I’ve noticed A lot of mothers avoid using prefold cloth diapers because they’re intimidated.
However, there are actually some great advantages that a prefold can offer over every other type of diaper.
I was also hesitent of using the prefold once, but now it’s my favorite diapering system I use!
(I’m going on 5+ years in cloth diapering btw.)
Here are 5 benefits prefolds can offer you!
Affiliate Disclaimer:
This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click on any of my fun-little-links and purchase something, I'll make a small commision at no extra cost to you. It's a win-win for both of us right?
1. Economical
Prefolds cloth diapers are among the cheapest diapering systems you can purchase.
You can find a pack of 10 for around 20-25 bucks. One regular All in One (AIO) or Pocket Diaper will cost you around 15-20 alone.
Prefolds come in different sizes to grow with your baby. Newborn cloth diapers can be pricey and they grow out of them quickly.
Newborn prefolds are a great economical option and You can get a pack or two of newborn prefolds and use them as burp cloths later.
Extra Costs To Consider
Of course, you will have to factor in the cost of a few Diaper Covers (Amazon aff links) and a Snappi or Boingo. (Amazon aff link)
You can buy prefolds used if you’re tight on cash or just want to save in general. You can also sell your diapers once you’re done to recoup some of the costs.
Used diapers do surprisingly well.
Some mothers only use the prefold diapering system from birth to potty training.
If you want to know more about the Snappi, check this old video I made comparing the two fasteners.
And yes I changed my website from ClothDiaperEasy to MyGreenNest.
Click the image above to play the video.
My Personal Favorites:
In case you are wondering my favorite prefolds – after using for over 5 years – are the GroVia Toddler Prefolds (aff link).
Coming in a close second are the Imagine Baby and Osocozy prefolds. (Amazon aff links)
2. Customizable
There are several different types of folds you can use to cater to your baby’s specific needs.
I had two boys so I used to fold it over in the front where they needed it the most.
The jelly-roll fold is great for newborns because it holds in the messy breastmilk poo so well.
All you do is lay the prefold down, roll in the sides then fold over and secure with the Snappi.
For quick changes, you don’t even have to do a fancy fold or Snappi. Just fold it in thirds and lay it inside of your cover.
3. The Perfect Fit
As just mentioned, prefold cloth diapers are one of the most customizable diapers out there – Next to the Flat.
Anytime we’d be going out to dinner I’d slap on a prefold. It looked and fit the best under their clothes where other diapers look too bulky.
prefold cloth diapers will take on the shape of a chubby, skinny, short, or tall baby.
For example, this is a great option for babies who have a hard time fitting standard diapers.
Prefold diapers are also ideal if you’re taking your baby to get pictures made.
4. Versatile
Prefold cloth diapers are one of the most versatile diapering systems you can get.
For example; if you purchase 12 newborn flats for 25 dollars you can diaper your newborn up to 12-15 pounds.
You can then fold them in thirds and stuff them inside your Pocket Diapers (aff link) so they are doubling as inserts!
They can then be used as burp cloths or can be laid over your Boppy Pillow or any nursing pillow to catch any messes.
Prefolds can then be used on your next baby or resurrected as cleaning rags.
And like I mentioned earlier, you have the option of selling them and recouping some of the money.
That is – as long as you take care of them.
And if you end up selling them you’ve paid a tiny amount for multiple years of use. Not too shabby mama!
I love my Thirsties diaper covers, you can check out these Amazon affiliate link images if you are interested in purchasing your own!
5. Low Maintenance
I have a variety of cloth diapers but one thing I love about the prefold is the low maintenance factor.
If needed, you can bleach them without worrying about the cover (since they don’t have one). There are no snaps or velcro to worry about either.
A prefold is basically a glorified absorbent rag.
I don’t worry about stains and air-drying like I do with my pockets and AIO’s. These diapers also last a long time without showing signs of wear.
Prefold cloth diapers are just basic and simple; a no-fuss diaper.
Do you have to use the snappi or pin with prefold if you are using a cover?
No you don’t Maria. Some people prefer not to use anything and just let the cover hold it in place. The Snappi just keeps your prefold more secure.
Do some just not buy different sized prefolds? In my family we have big babies, so I figure (because of the folding possibilities) a large (15-30+ pounds) should do fine if the baby is born 9-12 pounds? It just seems like such a waste to buy all these sizes when you could just fold it down a little?
Sorry, I’m very new to cloth diapering and hoping to use it once we have a little one
I actually just purchased the medium size and used them until he got too big for them. Now I fold them up and pair them with a bamboo insert. So technically, you can just purchase one size and be good. 🙂
If you do decide to buy two sizes of prefolds you will get your money’s worth out of them. You can just use them as burp clothes or cleaning rags. You can sell them too and get most your money back if you keep them in good condition.
I so want to know more info about this type of cloth diaper. I do not like big and bulky. So with a pre fold you can either use the pins or just tri fold it? I’m so confused, I really want to cloth diaper and this seems like a good fit for our family. All this terminology is ???????????? to me.
Do you have a YouTube channel lol?
Hi there, sorry I took a long break from my blog after my third child. I am just now getting back to work ha ha. I do have a youtube channel called MyGreenNest and I will be coming out with a prefold and flat cloth diaper tutorial video. You can trifold if you’re in a hurry or you can use boingos’, snappi’s or old fashioned safety pins if you want a slimmer fit and to hold in the poo better. 🙂