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Everything You Need to Know About Prefold Cloth Diapers

June 28, 2013 By Emily 54 Comments

Real Nappies provided product which is featured in this post.  Real Nappies asked me to try out their cloth diaper system featuring pre-folds I thought it was a great opportunity to share everything I know about pre-fold cloth diapers and why I love them. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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I have now been cloth diapering for nearly 33 months.  26 months with my first child during which time we used a cloth diaper service and exclusively used pre-fold diapers.  And nearly 7 months with our second child and we use a various types of cloth diapers many of which are pre-folds.

Pre-folds are the most basic and one of the most economical ways to cloth diaper your baby.  Pre-folds come in a few different sizes.  You can use them on your baby from the very first day they are born no matter how little or big, skinny or chunky your baby is, you will always get a great fit with a prefold.   You can use any pre-fold diaper; after getting a chance to review them, I have to say I really love our Real Nappies.

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About Real Nappies:

Real Nappies Cloth Diaper System

Real Nappies use premium quality 100% natural cotton fiber in their cloth diapers for superior softness, absorbency and durability wash after wash. The natural soft cotton cloth diapers are comfortable to wear, breathe naturally, and are certified to the highest Öko-Tex ecological standards which involves rigorous testing for over 100 harmful substances. You can rest assured that Real Nappies cloth diapers are free of chlorine bleach, plastics and chemicals, and won’t irritate your baby’s sensitive skin.

Real Nappies cotton cloth diapers are prefolded which means the prefold cloth diaper’s 3 panels are folded and sewn together each having up to eight layers for superior absorbency. The Real Nappies prefold cloth diaper is thicker in the middle to offer more absorbency exactly where it’s needed without it being bulky.

White Snug Wraps (covers) are included in all Real Nappies cloth diaper packs including the Birth To Potty Pack, Essentials Packs and Top-Up Packs. In addition, Snug Wraps are available individually in white and bright fun colors.

What is a Pre-fold?

Pre-fold diapers are rectangular shaped diapers that are divided lengthwise in 3 sections. The outer two sections are often made up or 4/6 layers of cotton and the inside layer is 6/8 layers. Real Nappies pre-folds have 8 layers of absorbency This allows the pre-folds to have the absorbency in the middle where you need it the most. Pre-folds are the pretty much the cheapest cloth diaper option. Pre-folds can be layered into and closed in a Velcro or snapped diaper cover or fastened either with pins or snappi.

What is Great About Pre-folds?

  • Super Affordable – A year of disposable diapering costs $1200-$1500.  The Real Nappies Birth To Potty Pack has everything you need, including Indian cotton cloth diapers, diaper covers, diaper liners and potty training pants, for $489. That is a huge savings!  Additionally if you want to supplement a growing stash, pre-folds is the most affordable way to do that.  For less than the cost of most AIO or Pocket diapers you can get 6+ diapers and 2 covers!
  • Easy to Fit Every Baby – I especially love using pre-folds for newborns!  You can really get a snug fit on any sized baby!
  • Easy To Wash – No special washing instructions, just wash and dry.  The more you wash, the more absorbent they seem to get.  Pre-folds are also the easiest diaper to get clean in my opinion.
  • Super Durable – Wash after wash these diapers are work horses.  You will easily be able to pass on pre-folds from baby to baby.
  • No More Pins – When I was first told about pre-folds I thought about pins and how annoying that would be each and every time.  Thankfully, unless you want to you don’t need to use pins.  You can use a snappi, or you can just lay the diaper in the cover!
  • Different Folds for Different Needs – Boy folds, girl folds, runny poop folds, easy folds… they are all easy, and they all work!

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  • Customizable Absorbency – You can change the absorbency by using different folds, or by adding in smaller prefolds as boosters.  Pre-folds are a great night time option!
  • Easy to Use – Pre-folds can seem intimidating, but they are actually very easy to use.  Once you fold a diaper a few times, you will have mastered it.  My husband will ONLY use pre-folds.  He is intimidated by pockets and snaps and doesn’t like change so he just sticks with pre-folds.

