper Fold

Anyone remember newspapers? Anyone? Just like newspapers, this is a classic. Very similar to the Angel Wing fold, but the sides tuck into the front fold (like a newspaper of course).

This one gives a ton of support in the front, but may be trickier with an impatient baby yikes.

1. Lay the diaper out flat on a suitable surface making sure it’s lying vertically. 
2. Fold the front section up.
3. Fold one of the front corners/sides over the center fold.
4. Fold the other front corner/side and tuck it into the other folded side.
5. Fold out the sides on the back part (so you have enough to wrap around the front). Fold up the front part onto your baby.
6. Wrap the back part on top of front and attach with fastener. Tuck in sides as needed for a secure fit.
7. Cover with a waterproof diaper cover.

Cloth Diaper Accessories

Here are a few things you’ll need with your cloth diapering adventure:

Flat Diaper Wrap-Up

• Larger flat cloth diapers are going to be the best option for using different folds. And, the larger the size of the material, the easier it will be for you to practice with.
• When wrapping, always keep the back part of the flat a little higher (belly-button level) than the front (a little below the belly button).
• Consider practicing on stuffed animals or toys, as babies can be wriggly little things. 
• This is a bit of a trial and error: depending on your baby’s size, build, gender (and poops!), one fold might work way better than another.
• Don’t forget — all of these items (especially the covers and Snappis) can be bought used to save even more $$$.

Happy folding — if flat diapers were good enough for generations ago, it’s good enough for us.

With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to fold a flat diaper faster than a crawling baby. 

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