Prefolds are what most people picture when they think of cloth diapers: plain rectangles of fabric that are extra thick in the middle. Prefolds are available in many baby stores, as well as through online cloth diaper websites.
Choosing Prefold Diapers
For diapering, prefolds that are diaper service quality (DSQ) work best. Some of the most popular are called Chinese or Indian prefolds, after their countries of origin. These prefolds use layers of fabric to make them absorbent, rather than polyester batting like some cheap burp cloth prefolds. Prefolds often use a number, such as 4x6x4 to describe the number of layers of fabric on each side and in the middle. The higher the number, the thicker the diaper will be.
- Prefolds also come in sizes such as:
- Preemie, about 9 1/2 by 13 inches, for babies up to 10 pounds
- Infant, about 12 by 16 inches, for babies up to 15 pounds
- Standard, about 14 1/2 by 21 inches, for babies 15 to 30 pounds
- Premium, the same size as Standard but thicker
- Toddler, about 17 1/2 by 23 inches, for tall babies or those 30 pounds and over
Keep in mind when choosing a size that prefolds will shrink in the wash about 5 to 10 percent.
Many stores also offer prefolds in both bleached and unbleached cotton.
Bleached cotton works well for people who prefer diapers that look bright white. Those who want to avoid diapers that have been bleached in chlorine can look for prefolds that use a peroxide bleaching process, such as those offered by Green Mountain Diapers. Unbleached diapers are a natural beige color which may not look as clean, but can also help hide stains. Unbleached diapers require extra pre-washing and may shrink a little bit more than bleached diapers.
Although most prefold diapers are 100 percent cotton, prefolds are also available in organic cotton as well as blends of hemp and cotton for extra absorbency.
Pre-Washing Prefolds
Cotton prefold cloth diapers must be pre-washed multiple times in order to make them thick and absorbent. Most prefolds start out flat and scratchy, like canvas bags, but fluff up considerably after being laundered. Wash bleached prefolds at least 3 times in hot water with just a dash of detergent that’s safe for cloth diapers. Wash unbleached prefolds at least 5 times to help remove the natural oils from the cotton and make it absorbent.
Parents who don’t have a wash machine at home, or don’t want to take the time to pre-wash diapers, can order diapers from sites such as Sew Crafty Baby that offer a prepping service for a small fee.
Folding and Fastening Prefolds
Although it may sound like an oxymoron, prefolds do have to folded in order to use them as diapers. (The term “prefold” refers to the layers of fabric in the diaper, as opposed to a flat diaper which is a single layer of fabric.) To use a prefold in a wrap-style cover, simply fold it in thirds, place it in the cover, and fasten the cover around the baby. To fasten the diaper using a Snappi or pins, place the prefold under the baby so the back of the prefold is even with the baby’s waist. Fold the fabric at the bottom of the prefold toward the center and bring it up between the baby’s legs. Fan out the top edges of the prefold so that they can overlap with the upper edges of the back of the diaper, and pin or fasten them together. For girl babies who may need extra absorbency in the center of the diaper, do a “bikini twist” by flipping the top of the diaper over once before fastening it.
To make the prefold diaper waterproof, use a cloth diaper cover. With a little practice, prefolds can be a simple, effective, and economical way to diaper.
