Explain prefolds to me.......

[lrgs]

I'm fairly to the the whole CD thing, my daughter is 17 months old and I switched about 2 months ago and I love it. I notice a lot of mamas on here talking about using prefolds and covers and I have to say that I haven't had a lot of luck with prefolds. I really want to be able to use them because they're so cheap, easy to clean and the covers are super cute. I ordered some Bummis prefolds (one dozen) but I find when I tri-fold it into a Bummis Wrap it's way too bulky. Am I doing something wrong? I keep trying them out because I really want to use them, but I always end up going back to my pockets. Any tips? Thank you.

[chely7425]

I never got the hang of prefolds... just can't do it. My son doesn't sit still for a snappi and DH is hopeless with them... I know a lot of mamas here use them though so I'm sure you will get some good tips!!!

[Ifluffedthree]

I used prefolds almost exclusively until the end of my diapering.

one of my biggest tricks was to have the diaper prefolded and laying out ready to slide under the baby before removing clothing. It made the process less timely and smooth with my squirmy sons.

maybe hide your pockets for a few days to force yourself to adapt. they really are not that difficult once you find your groove.

[Llyra]

Be sure, too, that you have the right size of prefolds for the cover you're using. The larger size premium prefolds will fit well in large or extra large covers, but even the medium covers they're a little bulky. An infant-size prefold will fit better trifolded; you can use two if you need that much absorbency.

Learning to use a snappi really helps you to see the virtues of prefolds, too. A trifolded diaper is going to be loose and bulky, but a snappied prefold (one that is the right size for the babe) is the trimmest diaper I know of.

[blissful_maia]

I find it difficult to get a snug fit with a tri-folded prefold in a cover. For just bumming around the house it's fine, but if we're going out, I always snappi it on snugly and use a trim cover as well.

Also, make sure you're using the right size! Could also be that your dd is right on the cusp of the new size and will need a bit of time to grow into it. Have you washed/dried a bunch of times to prep? They shrink a lot over time.

Hope that helps!

[sunnymw]

We trifolded once.

Here's a pic tutorial of what we do now:
1. Lay baby on prefold
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/m...kinbutt102.jpg
2. Fold down to make a "poo pocket"
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/m...kinbutt103.jpg
3. Pull up
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/m...kinbutt104.jpg
4. Fold down excess
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/m...kinbutt105.jpg
5. Pull the living crap out of the wings so they're SUPER SUPER TIGHT!
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/m...kinbutt106.jpg
6. And if you're OCD, make sure both wings are even
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/m...kinbutt107.jpg
7. Snappi left, right, and down
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/m...kinbutt108.jpg
8. Tada!
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/m...kinbutt109.jpg

HTH!

[lrgs]

Thanks ladies, looks like I'll just have to get some Snappis and give it a shot.

[Quickbeam]

Oh, yes- Snappis. I found a steep learning curve with the snappi, but it was totally worth it. I love pre-folds now. They are the ultimate fit once you get the hang of them, b/c you can customize the leg openings, the rise, the waist- everything. And I have found toddler prefolds to be the most absorbent diaper around (and I have like five brands here, including the famed Goodmamas).

[sapphire_chan]

Also remember that it is okay to cut your prefolds. Can't seem to find it right now, but there's a great little article by a mama who trimmed down all her prefolds to fit her specific cover instead of folding them to fit every time. They ended up like 3/4 length or something.

[lrgs]

Thanks again everyone.....it sounds like it's about trial and error and finguring out a system. I may have to practice on a doll or something, my daughter's not very patient with diaper changes. Is it wrong that I'm excited because this opens up a whole new world of cloth diapering? If I can figure out prefolds I'll have to invest in a couple more cute covers

[sunnymw]

Yes, I practiced on a teddy bear The build-a-bear bears are the perfect size

[lrgs]

Oh good, I have a two build a bears! My daughter can practice on one while I practice on the other.

[Justmee]

Pin or snappying girl here too. I will sometimes trifold, but I really prefer snappying. He is a wiggle worm too (my girls never were), but I give him a pair of socks and he is happy. Go figure. The kid has 100 toys and all he wants to play with is socks.

[DizzyMissLizzy]

I prefer the bikini twist (i think that's what it's called)

I think it's more trim. You could try that.

[sunnymw]

Originally Posted by DizzyMissLizzy

I prefer the bikini twist (i think that's what it's called)

I think it's more trim. You could try that.

I like the bikini twist for my 8mo, too, although if I don't get it just right his parts hang out and the diaper won't catch a thing!

[Ruthie's momma]

Originally Posted by DizzyMissLizzy

I prefer the bikini twist (i think that's what it's called)

I think it's more trim. You could try that.

:

I also fold the front of the prefold down (and inward).

I don't use a Snappi.

Plus, I lay a prefold in a cover before placing a dipe under DD. That way, I can use one hand to hold the dipe while fastening the cover (already in place).

[Talula Fairie]

I never liked trifolding. Get a snappi!

Also check out this site. It's how I learned to fold prefolds.

http://diaperpages.com/pf_folds.php

[Kerr096]

thanks for the links! I recently restarted using prefolds on my 19 mo dd. She is now in a size large cover and the prefolds fit perfect. I use pockets or aio's for the diaper bag.