Prefold Diapers are Cheap, Traditional Option
Best Cloth Diapers for Tight Budgets Get Modern Upgrades
Nov 21, 2008
Prefold cloth diapers and flat diapers are time-tested methods of cloth diapering children. Prefolds and flats are washable diapers that use a cloth diaper cover to prevent leaks.
Prefolds with covers may appeal to parents who:
- Are the primary caregivers.
- Have a caregiver willing to learn the system.
- Have a tight budget.
- Value ease of sorting and folding laundry.
- Have light to medium wetters.
- Accept bulkiness to get greater absorbency.
- Are willing to use pins or Snappi ™ fastener.
What are Prefolds and Flats?
Flats are squares of cotton gauze fabric that must be folded for use. They fit a variety of sizes and absorbency is determined by the number of flats and type of fold used. Prefolds are rectangular cloth diapers that have layers built in to create absorbency. Some prefolds are made of hemp. They are folded around the baby then fastened with pins. New prefolds must be washed many times before using. Both types require covers. Chinese prefold and Indian prefold diapers are popular types of prefolds.
Absorbency in Prefolds
Prefolds come in many different sizes and have specific weight ranges. Regardless of size, prefolds are described by the number of layers of material on each side and the middle, for example 4x8x4. The prefolds with higher numbers in the middle are more absorbent. Adding a doubler to prefolds and flats can provide more absorbency at night or when out on the town.
Many Cloth Diaper Covers Available
Gone are the days when plastic pants and pins were the only option. Modern fabrics make breathable cloth diaper covers a reality. Solutions include polyurethane laminate (PUL), waterproof nylon, polyester, vinyl, polar fleece and wool. Popular brands of cloth diaper covers include Bummis, Prorap, Stacinator and Aristocrats. Snappi ™ fasteners can even replace pins. However, Gerber diapers and covers are still around today and can be used cheaply and effectively. In addition to plastic or vinyl covers, there are pull on, snap-off (POSO) covers. When snapped together, the cover can be pulled on like underpants then unsnapped for messy diaper changes. Covers made from wool are called soakers or longies. The wool is very and prevents leaks. The same covers that work for prefolds and flats also work for fitted diapers.
Learning to Use Prefolds
Prefold diapers and flats do have a learning curve because both types of diapers are folded for use. There are many websites that offer advice on different types of fold. The jelly roll, which contains feces well, and the newspaper fold are two popular options. Once a fold method is learned, diapering a baby is a breeze, especially if cloth wipes are used. Because it can be challenging at first to learn how to fold these cloth diapers, prefolds and flats are best for parents to use and for caregivers who are receptive to cloth diapering.
Prefolds Make Laundry Easy
While it is more work to get prefolds or flats onto a baby, there is one area where they are easier than other systems such as pocket diapers. Prefolds and flats with covers make laundry extra easy. They go up on the clothesline very quickly but they also dry quickly in the clothes dryer. And there is no need to fold prefolds or flats in advance. Many parents who use prefolds keep a small laundry basket next to the changing station to simply pull out what they need.
Attractive Prices
One thing that makes prefolds and flats attractive is the cost per dozen. Price depends on the size of the cloth diaper as well as the absorbency of prefolds. Most cloth diapering parents require several dozen or a cloth diaper package. Prefolds are less expensive than other cloth diapering options like pocket diapers, fitted diapers and all-in-ones. For the cost of one dozen infant premium prefolds, a single all-in-one diaper could be purchased. It is crucial to only purchase diaper service quality (DSQ) cloth diapers. Most packages of cloth diapers sold in department stores will not work properly. Another great feature of prefolds is that they retain their value and can be resold.
Prefolds are easy to care for and easy to use once a folding method is learned. Budget-minded parents can turn to modern improvements to make prefolds and flats a viable option.
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