An absorbent core for absorbent articles such as diapers comprising a core wrap having a top side and a bottom side, an absorbent material between the top side and the bottom side of the core wrap, a first and second longitudinally-extending channel-forming areas disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and substantially free of absorbent material preferably through which the top side of the core wrap is preferably attached to the bottom side of the core wrap is presented. The core has a central absorbent zone between the first and the second channel-forming areas and a first and second lateral absorbent zones disposed laterally outwardly.