Flats

Note we only do custom orders for flats these days meaning if we have enough enquiries via email we run a batch. This page is here for those needing help to use them.

Flats are easy, fast drying cloth nappies. The customized fit and layers prevent leaks and provides a trim, absorbent cloth nappy that dries fast. There is a minor (but worth the patience) learning curve. Use our information and videos and you will manage just fine. Generations of moms used them and had no problems.

They can be used day and nighttime with night time (from 6kg) using 2 at the same time, not 1.

What size flats do I get?

Small flats are best for smaller sized babies that are born 3kg or under. Smalls can fit to 7/8kg using this hack. They can usually be worn for 3 to 5 months but if baby is born smaller than 3kg, can fit for as long as 5 to 6 months. If using smalls, you can upsize straight to large from 7kg.

Medium flats can be used from around 3.5/4kg by doing the below hack. These are good to buy if you are having a bigger baby say 4kg+, or if you plan to only start using your nappies a few weeks after birth (around 4kg). They can be made to fit for as long as 8 to 10 months using another hack. You will just need to upsize the nappy cover at 6kg to the OSFM cover to continue to use them.

Large flats can be used from 7kg using the same hack as above. We do not suggest trying to use this size under this weight. It just doesn`t work. Large flats will fit to past 16kg.

Folding flats is very therapeutic and easy to get the hang of. There are many folds but they don`t all work as well. Our firm favorite is the Origami fold for both boys and girls until it stops fitting (it starts to feel too short in the front). When this starts to feel too small, use the origami hack which gives the flat extra length so it can be worn a lot longer.

Once the flat has been folded, add a booster (or 2) from 3 weeks old and a liner then the nappy cover for day time and night time.

At night from 6kg babies, can wear 1 night nappy all night. Fold 2 medium or 2 large flats together and then add the waterproof cover. One flat is not a suitable night nappy solution past 6kg.

Learn nifty flat hacks on our blog post here.

Newborns are changed every 2 to 3 hours day time and through the night until around 10 weeks old.

1 flat and 1 to 2 boosters is usually fine for a 4 hour stretch from 3 weeks old. If baby sleeps longer, fold 2 flats together at the same time. Watch our video.

From 6kg, babies are changed every 3 hours. No changing is needed once baby stops pooping at night. This usually happens around 10 weeks old.

Full time (little to no disposables). Wash every 2 days

Single baby
30 - 36 nappies
30 - 36 boosters
8 - 10 covers

Twins (wash every day is easiest).
48 nappies, 16 covers See this post.

Part time (use disposables with your cloth nappies). Wash daily

Single baby
10 - 15 nappies
10 - 15 boosters
6 covers

Twins
24 nappies
10 covers

The difference between disposables and cloth is the way in which the nappies sit. Cloth sits low at the back and the overall fit is snug. If the nappy moves around it will leak and feel bulkier than it needs to be. Remember in the beginning babies are very small. They grow fast so expect the nappy to look big. In a few weeks they will be fitting perfectly into it so keep this in mind and don`t worry about it.

Flats sit snugger than any other cloth nappy. This is basically the learning curve one needs to understand. Once you get it on correctly, you will never look back.

Pinch the flat at the base of the bum before putting it on. This narrows the fit between the legs. Bring the left and right wings around the baby and keep the back of your hand on the change table. The stretch of the fabric must hug babys frame.

Watch this video that address common issues in the beginning.

The nappy cover is low at the back. The Velcro tabs are usually overlapped at 3kg. The buttons done up and opened at about 4.5kg to allow more room for growth.