In case you are more of a visual person, here is my video on the 4 different ways I know to fold pre-fold diapers.  You can really see how easy it is.

How to Fold a Pre-fold Cloth Diaper.

I have been very happy with our Real Nappies pre-folds.  They are everything I described above and more. I have several other pre-folds that are not nearly as absorbent as Real Nappies – that alone makes them a real winner in my book!  Find out more about the company at www.realnappiesusa.com or on their Twitter page.

Feel free to ask any questions about pre-folds below in the comments section! I’m always happy to help!

Do you use Pre-fold diapers? What is your favorite fold?

  • Biography of the Author(Read Below)..
  • Latest Posts (view them )..

Emily

Emily is a wife & mom living in Las Vegas. The owner and writer at Our Knight Life, Emily loves sharing her two adorable boys and journey through motherhood. Emily has run four half marathons to date and is always training for her next big race. She also enjoys creating healthy recipes for her family and sharing family friendly product reviews.

Latest posts by Emily (Posts)

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  • Disney’s Moana in Dolby Cinema at AMC Movie Review - November 27, 2016
GHTime Code(s):                

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Filed Under: All, Cloth Diapers, Review, Reviews & Giveaways Tagged With: Baby Gear, Cloth Diapers, Tutorial

Comments

  1. Robin Gagnon says

    June 28, 2013 at 7:12 pm

    Well you little guy sure seems to approve 🙂

    Reply
  2. Elaina- @atimeout4mommy says

    June 28, 2013 at 8:13 pm

    When I cloth diapered, I stayed away from prefolds. I just never got them right! Thanks for the info. I wish I knew about this before!

    Reply
  3. Sheri says

    June 28, 2013 at 8:47 pm

    Very interesting. I am glad to be past the diaper stage though!

    Reply
  4. Mellisa says

    June 28, 2013 at 8:49 pm

    It’s great that you are showing mom’s an alternative. I wish I would have known more about Cloth Diapers with my kids.

    Reply
  5. Leilani says

    June 28, 2013 at 10:15 pm

    I never tried pre-folds when we were CDing the girls. I’m pretty bummed that I sold my entire stash for ridiculously cheap just a couple months before I found out I was pregnant with baby #3. 🙁

    Reply
  6. Lolo says

    June 29, 2013 at 12:03 am

    I did not know there were so many different ways to fold them!

    Reply
  7. Jennifer says

    June 29, 2013 at 8:26 am

    I had no idea there were so many ways to fold a prefold. I instantly went straight to pocket diapers

    Reply
  8. courtney says

    June 29, 2013 at 8:28 am

    Shame on me.. I’ve actually never used a prefold..

    Reply
  9. Samantha says

    June 29, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    Great info on the different folds–just what I was looking for to show a friend!

    Reply
  10. Vanessa: thequeenofswag says

    June 29, 2013 at 1:33 pm

    He’s so cute and I don’t think I can handle cloth diapers.

    Reply
  11. Mindi says

    June 29, 2013 at 7:31 pm

    Great video! I am going to try the jelly roll fold tomorrow with Ryker. We have only had one blow out so far with prefolds but I have just been using the newspaper and trifold. Have been meaning to cruise youtube for other folds so this was perfect. Thanks! I can’t even believe your little guy is already 6 months. Craziness!

    Reply
  12. Heather Johnson says

    June 30, 2013 at 7:56 am

    What an awesome guide! I love the pics of all the ways to fold a prefold. I personally do not use prefolds but prefer to use Best Bottom AI2s. However, your guide is just what someone wanting to use prefolds needs to get started.

    P.S. Your baby is adorable. That smile is precious!

    Reply
  13. Kelly @ A Girl Worth Saving says

    June 30, 2013 at 11:44 am

    I so wish that cloth had worked for us. I will admit that prefolds worked the best when compared to the other ways you can cloth diaper.

