Prefolds and Flats

Prefold and flat diapers are one of the simplest cloth diapering options and will require a waterproof cover. These 2 part diapering styles are still in use today due to their cost effectiveness and ease in washing. Flat diapers are large pieces of cotton that are one layer thick and have to folded (think diaper origami) to the correct shape and size to put on baby. Prefold diapers are smaller rectangular diapers that have essentially been pre-folded (or layered) for the user. They often consist of several plys of absorbency (4x6x4 or 4x8x4) and are thicker in the middle. These diapers still have to be folded (less so though than flat diapers) and wrapped around baby. Prefold and Flat diapers are kept snug on baby by using diaper pins or Snappis. If pairing with a snug fitting wrap with double gussetts, a flat or prefold can simply be tri-folded and laid inside the cover.

Pros: Cost effective; Easy to wash and dry; Available in several different fabrics and absorbencies; Especially useful for newborns who require MANY diaper changes; Can also be used as burp cloths and after diapering rags
Cons: Require more effort to fold and put on baby; No elastic so will often require more changes of outer, waterproof cover; Can appear complicated for a reluctant cloth diaperer, Can be bulky