When I was pregnant, my husband and I discussed cloth diapering as a money saving option. At the time we thought the only cloth diapers available were the prefold diapers and rubber pants found at the VERY BOTTOM shelf of the baby section in the local Wal-mart and Target; because we were desperate to save money, we were willing to consider it.
When my daughter was born, and I started using the bumGenius! One Size Pocket Diapers, the idea of diapering with prefolds went out the window as I sought more “modern” cloth diapering solutions. The absolute ease of using pocket diapers was addictive, so I no longer considered prefold diapers as an option, even though our tight finances meant I had to grow our pocket diaper stash very slowly.
I decided to buy some prefolds.
It was during a sale at an online cloth diaper store that I decided to buy some prefold diapers. In addition, I purchased a set of diaper pins, and a diaper cover.
When I tried to use them, despite my many efforts, I failed MISERABLY. I eventually gave up, placing them at the bottom of my cloth diaper stash as my “emergency diapers.” My husband disdained them so much he’d choose disposables over prefolds when the laundry wasn’t done on time.
Why do people shy away from prefold diapers?
Here lies the rub — people shy away from prefold diapers because they think using them requires a degree in rocket science. They remember the pins their moms used to use and say, “No way!” People who aren’t educated in modern cloth diapering won’t even consider cloth diapers because they think prefold diapers are the only option. Figuring out how to fold a prefold diaper under baby’s wiggly bum, and fasten it with pins – all the while trying not to hurt themselves and their baby, is more than they can fathom.
A friend introduced me to the Snappi Diaper Fastener.
I was of the same opinion as the vast majority of folks until a friend introduced me to the Snappi Diaper Fastener — a wonderful contraption that makes using diaper pins absolutely unnecessary. I purchased one for only $3.95 and my entire view of prefold diapers changed. I loved my Snappi so much I started using my prefold diapers first because it was suddenly so easy and fun! (Yes, I’m a dork for thinking that changing diapers if fun!)
Make your prefolds easy to use.
I like to sew, and soon after discovering the Snappi, it occurred to me it wouldn’t be too difficult to add Velcro to my prefolds for an easy diaper change. Adding a strip of hooks sewn to the top of the front end of the prefold diaper and squares of hooks attached to the back inside corners (as well as squares of loops for laundry tabs), I found yet another way to make my prefolds easy to use.
If I was going to add Velcro, why not make it easier still? Prefolds easily convert into a contour diaper by cutting in space for the legs on each end, and then securing the edges with a zig zag stitch or a serger. If wanted, Velcro closures can be added to the converted, prefold-contour diapers, or you can continue to use a Snappi Diaper Fastener.
And finally, since I’d gone that far in the adjustment of my prefolds, why not go all the way and make some fitted diapers out of them! Following the same method I use to make my regular fitted diapers, I cut my pattern out of my prefold diapers to make super absorbent fitted diapers.
So why prefolds? For a few reasons…
- Prefold Diapers are the absolute cheapest cloth diapering solution.
- Prefold Diapers are made of natural materials – usually cotton, and sometimes other things like hemp, so you have the best possible fibers against baby’s delicate skin.
- They are not as difficult as you might think. Sure, they add a couple more steps, but if you get a Snappi, or get creative with your sewing machine, you can easily alleviate difficulty.
So give prefold diapers a try. There is a reason our mothers and grandmothers used them for years and swear by them! It might take a while to get used to them, or even to find your groove, but they are really a great cloth diapering solution.
GUEST BLOGGER
is a part time Spanish Teacher, a part time Stay-at-home-mom, and the wife of the best husband imaginable. Becca’s absolute favorite thing to do is to spend time with her little family. She also enjoys doing anything crafty – from making jewelry, to writing, to sewing, to photography.
You can read more about Becca at her blog, Becca’s Cloth Diaper Blog.
Bryana is the owner of 
Becca is a part-time Spanish Teacher and part-time Stay-At-Home-Mom. She's a cloth diaper expert who enjoys spending time with her family, crafting and selling her wares in her very own
Julie is a mom to three kids including a set of identical twins. Through cloth diapering her twins she developed a passion for the industry and is an avid cloth diaper advocate. You can also find her on her blog
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