Prefold Diapers
Prefold Diapers
Lots of people are moving away from disposable diapers these days. There has been a lot of press about how they impact the environment. Many landfills are full of disposable diapers and although the manufacturers are trying to make more eco-friendly products, cloth diapers are enjoying a new popularity. Prefold diapers are the easiest to use. They are rectangular with more layers in the center and thinner layers on the outside.
Flat diapers were the precursor to the prefolds and they had the same number of layers throughout. Prefolds come in different varieties, sizes, fabrics, and weights. Most have a 4x8x4 identification with the first and last numbers indicating the number of layers on the sides and the middle number indicates the layers in the middle. The 4x6x4 diapers work well and are less bulky, dry more quickly, and are cooler in summer, but babies with large urine outputs may soak through them more quickly.
Prefold diapers come in bleached and unbleached fabrics. The unbleached do last longer because the fabric has not been weakened by bleach. Organic fabrics as well as traditional non-organic fabrics are widely available. The organic fabrics are quite a bit more expensive. Prefolds come in many fabrics and weaves. The most common quality cloth diaper is made of 100% woven cotton and can be expected to last through several children. After that they make wonderful cleaning cloths. Lesser quality diapers may have foam or rayon center inserts that break down quickly and do little to enhance the absorbency, so stick with 100% cotton if you can.
Hemp prefold diapers are more widely available now and are very popular. Prefolds may be made from knit hemp fleece, woven hemp muslin, or woven hemp jersey. All of them are actually a blend of 55% cotton and 45% hemp. Hemp is more durable and absorbent than cotton and has a natural resistance to mold and mildew. Other varieties include Birdseye cotton, Indian cotton, Terry/flannel cotton, and Gauze cotton.
What ever type of prefold diapers you choose, keep in mind that woven fabrics hold up better from the stresses of pinning or using a Snappi. Knitted fabrics tend to develop holes and runs, but they are stretchy and fit very well. You may need to try a few to see what works best for you. I can remember folding endless diapers when my youngest brother was born. My mother had her own way of folding and it was time consuming. I would have loved having prefold diapers to use.