    Reply
  14. Kathleen says

    June 30, 2013 at 3:30 pm

    I definitely didn’t know any of this. Wish I knew more when my boys were little.

    Reply
  15. Maryann says

    June 30, 2013 at 3:47 pm

    I so wanted to use cloth diapers but they really confused me.

    Reply
  16. HilLesha says

    June 30, 2013 at 5:28 pm

    Sounds great! I tried cloth diapers, but I didn’t have a good experience. 🙁

    Reply
  17. Jennifer The Quirky Momma says

    June 30, 2013 at 10:41 pm

    Every time I read a post about cloth diapers I start feeling a bit guilty for being scared of them.

    Reply
  18. Lauren @ TheMedianMommy says

    July 1, 2013 at 5:15 am

    Great topic, as I’m celebrating 1 year of cloth diapering…with prefolds! It’s an often overlooked cloth diapering option, but the most effective and leak-proof, in my opinion. My Preference for Prefolds event just started today, and I’m giving away 3 amazing prefold prize packs!

    Reply
    • Emily says

      July 1, 2013 at 5:18 pm

      Yay for one year!! We just love our prefolds. I have more of them than any other diaper! They are really a great option! I will be sure to check out some of your giveaways! I will be giving away a booster pack of Real Nappies as soon as I get it up!!

      Reply
  19. Penelope (NYC Blogger) says

    July 1, 2013 at 4:19 pm

    I always wondered how the heck to cloth diaper in a way that would work and is comfortable, but looking at those folds, I can see it- those look like they’d offer coverage and not irritate the baby.

    Reply
  20. Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell says

    July 2, 2013 at 3:13 am

    I wish I’d known this because then maybe I could have had a better diaper experience. I gave up after the first diaper MESS!!!!

    Reply
  21. Jenn says

    July 2, 2013 at 5:54 am

    We use the newspaper fold. Love the savings that prefolds offer!

    Reply
  22. kristin says

    July 7, 2013 at 9:49 pm

    I have got to cloth diaper my next baby! Great tips, thank you!

    Reply
  23. Amanda Acuna says

    July 10, 2013 at 4:52 pm

    I just started using prefolds and they are my favorite for nighttime! I definitely need to get more!

    and YES @Kristin you have to cloth diaper!!!! I LOVE our cute little fluffy bum!

    Reply
  24. Shop with Me Mama says

    July 12, 2013 at 3:38 pm

    what a wonderful and thorough review! I LOVE The pictures showing the different folds. Definitely bookmarking this page! Your baby is sooooo cute!

    Reply
  25. Catherine BW says

    July 14, 2013 at 12:18 pm

    I used prefolds with my first 5 kids, right now I’m using fancy AIOs with my newborn!

    Reply
  26. Steph says

    July 15, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    I’m excited to expand my cloth diaper stash and include prefolds. Currently an all pocket stash.

    Reply
  27. Stephanie O says

    July 17, 2013 at 2:31 pm

    Really enjoy this blog. I have not used them but think they will be a smart choice to add to my stash. Easy to use and cheaper than the all in ones.

    Reply
  28. Anne Sweden says

    July 18, 2013 at 6:03 am

    Thanks for the pictures of the 4 common folds, grouped all together like that. Very useful for comparison!

    Reply
  29. Sarah Jane says

    July 18, 2013 at 7:10 am

    My favorite fold to use on my daughter was the newspaper fold.

    Reply
  30. Renea Pike says

    July 18, 2013 at 11:44 am

    Prefolds are my go to diapers. I always use the padfold though, I’ve never been good at any of the other ones lol.

    Reply
  31. Melanie says

    July 19, 2013 at 8:05 am

    I only have one prefold and use it to stuff my pockets because it’s not the right size for my baby 😉 I’d love to try more!

    Reply
  32. Rachel says

    July 19, 2013 at 4:53 pm

    Great post! I learned a lot about folding prefolds and the reasons for the folds in the video! Your little guy did great during the video and he’s adorable!!!

