Muslin Squares and Flannel Cloths
Today's disposable diapers appeared in the 1970s. Before that, washable cloth diapers were used. In recent years, muslin squares and flannel cloths have been gaining popularity as versatile companions. They are bigger, more colorful, and more diverse than ever. We'll show you how you can use flannel cloths and explain the differences. We'll also give recommendations on how many muslin squares and flannel cloths you need.
What are muslin squares?
Muslin is a loosely woven cotton fabric with a fine structure, often in checks or diamonds. Muslin squares vary in size, mainly 80 x 80 cm, but also 120 x 120 cm and 70 x 70 cm. Most are white, while some are colored or patterned. White muslin squares can be washed at 90 to 95 °C, printed ones at 60 °C. Frequent washing makes them softer and the wavy structure increases absorbency.
Muslin squares come in single-weave and double-weave versions, with double-woven squares with reinforced edges from brands like Makian or Lässig being more durable, more absorbent, and higher quality.
What are flannel cloths?
Molton (French: molton; mollet: soft) is a very soft and fluffy cotton fabric. Flannel cloths are tightly and evenly woven and very absorbent. They are mainly available in 80 x 80 cm, but also in smaller sizes. Many of these flannel cloths are printed, but they're also available in white. Flannel cloths are just as easy to care for as muslin squares and can be washed at 60 °C. White cloths can withstand temperatures of 90 to 95 °C.
Muslin squares vs. flannel cloths: What are the differences?
The differences are minimal: flannel is thicker than muslin, so it's more absorbent, a bit more expensive, and fluffier. Here's an overview of the properties:
Material & Weave
Muslin & flannel are both made of 100% cotton.
Muslin: check weave, fabric is see-through
Flannel: tightly and evenly woven, fabric is opaque
Absorbency
Muslin: absorbent
Flannel: very absorbent
Softness
Muslin: soft, feels like a bandage
Flannel: very soft, feels like a fluffy blanket
Care
What can I use muslin squares and flannel cloths for?
You can use muslin squares and flannel cloths in many ways:
Burp cloth: Protect your clothing by placing the cloth over your shoulder when your baby spits up.
Liner in the crib: Prevent milk stains from soiling the entire bedding.
Changing pad liner: Give your baby a soft, warm surface during diaper changes.
Cuddle and comfort cloth: Your baby can use a muslin cloth as a soothing transitional object.
Summer blanket: Use it as a light summer blanket for your baby.
Nursing cover: Get some privacy while breastfeeding in public.
Stroller sun/privacy shade: Shield your baby so they can sleep peacefully.
Sweat protection: Use the cloth as sweat protection in a baby carrier, stroller, or car seat.
Quick bib replacement: Fold the cloth into a bib and a placemat for your child.
Cold remedy helper: Relieve coughs and colds by using it as a moist chest wrap with thyme.
Muslin squares and flannel cloths for wraps
Thyme wrap
Put two teaspoons of thyme herb into half a liter of boiling water and let it steep for about five to ten minutes. Dip the cloth in, wring it out, and place it warm (not hot) on your child's chest. Place another muslin square and a thicker flannel cloth over it. Cover your child and leave the wrap on until it has cooled down.
Onion wrap
Onions, a tried-and-true home remedy for colds, are chopped and heated. The pieces are placed in a muslin square, which is covered with another flannel cloth. The wrap should stay on the chest for about an hour.
Onion sachet
Suitable for coughs and colds. Chop an onion and pack the pieces into a clean cloth. If needed, add a few drops of lavender oil and close the cloth into a sachet. Hang it at the foot of the crib overnight. This home remedy can also help with earaches. Warm the chopped onions in the sachet to body temperature, wring out the juice, and place it on the ear. Secure it with another muslin cloth, a hat, or a headband and let it work for 20 minutes.
Note: Warm wraps should not be used in case of fever. Please consult a doctor or midwife if your child is sick. For more tips on treating colds in children, check out our magazine:
More practical uses
Some parents also use muslin squares and flannel cloths as cleaning cloths or dish towels – there are no limits to your imagination!
Muslin squares as an alternative to cloth diapers
For cost and environmental reasons, parents often use cloth diapers for their babies. There are various systems:
Some cloth diapers require a separate diaper cover, an additional flannel insert, and possibly a diaper liner. Diaper pins are also necessary.
Other models integrate everything into a so-called "pocket diaper" or "all-in-one" (AIO) cloth diaper. Adjustable AIO cloth diapers that grow with your baby are also available.
If you want to use muslin squares, they should ideally be 80 x 80 cm and double-woven. The most common folding technique is the triangle fold:
Fold the muslin square into a triangle and place a flannel cloth lengthwise in the middle facing you as an absorbent insert.
Place your baby in the middle of the triangle with their feet facing you.
Lift the tip of the triangle between the legs and bring it up to the belly.
Lift one outer end of the triangle, pull it over the belly, and tuck it between your baby and the fabric on the other side.
Repeat the step with the second side. Alternatively, you can use special diaper pins. Please do not use safety pins.
Put on the diaper cover.
How many muslin squares and flannel cloths do I need?
If you mainly want to use muslin squares, you'll need about 25 pieces in size 80 x 80 cm, double-woven, as well as an equal number of flannel cloths in size 40 x 40 cm as absorbent inserts. You'll change your baby's diaper at least 10 times a day. Depending on your washing routine, you can adjust the quantity. In addition, 10 muslin squares that aren't used as diapers and 5 flannel cloths are usually enough.
