Prefolds

A prefold diaper is a rectangular piece of cloth divided into 3 sections. The outside layers contain 4 layers of fabric and the middle contains either 6 or 8 layers. The middle layer is the absorbent layer. You will see the prefolds described as 4x8x4 or 4x6x4. This describes the number of layers in the sections. It does not always mean the 4x8x4 are more absorbent. It is the weight of the fabric that indicates absorbency. Materials, such as Hemp and Bamboo, are quickly becoming popular choices due to their super absorbency, trimness, and anti-bacterial properties. Both are a highly absorbent material, therefore needing fewer layers than cotton prefolds. In some cases there may be 2 layers of bamboo with an extra layer of hemp in the middle.

These diapers are usually a rectangular shape and vary in length and width. Most babies will only need two or three sizes to last through their diapering years. The width does not have to be as wide as your babies waist, because when you fasten them with a Snappi or pins, you can get a more custom fit. You can fasten the diaper anywhere from the sides of your baby's waist to the middle. So you really only need the width to be a little over half the size of your babies waist.

Although they are "prefolded" they do still require minimal folding to fit your baby. Alternatively, Prefold diapers can be tri-folded and make excellent inexpensive and absorbent inserts for pocket diapers too! 

* Very economical cloth diaper.
* Quick to dry.
* Require minimal folding to fit.
* Some compromise on containment, practise at fitting and fastening can resolve this.
* They quite bulky.
* Also make excellent inexpensive and absorbent inserts for pocket diapers too!
* Lasts for years (and through multiple children) when well cared for
* Longest lifespan - and, being flat, are often used for other tasks afterwards, they will make great household cleaning cloths for example, so absolutely no waste with these

Wraps are needed with these nappies.

 They are not waterproof and do require the use of a diaper cover, herein lies one of their advantages! You decide: wool, fleece, or PUL covers.

Most common Prefold diapers available in our shops

Prefold cottons are available usually in packs in  3-4 sizes, though sizes Small (Size 1) and Large (Size 2) will suffice for most babies:

*Kikko 37x53cm Prefolds are labeled as Medium , but they actually meet the requirements of Large size diapers

PlaySafe about Prefolds

Prefold cottons are a very popular choice for newborn babies. They really are great economical diapers! You can build a stash of prefolds and covers to last 2-3 days for under 70 Eur. If you are looking to save money by using cloth diapers, these are the way to go! You really can't beat the price. They aren't as absorbent as some of the nicer fitteds or pocket diapers, but you can make a prefold more absorbent by adding a doubler. And prefolds also make great doublers, inserts for your pocket diapers, or burp rags. And when your done with them, you can use them for cleaning around the house.