Flatfold and prefold are older styles of cloth diapers. Still, flatfold and prefold diapers differ distinctly in construction and folds. If you are interested in starting to use cloth diapers, prefolds and flatfolds are reliable, economical choices that have stood the test of time. Additionally, these types of diapers require little special care compared with some of the more complex, modern cloth diapers.
Flatfold Diapers
Flatfold diapers, or flats, are the cloth diapers that have been used for generations. Flats are simply large square or rectanglur pieces of birdseye cloth. Usually they measure about 27 by 30 inches. Flatfolds are the most inexpensive cloth diaper, costing about $15 a dozen. You fold these diapers to fit your baby, so they are considered one-size-fits-all, allowing you to use the same diapers throughout your baby's diaper years.
Prefold Diapers
Prefold diapers are constructed of several layers of absorbent material, generally cotton, sewn together. Prefolds are rectangular and are divided into three sections lengthwise, with the middle section being the thickest and most absorbent. Often, the middle section will have twice as many layers of cloth as the two outer sections. Prefolds come in a variety of sizes; they can either be folded around your baby or folded into thirds inside a diaper cover.
Differences
Due to construction, prefold diapers, with their layers, tend to be more absorbent than flatfold diapers. Although flats are a one-size diaper, prefolds come in multiple sizes, so you would need to buy a few different sizes as your child grows. The way you fold these two styles of diapers also differs. Flats typically need a number of folds to form a wearable diaper, whereas prefolds take only a few folds for use.
Similarities
Both flat and prefold diapers typically are made from types of cotton fabric. Neither flatfold nor prefold diapers are waterproof and therefore need to be worn under a waterproof outer cover. Since prefolds and flats are simple cloth diapers, they do not have built-in fasteners. This means that both types of diapers require a diaper pin or Snappi to fasten the diaper once it is on your baby. A Snappi is a special type of fastener designed specifically for these types of cloth diapers.
