When a cloth diapering parent hears the word “flat”, thoughts of tedious folding, leaking, and how-on-earth-will-I-get-this-on-my-wriggly-baby overtake our minds. I mean, just look at it, a plain, white, large square of organic cotton. #Boring

Bear with me for just a second…what if I told you that flats can be the diapers with the lowest cost, easiest washing, longest durability, and more versatile ways to keep leaks at bay, from newborns through toddlers?

Flats & Newborns
Flats are perfect for newborns who are leaky, explosive, and need the most diaper changes. You don’t need extensive Origami training to be able to make this work! Simply fold into smaller squares for the perfect pad fold in the duo wrap, a fantastic tutorial can be found here.
You can also be creative with rolling in the sides, “The Bikini Twist” (sounds like a great summer dance party!) or a myriad of others ways to make this diaper fit perfectly, and contain everything your little bundle of joy can dish out. Flats, being fewer layers, are also incredibly easy to wash and very fast to machine or hang dry without the potential for mildew issues in thicker diapers.
Older babies and toddlers? Let’s take a dive-

The Versatility of Flats
Flats for older babies retain the same easy wash/dry perks that we went over for newborns, but hold some extra “pros” for those babies who are crawling, walking or getting close to potty learning.
Since flats can be use SO many ways they are arguably the most versatile style of cloth diaper. For some great folding tips, take a peek here:
Benefits of Flats
You can reuse your cover throughout the day, or replace if it becomes soiled, keeping costs to a minimum! And without elastics, snaps, seams or laminates, flats will last through potty learning for your little one, making the investment one that pays off over time.
And speaking of potty learning? With flat diapers, those natural wetness cues will be a great way for your toddler or preschooler to learn about their own body, and recognize the cues that facilitate the process.
Flats also make diapering a heavy wetter easy. With a number of ways to optimize absorbency where your toddler needs it most, and thin enough to layer hemp, bamboo or cotton inserts to hold overnight, and wrap absorbency all around (not just down the middle).
DID YOU KNOW that there is even a fun challenge for flat users? Every year hundreds of families enjoy challenging themselves to a week of using only flat diapers + covers, and handwashing. The Flats Challenge is a fun way to learn about flats and connect with like-minded families.
Flats combine the best of many perks of cloth diapering, and after your little one is out of diapers, can be repurposed into cleaning cloths, dust rags, or any number of uses for an absorbent piece of fabric. Consider adding one to your collection today!
Have you tried Thirsties flats? We would love to hear what you think!
Awesome! Can’t wait to try them with my Duos!
We love our flats! They look intimidating but they’re so easy and versatile once you try them.
Can’t wait to give these a try! Hear so many great things about them and like the idea of less bulk!
I haven’t tried Thirsties flats yet, but would love to! After years of pocket diapers and microfiber inserts, woven flats and duo covers have been a refreshing change.
Flats are amazing!
We recently switched from NAIOs to flats/duos. We still have love for the NAIOs, but the duos are more leak-proof, and the flats are so, so great for nighttime (although we use them all day, too). It took us a few tries to find the perfect flats fold, but we’re definitely flats converts!
I really love the new Thirsties flats. They have been working wonderfully for us at night, paired with hemp insert.
Flats were my first love and I still use them today!!! Love the new flats!!!
I am really wanting to try these! I love the versatility of them and that they can grow with baby.
I used a different brand of fats exclusively with my first child. Would love to give these a try as part of my overnight solution with my youngest.
I’m looking forward to learning how to cloth diaper for our first baby (due early March).
I haven’t ventured into the world of flats yet but I’m very curious. Thanks for the info!
I’ve never used flats because they scare me, tbh. I know that’s what they used back in the day but I just feel like snappies are safer, since they resemble traditional diapers. But I might get up the courage to try it someday!
I’ve been experimenting with flats at the beginning of our cloth diapering journey but ditched them for pockets and AIOs. But I’m very tempted to give them another try, especially with this new Thirsties flat. Can’t wait to get one (or two, or… you know).
I normally use prefolds but the flats seems like they are very versatile and I really want to try them out!
I’m intrigued by flats but still love our fitteds and inserts.
Love flats can’t wait to purchase some to try out i’m sure they will be my new fav !
I was super intimidated by flats with my first, but after so many years of cloth diapering multiple kiddos they seem awesome!! I love the absorbency! Folding isn’t difficult at all!
Oh thanks for the master list of folds! I’m about to have cloth diaper baby #3 and am looking forward to giving flats a try!
We loved Flats with our newborn- so excited for a second baby in a couple of years, so we can try Thirsties stretchy flats on them
Can’t wait to try this
I want to try the flats so bad. But my son is so wiggly. I don’t think it would fit right!
I love flats! Haven’t gotten my hands on these yet.
Can’t wait to try this!
I love our Thirsties duo wrap covers!!
These look awesome, I will definitely need to give them a try!
I’m so excited to start my newborn stash for my next baby!!
I cannot seem to make flats work for daytime but they are the only thing that works for my nighttime diapers for my toddler. I use them pad folded in a pocket with a stay dry doubler.
I’ve recently discovered how amazing flats can be. When is the Flat Challenge? I think I’d like to participate this year!
I’ve been loving them so much! I can get them to last my newborn all night long!!
I was intimidated by flats at first but now I love them!
I love flats. Fell in love with them in the Pickler fold when she was a newborn and still love them. Finally got a Thirsties one to try.
I have been trying to be good and not get the new thristies flat! BUT I am losing my will power! Haha
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