Prefold Diapers | Guide to Prefold Diapers

Prefold diapers are probably the most common and the least costing cloth diapers to get familiar with. Prefolds can be folded to fit your baby’s body type and additional absorption can be added. There are four main sizes you only need be concerned with unlike disposables. Moms find these helpful in the transition to using cloth diapers, before they find what they want to use full time, and many moms use prefolds regularly without problems. Everyone has heard of or used the disposable diapers. Most have heard of, but not necessarily used baby cloth diapers. Disposables aren't very economic nor environmentaly friendly. Hence the popularity of prefold cloth diapers.

Prefold cloth diapers are diapers made out of cloth. They are rectangular and they have more cloth in the middle than anywhere else in in the diaper. Many other cloth diapers have the same thickness all over the diaper. These cloth diapers are very absorbent, reusable, washable and long lasting. Along with being economical especially in a time where “Going Green” is the best new norm, prefolds will save you money in the long run and are generally cheaper than a small package of disposable diapers. When they are dirty, simply put them into the washer, and wash them. Then you can dry them and reuse them. The day will come when you can’t use them anymore. When this day comes, you just throw the piece of cloth away, never to worry about it again. It won’t last forever, and it won’t stink up your house. You won’t ever have trash bags full of dirty diapers. All you have to do is go to the store and buy new ones.

Types of Prefold Cloth Diapers

There are different types of prefold cloth diapers. There are the 4×8x4s, the 4×6x4, bleached, unbleached, organic and CPF. CPF means it is made in China and shipped to wherever you buy it. Bleached prefold cloth diapers are white and unbleached are the natural color. Unbleached prefold cloth diapers are more durable, because bleaching fabrics weakens the fibers.

There are different styles and fabrics when it comes to prefold cloth diapers. The best way to find which one is best for you is by researching the different fabrics. Prefold cloth diapers are a great way to save money and be more environmentally friendly. When looking for a great diaper for your child, be sure to take a look at prefold cloth diapers.

It may take you some trial and error to figure out the routine that works for you - don’t be afraid to play around with things. You may find yourself in an adjustment period at first- especially if making a transition from disposables to cloth. Some families find that when making this switch, mixing up a reusable system with disposables (eg. overnight, or for outings) may make the transition easier - do whatever works best for you! But not to fret- most parents find that using and washing their cotton diapers is much easier than they thought it would be, and quickly become avid full-time users!

No matter how often you incorporate cloth into your diapering system , you will still be making significant savings, reducing your family’s garbage output, and keeping your baby comfy in soft, breathable cotton.

Flat and Prefold Diaper Basics

Flat cloth diapers are the classic cotton square which is folded to fit baby, and secured with diaper pins or a Snappi. The only variation between a flat and prefold is prefold diapers have extra layering in the center. Here's the breakdown: Prefolds are rectangular shaped diapers that must be folded into the shape of a diaper. They are similar to flats, but have multiple layers with more layering in the middle. They often have 2-4 layers of absorbent material on either side and 6-8 layers in the middle. The amount of layers varies according to the size you choose, generally ranging from preemie to toddler. You may see a pre-fold described as being 4x8x4. This describes how many layers there are in the outer and inner sections: 4 layers in both outer sections and 8 layers in the inner or middle section. Pre-folds are usually the cheapest type of cloth diapers available. They must be used in conjunction with a cover.

Flat and prefold diapers are the least expensive choice in cloth diapers, costing in the area of $15-$20 per dozen. These diapers require waterproof outer covers, so they are a three piece diapering system (diaper, cover, closure for diaper). Typically, these diapers are closed with either diaper pins or a Snappi. However, another option is to simply lay them in a wrap style cover and forgo the additional closure type.

Most of these diapers are made from birdseye or other gauze type fabrics. Some are made from velour or hemp. They're very absorbent, easy to clean, and quick to dry. Widely used today, flat and prefold diapers are a very economical and simple choice for cloth diapering. But these cloth diapers have other uses as well. Fans of other diapering types often use flat or prefold diapers for doublers or pocket stuffers. Here's a few advantages of flat and/or prefold diapers:

Absorbent
Very economical
Easy to launder and fast to dry
Can be used as diapers, doublers, pocket stuffers, burp cloths, or even cleaning rags.
Available in lots of dyed colors, and can be embroidered very easily.

There are also disadvantages. Here's a fews:

A cover is required to make the diaper function
Must take the time to fold
Not as convenient as an AIO
Hard to use on squirmy babies
Pins and/or a Snappi can be hard to use
Runny messes are harder to contain with these diapers

Though there a few disadvantages, cloth diapers are seemingly the best way to go. With today's economy and the rubberband around all out budgets, if you're a parent of a new baby, your money is not "disposable." Save money while helping the environment. Try prefold diapers - they're a great economical and healthy for baby option!

Prefold Diapers - What Are They

Types of Prefold Cloth Diapers

Flat and Prefold Diaper Basics