Flat Nappies

Flat cloth nappies are a very cost effective option, ideal if you have a low budget. They can be used in a whole host of ways other than as nappies, such as dribble cloths, changing mat, booster layers in shaped nappies and stuffed in pocket nappies (either cut or fold them up). Once you don't need them as nappies, use them as cleaning cloths! They last for years!

There are three main types: cotton or bamboo terry squares, cotton prefolds and muslins. All of these can be folded in a variety of ways to suit the size/shape of your baby, whether your baby is breast or bottle fed, and whether your baby is a girl or boy. They are an especially good and less bulky fit on newborns. Prefolds generally consist of four layers of cotton with six-layer centre section.

Flat nappies are a versatile, very absorbent two-piece system, designed to be worn with a cosy-fitting gusseted wrap. There's no need to use those awful nappy pins - a much safer and easier fastening is the nappy nippa. Terries and muslins dry quickly, so work well if your drying facilities are limited (they can even be ironed in an emergency!).

The main 2 drawbacks of flat nappies are that they can be a bit prone to leaking and they can be rather bulky.

Terry Squares

Colour: white, pink, blue, yellow...

Bamboo and organic cotton versions available, also varying thickness...

COST: from around £2.00 each, or in multipacks

Cotton Prefolds

Colour: white or print

COST: from around £2.00 each or in multipacks

Muslins

Colours: white, pink, blue, yellow, print or natural; organic cotton available

COST: from £6.00 (pack of 6)