    Reply
  33. Rachel A. says

    July 19, 2013 at 5:18 pm

    I would love to try these, but my stash is mostly pockets. They see so affordable and fairly easy to use. My mom used them on me when I was growing up. I am also scared of prepping them!

    Reply
  34. Jennifer H says

    July 20, 2013 at 1:53 am

    What’s nice about prefolds is their versatility. They can also be burp cloths and changing pads, and be used as inserts in pockets. And once you no longer need diapers they can be used for cleaning around the house.

    Reply
  35. Aimee P. says

    July 20, 2013 at 10:33 am

    Great pictures of the different types of folds. Very helpful. Thank you

    Reply
  36. kathy says

    July 21, 2013 at 5:42 am

    Love Prefolds

    Reply
  37. Bobbie T says

    July 21, 2013 at 5:44 am

    When I first started cloth diapering I said I would never use pre folds and now they are one of my favorites! The newspaper and jelly roll are my favorite folds 🙂

    Reply
  38. doan b says

    July 21, 2013 at 1:08 pm

    WOW! That looked easy! I will have to get some to try. Thank you!!!

    Reply
  39. Gina says

    July 21, 2013 at 4:25 pm

    Wow, I had no idea there were so many ways to fold the inserts.

    Reply
  40. Laura says

    July 23, 2013 at 4:57 am

    I had a diaper service for my son when he was little because we lived in an apartment building with a basement laundry room, so we used prefolds and covers, but then, when he was older, I used pocket diapers on him because he was so wiggly. For the baby I’m expecting in August, I’ll be using prefolds, covers, and pocket diapers. I’m glad to see there are so many ways to fold them.

    Reply
  41. Virginia @thatbaldchick says

    July 23, 2013 at 10:46 am

    We loved prefolds for the newborn stage!

    Reply
  42. Laura P says

    July 23, 2013 at 11:25 am

    Thanks for the tutorial! Instead of using newborn pockets or AIOs, I think I’m going to go with prefolds and covers for those first few weeks at least. (We’re expecting our first, so everything is theoretical right now lol).

    Reply
  43. Jessie says

    July 23, 2013 at 11:38 am

    I don’t currently use prefolds because I was intimidated and thought they looked complicated! After watching your video, I think I might reconsider 🙂

    Reply
  44. Melissa says

    July 24, 2013 at 9:19 pm

    I love cloth diapers! And thank you for the info!

    Reply
  45. Cynthia Downer says

    July 25, 2013 at 7:11 am

    Never knew about all the ways to fold prefolds – thanks for the guide!

    Reply
  46. Vicki Hall says

    July 25, 2013 at 11:11 am

    I love my prefolds. I tri fold them in the covers They work great and wash easily. Thanks for the post on the different folds.

    Reply
  47. Elisabeth says

    July 25, 2013 at 1:37 pm

    I love that you are having this kit giveaway. I believe it’s a great start for us beginners!

    Reply
  48. kat says

    July 25, 2013 at 7:48 pm

    So much to learn. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  49. Christina G says

    July 26, 2013 at 9:02 am

    I plan on using a mix of CD for my newborn, including prefolds–I’m thinking the newspaper or jelly roll folds–I guess trial and error will help me decide which ones work best! I always love a good prefold post for a confidence boost! 🙂

    Reply
  50. Julia says

    July 26, 2013 at 7:41 pm

    I think that prefolds will be great to use on my infant since I can adjust as needed for size.

    Reply
  51. rebekah kane says

    July 27, 2013 at 11:34 pm

    Thanks so much for presenting the different folding techniques- I have only used the newspaper fold- but am going to try the others now.

    Reply
  52. Sheena says

    November 15, 2013 at 7:26 pm

    What kind of diaper cover are you using in the video? I have not seen one like that before. So soft looking and stretchy. 🙂

    Reply

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