Flat Folds
Flats are versatile and can be used in a number of ways. Here you can find some tutorials on how to fold your flats. Read more about flats on our Types of Cloth Nappies page.
The fabrics: There are several different types of fabrics you can use: flannel, cotton fleece, hemp jersey, bamboo etc. Learn more on our Fabrics page.
Diaper Bag Fold
This works great for out & about or for quick changes at home, as it can be pre-folded and folded up neatly to place in the nappy bag, ready to grab and put on.
This is one of the folds that has the most absorbency in the wetzone - 12 layers in total! The rise is very adjustable, however there may not be enough room in the waist for bigger babies/toddlers (depending on build).
To watch a video demonstration click here
Kite Fold
This one offers an adjustable rise which makes it great for when your baby has outgrown the rise of origami fold. It's also a good one for boys as you can fold it to create more layers in front (in the wetzone) for added absorbency.
For video demonstrtion click here
Neat Fold
This one is best for lighter wetters as there are only 4 layers in the wet zone. The fabric layers are more evenly spread out which makes for a very trim, neat fit.
The front can be fastened on top of the wings with pins or boingos to give a sleek look across the front, similar to a side-snapping nappy.
Padfold
This is the simplest fold - just fold your flat in an insert sized rectangle and lay in a cover. Done! Keep folding in on itself until the desired size is acquired
Origami Fold/Happy Anteater
Origami provides 8 layers of absorbency in the wetzone total.
Happy anteater is a variation on Origami fold. Happy Anteater gives a trimmer fit around the legs.
This is one of the folds that might be helpful to see on video first.
BETTER FIT TWEAK
How to get a snug, trim fit around the legs using any fold with a flat. Always make sure to tug in the flat around the legs, back and front after snappied to ensure all parts of the flat will be covered inside the cover
A video guide on how to put on a flat here
Pickman Fold
This fold is popular because of how neat and trim it looks on the bum without any extra tweaks.
It has a longer rise compared to origami, so another great option to extend the life of your newborn/small flats as baby grows.
Pickman has 8 layers in the wetzone. It is very similar in construction to Gaynor's fold for girls, though that one has only 6 layers in the wetzone. To boost - add your booster to the middle zone before folding the nappy in half (ie before the last step. That way the booster is nicely sandwiched between the layers and holds in place while you put the nappy on the bum.
Airplane Fold
This fold is one of those that seem complicated but is actually not. If you've ever folded a paper airplane you'll see some similarities with this fold.
Most of the absorbent layers are up front making this idea for boys or tummy sleepers. Depending on whether you overlap the sides when you fold it towards the middle you'll end up with either 8 or 12 layers in the wet zone.
