Back to the Basics: Pre-folds

After talking to some readers, I've realized that some of the things I'm talking about do not make sense if you are first starting to inquire about cloth diapers.  Trust me, when I first started researching, I had no idea what anything was.  My next few posts are my attempt to clear those things up for you, too!  Please comment and ask questions and I'll see what I can do to help.

Question #1....What is a pre-fold and how do you use it?

These are pre-folds.  They are the same as burps clothes and come in numerous sizes to fit babies from newborn to potty-trained.  The middle is the thickest, most absorbent part.  This is the most economical way to cloth diaper because they are low in cost, can be used as burp clothes, and can be used as inserts in a pocket diaper.  (See Pocket Diapers post for more info).  One pre-fold costs between $1.50 and $2.50.

There are two common ways to fold a pre-fold.  The simpler way is is called the Newspaper Fold.
1.  Fold the outside rectangles over the middle to make a long rectangle.
2.  Place rectangle in the diaper cover. If the rectangle is too long for your baby, fold down the front and back to fit comfortably in the cover.  (Covers are explained in Diaper Covers post).
3.  Fasten cover just like a disposable.

The other way looks more like the "old-fashioned" idea you might have in your head - minus the pins =)  It is called the Angel Wings Fold.
1.  Start by folding into a long rectangle, but leave the top out for the wings.
2.  Place the wings under the baby.
3.  Pull the bottom up through the legs.
4.  Fasten with Snappi.
5.  Put on the cover.

The last step to this method is fastening with a Snappi.  As you can see below, each end of the Snappi has teeth that can hook anywhere into the diaper to hold it securely until you are ready to change it.  Start by hooking it into the left side of the diaper, pull across to secure the right, and then fasten bottom comb to make it a tight fit.  A 3-pack of Snappi's costs $7.50-$8.00.

However you decide to fold your pre-fold, you will need to put a waterproof cover over top of it.  The next post, Diaper Covers, will explain the purpose and the different types of covers.  It will also give suggestions as to how many pre-folds and covers you will need if you choose this route of cloth diapering.

Oh, and I'd like to thank my assistant Monkey...he did a great job =)