The 5th Annual Flats and Handwashing Challenge is almost over. We have made it to day 6! Today we’ll talk about flat folds and what has worked best for you.
Over the course of the week, I’ve worked with large thick terry flats, small thin cotton flats, less than square flats, and loosely woven flour sack towels. Each style flat seems to have a different fold that works best for it, and of course the baby that will be wearing it is a factor as well. My long skinny two year old wears her flats quite differently than her 20+ lb six month old sister. It’s also a good idea to consider wet pattern as well. A toddler will generally go a while without doing anything then go a lot all at once, whereas a nurse on demand baby may have a little here and there pretty much constantly. Not to say that is a rule, just an example. For the former, I’d make sure there is extra absorbency directly in the soaker area, and for the latter I’d be more inclined to look for overall coverage that could spread over time for longer absorbency.
The three folds I’ve turned to the most this week are the airplane fold, the origami fold, and the bikini twist. The airplane fold seems to offer the most absorbency where I need it, and yet is surprisingly trim even on a more plush terry bamboo flat. The origami fold is a great way to utilize a larger flat and get lots of extra layers, this is my favorite for overnight with a wool cover since it holds up well over a longer stretch of time. The bikini twist is a great quick option that reduces the need to jelly roll, tuck, or otherwise adjust your diapers, especially helpful if your covers don’t have gussets. I like this fold for my long thin girl, since it’s so quick and easy it’s great for changes throughout the day.
The airplane fold is a new one for me this year, I read about it in our facebook group, and after trying it I’m a convert. I know it’s been around a while but I was browsing for something different that worked especially well for toddlers and I think this is it. I found instructions for it here: http://www.diaperswappers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1213698
Of course the origami fold has been a favorite of mine for a while, and Kim has a great video tutorial for it here on the site: http://dirtydiaperlaundry.com/how-to-fold-a-flat-origami-style/
The bikini twist is about as simple as it gets (aside from the pad fold) and Kim shows us how it’s done here: http://dirtydiaperlaundry.com/how-to-fold-a-prefold-4-video-tutorials-jelly-roll-angel-wing-bikini-twist-and-trifold/
Experimenting with different flats and folds is a great way to find a style that is perfect for you and your little ones, so if you’re getting frustrated and having leaks try switching up your routine a bit.
There are a million ways to fold a flat, what’s your favorite? Our blogs will be linking up their posts but if you’re not blogging and have a favorite flat fold let us know in the comments!
