flats vs prefolds

painttheair14 · June 2014

For those of you who have used both flats and prefolds, which do you prefer?

RachelCA29 · June 2014

Flats 100%
I personally don't like prefolds. I'll use them in a pinch, but my default change is a flat.
My newborn stash was mainly prefolds because they are very popular and inexpensive for newborn stage. But I'm glad I also bought 6 flats to try. I just got a fluff mail order with another 6 and plan on selling my NB prefolds off asap. I'm glad I only bought 10 prefolds in the next size up because I don't see using them often.
I prefer flats because of the trimness. I just think prefolds are too bulky looking, especially in a newborn and under NB size covers.
That being said, the NB prefolds were very handy to have for nursing. I leaked a lot at first and they are great for cleaning up breastmilk and burp rags.

sunshineinmay09 · June 2014

Flats! I've tried to love prefolds, but just can't get into them. They make great burp cloths though! Flats are trimmer and I find I can fold them easier. There's also something relaxing about diapering the tried and true way. I also love fitteds.

ElleBeeDub · June 2014

I prefer my prefolds. I like my flats ok, but I haven't invested in anything beyond the Diaper Rite cotton ones, so they're not as absorbent as my prefolds. Perhaps if I was willing to put out the money for hemp ones, I would feel differently.

enjoylife · June 2014

I've never tried flats because we do enjoy our prefolds. Those who prefer the flats more are they different blends rather than the plain cotton ones? I we have #3 in the future I'm intrigued with adding flats.

ThereBeDragons · June 2014

I've got a full stash of prefolds which we love, and bought a stack of 5 flour sack towels to try out flats.

I'm not wowed by the trimness of the fst, and I'm not terribly impressed with the absorbency. But, they're perfectly acceptable daytime diapers. I'll keep them around and use them when the mood strikes me- but I almost always reach for the prefolds first.

freezorburn · June 2014

It depends.

Flats are trim, but once DS got really mobile I found it hard to get them on him before he kicked me and ran away. So now I mostly use them to stuff pockets. They work really well as pocket inserts. And they're great for travel since they dry quickly and we never know what our laundry situation will be.

Prefolds are quick and reliable and very absorbent. But we mostly just use them at home.

Kelly11235 · June 2014

I prefer flats, our LO is pretty much out grown his prefolds, but he won't out grow the flats, or at least not until he's potty trained. I also find prefolds take ages to dry, at least compared to the flats.

We solve the "spraying off" issue by using a liner. It's not 100% effective, but it helps a lot.

PipSqueak0313 · June 2014

I loved the preemie and nb sized prefolds I had when ds was a nb, but after he hit the 10-11 pound mark and started leaking with those, I just didn't like prefolds on his tiny body. They were way, way too big and bulky for his shape. I waited about 6 months and then tried the red edge GMD ones on him when he got to be 15-16 pounds but still didn't like the fit and I tried it on him again last week and at 18-19 pounds I still don't like them. I think I have just gotten used to the flats being trimmer and more customizable. I don't like using fst but I do have some for emergencies.

PipSqueak0313 · June 2014

Oh, and I do have a couple premium sized prefolds that I use to line the diaper changing area since they are absorbent and easy to wash and they're the perfect size for the job.

CLLDLL · June 2014

Both? If you made me pick only one to use through all stages I'd say flats. They are the only true birth to potty learning diaper and they are crazy easy and quick to wash and dry. Not to mention they always fit well; you never have one of those weird months where you're in between snaps or whatever.

But I like variety a lot. And there have been times I've really loved my prefolds for absorbency and ease of use. Heck they are my main ON solution that I pair with a doubler.

Also I'm the opposite of AFwifelife. I mostly tri-fold my flats now that we have ploppable poo. They spray off just as easy if not easier than a prefold.

painttheair14 · June 2014

Wow! Thanks for all the input. I love my prefolds and have been curious about trying flats. I think I'll have to buy a pack!

farmrose · June 2014

I'm thinking about getting some flats to get us from red GMD size to PL vs investing in browns. Which brand do you like for older/bigger babies?

abby8279 · June 2014

Both!

Rrrrrachel · June 2014

I like both. Prefolds go on a little easier but you can get a much less bulky and more customized fit with a flat. And trying different folds is fun, when you're in the mood

CLLDLL · June 2014

MEjack1 said:
I'm thinking about getting some flats to get us from red GMD size to PL vs investing in browns. Which brand do you like for older/bigger babies?

GMD larges! They are bigger than standard OS flats and absorb a lot! G can go a good 2.5-3 hours with one pad-folded.

farmrose · June 2014

CLLDLL said:

MEjack1 said:
I'm thinking about getting some flats to get us from red GMD size to PL vs investing in browns. Which brand do you like for older/bigger babies?
GMD larges! They are bigger than standard OS flats and absorb a lot! G can go a good 2.5-3 hours with one pad-folded.

Could they be used ON with a doubler possibly?

CLLDLL · June 2014

I would think it's a possibility if you don't have a heavy wetter and you use a good cover and hemp or bamboo doubler. I've never tried them ON. Just for naps.

Another ON option would be Sbish hemp flats. I think @unaveragejane‌ and maybe MK use them.

ETA: quote fail @MEjack1‌

unaveragejane · June 2014

Chickypoo2468 said:

I use the sbish flats! They're bamboo but not actually flats tho, it's a few layers. The name really bothers me, but what can you do.

LOL! I was just getting ready to say the same thing about the bamboo and not really flats/ more like prefolds. I tri-fold one medium sized s'bish flat on my 2-year-old and it works great ON. My only issue is that we've got ammonia AGAIN. I can't figure out if I keep missing one or two of them when I soak them in washing soda and those are the ones with problems, or if the washing soda soda just isn't working now for some reason.

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