This has probably been asked many times before but...

[MrsLisaT]

What is the difference between a prefold and a flat? I've search for this answer and can't really find anything clear. Also, which do you prefer and why? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

Sorry for all of the questions. Can you tell I am a newbie ?

[hilaryisinked]

A flat is just a big piece of fabric and a prefold is sort of like a flat that has been "prefolded". It's a smaller piece of fabric with a thicker, more absorbent middle than the rest of it. I prefer flats because they are more versatile and more trim. The advantage of prefolds would be they are easier to fold.

[Pixi6s]

I didn't listen to her talking but here is a visual: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYbkaItWEho

Flats can be folded to difference sizes and absorbency in the places you want. A prefold has some folding but less, they are already to size.

Flats are, in theory easier to wash. This is because the more the absorbency is spread out the easier to clean (AIO are hardest to clean, in theory, because it's all squish in there next the cover), def easier to dry for same reason.

The same flats also can be used through entire diapering, because the can always be folded to size. They are what our moms and grandmas would have used.

That being said I have never used a flat. I use prefold and AI2.

[TrennaII]

A flat is one big square of fabric.

Prefolds were invented by somebody who folded 2 smaller squares of fabric in half, overlapped them by a few inches, and sewed them together.

Flats: http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/diapers.htm#flat

Prefolds: http://www.greenmountaindiapers.com/...s.htm#prefolds

[jennayoung99]

What everyone said! ! For me it depends what you are using it for, for a newborn I prefer a prefold, for pad folding in covers or stuffing in pockets I prefer flats.