Thursday, February 9, 2012

Cloth Diapering 101: Prefold Diapers


Prefold Cloth Diapers are the "original" Cloth Diapers. You know, the one's our Mom's and Grandma's used! Prefolds are as they sound...they can be folded in many different ways, however, contrary to popular belief, they don't come "prefolded", you must fold them yourself.


I think then when you tell people you are "Cloth Diapering", this is what they traditionally think of...the pins and folded pads!


Prefolds can be used with snappi's or pins, and inside diaper covers or stuffed inside pocket diapers. They are very versatile. They can also be found in many baby stores or mainstream stores such as Target, Babies R Us, or Walmart. This makes prefold diapers the most easily accessible and, in most cases, economical! So if you are looking to Cloth Diaper for cheap, prefolds are the way to go.


Prefolds can be folded in many different ways to accommodate the baby or particular use. Typically, Prefolds are created to provide three layers of absorbency, with the middle layer being the most absorbent and the two outer less absorbent. For this reason, you will sometimes see Prefolds referred to as 2x4x2 or 4x6x4 ( the two outer numbers represent the two outer less absorbent layers, and the high number in the middle representing the most absorbant layer). These numbers refer to the "ply" of the material (3 ply, 4 ply, etc).
What are they made out of? Cotton, Hemp, Polyester, Flannel, or Velour. They can be bleached (pure white) or unbleached (off white color)


What Sizes do they Come in? Preemie through Toddler, and even wide sizes


Pro's:
  • One of the most economical options
  • Dries quickly
  • Widely distributed making them easily accessible
  • Absorbent
  • Can be used in different diaper types (ex: pocket, hybrid,etc)
Con's:
  • Can be a little tricky with pins or snappi's and folding the diaper
  • Does require the purchase of covers (unless you go coverless)
  • Can be bulky at times
  • Sometimes Nursing Poopies can't be contained as well
That about sum's up Prefold Cloth Diapers! Hope you enjoyed the little overview!

What about you, do you use Prefold Cloth Diapers?

If so, do you use pins or snappi's?

What is your favorite material that the Prefolds are made from?

34 comments:

  1. Reading all of your posts I am getting a major education in cloth diapering. Now I know where to send friends who are thinking about it.

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  2. I didn't cloth diaper but after my kids were older, I wish I had. I spent tons of money on Luvs and Huggies when I should have invested in cloth diapers, but I don't have a washing machine because I live in an apartment. If I had lived in a house, I would have cloth diapered.

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  3. I do not have little one and used disposable when I did and the main reason why was because I could not figure out how to fold the dang things! This is great for going green and I may have used them if I had the pre-folded.

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  4. thanks for the informative post! I will share it on my page :)

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  5. I'm so thankful for all you amazing cloth diaper bloggers! When I have children (several years from now!) I will certainly be using cloth diapers, just like my mom. =)

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  6. I wish i had used cloth diapers. Love how informative you are!!

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    1. Thanks! I try to make it sooooo simple and easy to understand! Too much detail people don't want to read!

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  7. You are on of the best cloth diapering bloggers. I told my friend about you yesterday:)

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  8. I am a cloth diapering mama myself, but have yet to try prefolds, the intimidate me! :-)

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    Replies
    1. They intimidated me too!! So I tried them in my Flip Cover...and they worked great!! I was so excited!!

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  9. This is what I remember using when my 18 yr old was a baby. Didn't know they could be used in other diapers though.
    Thanks for sharing all your knowledge.

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  10. This is So educational! Love it!

    I tried pre-folds first. I'm personally not a fan of them. Although I have to say, I LOVE the snappies! Would never us prefolds without them!

    I now prefer hybrid or AIO or Pocket Diapers...all of which have to be One size for me. lol. Just my own personal preference.

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  11. I cloth diaper my 4th child. An may I say...I LOVE PREFOLDS. I wouldn't have it any other way. Very absorbent. My favorite is the unbleached.
    Keep cloth diapering those babies! *SMILE*

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  12. LOVE prefold diapers. They are my go to diaper.

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  13. i love indian prefolds with econobums

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  14. I used prefolds for my daughter 30...mumble, mumble... many years ago. They were so much easier than standard cloth back then, and very economical.

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  15. I have some prefolds that I use to stuff pockets at night for my toddler but I will be using them full time with my newborn. It is much too expensive to buy all AIOs for newborns.

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  16. I must admit that prefolds always intimidate me. I wasn't quite sure how to use them and if I was doing it right or now. Thanks for the helpful tips!

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  17. I use prefolds pad folded into a snug fitting cover. Works great!

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  18. I have used prefolds from day one of cloth diapering and I really like them! They are versatile and inexpensive!

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  19. While I was still pregnant and researching cloth diapers I was convinced I would only follow through if I used AIO diapers. Here we are almost 9 months into cloth and my favorite combination is our GMD prefolds and wool. LOL

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  20. My husband's Aunt gave us some Prefold Cloth Diapers.. and I can't seem to get the hang of them. Plus, I don't have the covers to go with them.. I don't know where to exactly buy them.. and it took me a long time to figure out the cloth diaper pins.. and by that time.. my daughter already had peed again. Oh well.. I am hoping to get some good snap all in one diapers.. Those seem much easier. God bless you.. Judith

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  21. we didn't start cloth diapering until my son was 7 months old, but for the next babe, we definitely will be starting right away with prefolds!

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  22. I definitely agree that prefolds are a cost cutter. I started with prefolds because I didn't have a lot of money starting out.

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  23. Thanks for breaking this down for me.

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  24. I am new to cloth diapering and prefolds are still a bit intimidating for me!

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  25. My favorite way to use prefolds is to pad fold (i think thats what you call it) and just stick it in a cover or pocket.

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