Flats--Cloth diapering they way grandma did it.

I've received a few questions about flats, covers and how they work so I thought I'd give a little run down.This one is more for parents with young babies.When I made the decision we wanted to use cloth diapers for Jude I didn't realize HOW many choices I would have. They have pre-fold, pockets diapers, inserts, flats and the list continues. At first my mind was set on whatever cost the most must be the best. That obvious right? After lots of research we decided to skip all the fancy stuff and stick with what has worked for years. Flats. For those who don't know what a flat go ask your grandma. My grandmas even used the birdeye brand which is what we use for Jude. Also all those spare receiving blankets you received and never use. THEY CAN BE USED AS FLATS! Talk about a money saver!

                 So what is a Flat and why did I choose to use them and would advise others not to rule it out?

•  Flat cloth diapers (AKA flats) are a single layer large piece of absorbent fabric. If you’re familiar with the more popular prefold diaper, a flat is the same thing without the multiple layers.
• Flats are really inexpensive so if you’re on a very tight budget they will not hurt your wallet. The average cost for a dozen Birdseye flats (one of the more popular brands of flats) is $12.50. That’s $1.04 per diaper. You’re going to be hard pressed to find diapers at that price. 
• To use flats you’ll need either diaper pins, one or two Snappis or Boingos. These fasten the flat so that it doesn’t come undone. You’ll also need covers. It’s suggested that you have about three to six covers and that one cover is used for two days. If any excrement gets on the cover it needs to be washed. I chose to use Sweet Pea Covers. If you decided to buy them you should definatly check out Sweet Pea Cloth Diaper Covers. Most her procedes go to benefit her awesome little boy at Team Iron Aiden.
• You can do pretty much anything to your flats and it’ll hold up. What I mean is that you can be careless about using bleach, vinegar, drying on high heat or even washing in hot water that’s over 180*F. This diaper is so simple that it can take the abuse we some times put our diapers through. I think it’s perfect for the mama who does not want to have to think or remember a diaper washing routine.
•  Flats are also less expensive because they are one size. By using different folding techniques you can customize your flats to fit your tiny newborn through potty training. 

      Prepping was simple. I ordered 12 bleached and 12 unbleached. I washed the bleached one one wash with hot water and using the Arm & hammer free I've been using. The unbleached washed 3x( only once with detergent). Because they were not bleached it takes a few more washes to get all the natural oils out.  I bought snappies to hld the flats but honestly the cover holds them in place just fine.  I also love that I'm able to hand wash the flats and they are super simple to keep clean. I used a storage bin, and a plunger to agitate and oddly I actually enjoy it lol. But it is definitely a work out.

Receiving blankets/flats drying after a good hand wash.

       We also bought some baby washclothes( regular $1.00 for 25 cents a pack AKA a $6.00 savings!)

Prepping in our handwashing machine lol

 and I made a home-made wipe spray which was simple and yet very effective

Basic Wipe Solution
This basic recipe can be adapted by changing the type of soap or oil.
1/2 cup baby oil
1/2 cup baby wash
2 cups water

Simply spray it on the cloth and it replaces a wipes. We will only be using this for #1 for now. I'm not confidant to use it on #2s yet lol.