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Prefold Information
The Prefold Diaper, it looks like a rectangle of cloth, yet it can be one of the hardest diapers to understand. How do you make the rectangle fit your baby? What about waterproofing? How do I choose a good prefold? How is this better than our grandparents diapers? Well, the prefold is clearly not as simple as it looks, but the answers to the most common questions on prefolds will help you feel more confident.
How is this an improvement over cloth diapers of the past?
The precursor to the Prefold is a Flat diaper. Flats are also a rectangle of cloth but they are the same thickness of cloth through out. Prefolds have more layers in the center third so they are more absorbent where your baby needs it while still being very foldable.
What about water proofing?
The main improvement over older cloth diapering comes in the covers and wraps that are now used. In the past the diaper had to be pinned in place and the waterproofing element was a vinyl cover which was not very breathable. Todays covers eliminate the need for pins, they hold the diaper in place with velcro or snaps. They are also usually made from breathable PUL (polyurethane laminate).
How do I choose a prefold?
There are many distinctions between prefold diapers. One is the 4x8x4 or 4x6x4 identification, the first and last numbers tell you the number of layers of fabric on each side of a prefold, and the middle number tells you how many layers are in the center. The more center layers in a prefold, the more absorbent and higher quality the diaper, with 4x8x4 being the highest quality. Another difference you should look at is the fabric, 100% cotton is absorbent and will last a long time. Some chain stores sell cloth prefolds that have a core of non absorbent material like polyester or rayon, this won’t work very well as a diaper. The bleached versus unbleached decision is pretty straight forward, however unbleached prefolds will last longer because they have not had harsh chemical processing to break down the fibers.
How do I put this thing on?!
There are numerous ways to fold a prefold. Here are two of my favorites.
Basic Trifold
This fold is a favorite because it is simple and easy.
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Step One:
Fold one third of the prefold lengthwise over the center third. |
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Step Two:
do the same with the other side |
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Step Three:
Place the trifolded diaper into a cover, folding down any
extra length so that the diaper does not stick out of the cover. |
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Step Four:
Secure the cover onto your baby. |
Angel Wings Fold
This fold has extra absorbency up front for wetting and a pocket in the back for soiling. It also creates nice gussets around the leg openings to contain messes.
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Step One:
Start to fold like a basic trifold, then fan the back of the diaper out. |
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Step Two:
Fold the diaper over your baby with the
trifold in the front and the "wings" in the back. |
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Step Three:
Wrap the wings around your baby's waist. Put a cover over the whole diaper, making sure that no part of the prefold sticks out of the cover, you may need to fold down the front to accomplish this. |
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Title - Prefold Information
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