[Cellent]

My first bub is due in October and I think I want to use flat terry/bamboo nappies (would use disposables when travelling or out for extended periods though).

Is anyone else using flat nappies? What are the pros/cons of using them?

I am not interested in MCN's - so I would really just love to hear from people who are using flats, or were using them and gave up on them, or why you decided not to use them please!!

Thanks!!

[ubermum]

I'll be using prefolds for the bub I have on board for the first few months. Flats are my backup. It will be then onto the box of one size fits all fitteds that I have in the garage.

You are not crazy. Women used flats for years in the days before washing machines. I just prefer something with a little more absorbency on my babies at night time once they are a little older.

Get yourself some good covers from a mcn supplier. The cheap ones from stores like BigW are made of plastic and don't breath at all and contribute to nappy rash. I'll be using a combination of pul and wool covers.

[HeroOfCanton]

Sorry, I haven't used flats for any long periods of time, but just wanted to second the PP's advice about getting some decent covers, wool or PUL. They'll allow your babies skin to breathe a lot better and help reduce the chances of rashes & sore bottoms!

Could I also suggest bamboo flats, they are a little more absorbent than regular terry cotton, and would last longer on baby.

Good luck, you're braver than I am

[YandiGirl]

I used flats with my kids (who are now 18 and 20) and if I were to have another child (which we are considering) I would use flats again. I didn't ever have a problem with absorbency over night.

[YandiGirl]

Good luck, you're braver than I am

Out of curiosity, why do you say this? I mean, why would you need to be 'brave' to use flats?

[kelbelblue]

I am using cotton prefolds part time on my 8 week old, have a stack of terry flats that i tried but they are super bulky and get wet really quick.
not sure if she would be considered a heavy wetter, but I do have to change her frequently in the prefolds as she starts crying when wet...she does the same in the few mcns i have also.
I am going to get some bamboo prefolds to compare absorbency to my cotton

[Luvmy4]

I used flats on all 4 of my kids. They are easy to wash dry quickly and are easy to fold. I used liners once they were on solids to make cleanup a bit easier and fluffies not plastic covers but I'm sure the breathable covers are much better now.

[lifehacker]

I looove flats and prefolds, I have mcn's too but nothing beats the versatility and quick drying time of flats, also none of the dramas of worrying about fit, elastic dyeing, velcro unsticking, snaps breaking - no issues with smell either (if they get smelly you can just give them a soak in napisan.

goodluck OP they really are easy peasy and the great thing is if they don't work out for you you haven't wasted a lot of money and they are still great to use as spew rags, for nappy free time, etc

Try out a few covers - pul, fleece and a wool soaker perhaps 2ndhand to see which cover you like the best:)

[tarind]

I used flats with both my boys...I never had a problem.

I loved ho as they grew i just changed the fold insteadof having to buy bigger sized MCN

[HeroOfCanton]

Out of curiosity, why do you say this? I mean, why would you need to be 'brave' to use flats?

I have enough trouble folding prefolds lol. I used flats for a few days, and just never got the hang of folding nappies.
I'll stick with my MCN