Folds
Each fold listed below links to a video to show you how to do it
We have rated each fold on: ease, containment, and adaptability as baby grows
We also note which kind of flats these folds are best suited and with which types of babies they work best
All of these folds, as flat nappies in general, can be easily ‘boosted’ for added absorbency either by doubling up your flats when folding, or laying in additional boosters
- Ease: 5/5
- Containment: 1/5
- Adaptability: 5/5
Comments:
The most basic fold, pad folded flats can be simply laid inside wraps or even stuffed in pocket nappies
Best suited to slimmer flats and pre folds rather than terries which can otherwise be a bit bulky
Containment is low as the flat isn’t fitted to baby so it wont contain those explosive newborn poos
Suitable with all types of babies, for front wetters add more layers to the front with ease (see video)
Bat fold (sometimes called origami fold)
- Ease: 3/5
- Containment: 4/5
- Adaptability: 2/5
Comments:
Best suited to terries, muslins, cotton birdseye flats, bamboo stretchy flats. Not suitable for pre folds.
Great for heavy wetting babies, front wetters and front sleepers as the ‘wet zone’ is down the centre
Suitable at newborn stage using 50cm terries, less adaptable than Kite and Gaynor fold and bigger babies might outgrow this if the wings get to small when using a 60cm terry so a 70cm might be required if this is your ‘go-to’ fold.
- Ease: 4/5
- Containment: 5/5
- Adaptability: 3/5
Comments:
A very easy and fast fold to master
Best suited to terries, muslins, cotton birdseye flats, bamboo stretchy flats. Not suitable for pre folds.
Good for girls and back wetters as the ‘wet zone’ isn’t just down the centre but also spreads across the back
- Ease: 4/5
- Containment: 5/5
- Adaptability: 3/5
Comments:
Great for the newborn stage and nice and easy
Best suited to 50cm terries, muslins, cotton birdeye flats and pre folds
Can be used with bigger terries but the wings wont be as wide to fit round baby. Wings can be made smaller or bigger by adapting the size of the initial square you begin with see how to do this here
- Ease: 3/5
- Containment: 5/5
- Adaptability: 5/5
Comments:
Best suited to terries, muslins, cotton birdseye flats, bamboo stretchy flats. Not suitable for pre folds.
Highly adaptable from teeny babies through to toddlers by simply changing the initial ‘kite’ shape you make. For a newborn make an ‘ice cream cone’ and for bigger babies make a wider kite base. All of this is in the video.
Maria fold
- Ease: 1/5
- Containment: 4/5
- Adaptability: 2/5
Comments:
We won’t lie, we can struggle with this fold even now and its not our ‘go-to’, but you might love it and it gives a super smart and neat fit.
Provides nice front absorbency
Best suited to terries, muslins, cotton birdseye flats, bamboo stretchy flats. Not suitable for pre folds. Can be a little bulky at the front for larger terries
- Ease: 4/5
- Containment: 3/5
- Adaptability: 3/5
Comments:
Best suited to terries, muslins, cotton birdseye flats, bamboo stretchy flats. Not suitable for pre folds.
Quite a slim through the crotch nappy for a nice neat fit
Good absorbency through the centre
Nice and easy and can be adapted to make wider wings as baby grows
Angel wing fold
- Ease: 5/5
- Containment: 3/5
- Adaptability: 1/5
Best for newborn stage and use with prefolds, not suitable for other flats as other folds work better
Very easy
Great video here shared with permission of the wonderful uses of pre folds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FP3_FAspR7k