Flats
Day time nappies
One flat and one booster is a standard day time solution. Two boosters may also be needed during higher output stages. Things change so be prepared to add this if needed.
Tip for newborns: Leave the booster out for the first few weeks when baby is tiny. Add it when nappies start to get wet. Use two boosters if the nappy is very wet, with no dry patches/ leaking after two hours. Lay one inside the nappy then one between nappy that is on and the cover, see below.
Night nappies
Newborns are changed through the night until around ten to twelve weeks old. One flat and one to two boosters is usually fine for a three hour stretch. If baby sleeps longer than four hours, fold two flats together at the same time watch our video.
The perfect fit
This is what you are aiming for. No gaps, no loose fabric. Nice and snug. This is the part that takes a bit of practice. The more you use flats, the smarter your hands get. Just keep going.
If there are leg gaps caused by too much loose fabric (as below), the flat must be put on snugger.
How to put a flat on
Common issues when starting with flats
The most common issue is not putting the flat on snug enough. Watch below.
How to make a flat fit a smaller baby
Using this trick, medium flats can be used at the newborn stage from 3.5kg.
Large flats can fit from 6kg.
Best folds
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). Then use the origami hack (see video below). If you fancy delving into other folds see our video page for more.
The flat is getting too small in origami fold (the origami hack)
Use this hack at 6kg with a small flat, 9kg with a medium flat and 13kg with a large flat.
How long will flats fit?
Start using the origami hack above to extend the length of the flat to make it fit longer when it starts to get too short in the front.
Small flats (50 x 50cm) fit from 2.5/3kg to 8kg (about three/four months). Get some smalls if you want a beautiful, trim, easy nappy to use at birth.
Medium flats (60 x 60cm) fit to from 3.5/4kg - 8kg (eight to ten months of wear). Start with this size if you are starting at 5kg.
Large flats (70 x 70cm) fit from 7kg - 20kg+ (until potty).
The Snappi
The most common issues is not pulling it far across enough.
How to soften flats
Due to no fabric softener, nappies can get stiffer.
Solutions:
Rub the nappy against itself. The friction results in a softer fabric.
Pop them (already dry) in the tumble drier on LOW for 10 minutes.
Give them a hot iron once every few weeks.
Read our blog posts about flats.