0 Cloth Diapering: Flats

So, I told you all that I had placed an order with Sew Crafty Baby (whom I love) and it came in on Saturday as expected. It took no longer than 3 days to arrive. I placed my order on Wednesday and I had it 3 days later, isn't that great shipping? Love it.

Well anyway, this time I ordered a dozen flats. If you don't know what flats are; flats are exactly what they sound like. They are a big piece of woven fabric.

I ordered the OsoCozy brand. I have never tried flats before. I usually use pre-folds and pocket fitteds that I made myself with the Rita's Rump Pattern (free online). I used this youtube video by TheGraceDiaries: found here on how to fold a flat and snappi it.

So far it has been going well for me. I just need to work on getting the leg gussets tighter. The crotch area is a little loose and poo isn't contained well enough because of it. I'm sure I will get the hang of it soon.

My washing routine:

• I use the Cold Soak Method. Which is where you put the dirty dipes in a pail with cold water (I add a bit of baking soda) and let them soak until you wash them. 
• I wash my dipes after 1-2 days. (usually no more than 6-7 dirty dipes)
• I use about a 1/8 of a cup of washing detergent, maybe a bit less.
• I do a cold wash; no detergent- then a hot wash with detergent- and then a cold wash; no detergent.

I haven't had any problems thus far with stains or stink. Being that my daughter is a toddler (18 months) her poo is very solid and very smelly and with this method her dipes come out clean.

For me, folding flats does not take any longer than stuffing pockets. You can even leave them unfolded and fold them when you're about to use them. I have tried both ways and when I am in a crunch for time, I just fold them as I need them. 

I will admit, I do prefer pre-folds better just because they are a bit easier to get a snug fit with and I love the softness.

I find flats to be very absorbent but, they do need an insert. I use an infant pre-fold folded in thirds. This seems to last for about 2-3 hrs. depending on how much my daughter has drank. In a 12 hour period I find that I don't usually use more than 5-6 dipes so a dozen flats are enough for us. 

I do not use cloth a night...yeah I know. I am too lazy to search for the perfect night time diaper. 

I use Thristies covers that I also got from SCB. I have been using a medium since DD was about 6 months old and they fit perfectly. I don't think we will go to a large; the sizes do seem to run big but, they have cross over velcro (Aplix, I think it is called) so if it's too big you can lay one flap over the other.

Need to cloth diaper on a budget? Get flats. Plus you won't have to deal with stripping or stink issues.