Diaper Folding 101

Overwhelmed by the thought of having to fold cloth diapers?  Folding Flat Fold Birdseye Pique, Diaper Service Quality (DSQ) and Prefold Diapers is easier than you think!  With a little help, diapering is more a cinch than a challenge!

The Diaper pictorials linked below are for Flat Fold and Prefolded Cloth Diapers (nappies) and may or may not require the use of diaper pins or snappi diaper fasteners for securing the diaper on the baby.  Both Flat Fold and Prefold Cloth diapers require a waterproof outer diaper cover to keep mom's lap and baby's clothing dry.  

• Prefold Diapers: A 'prefold' diaper is a cloth diaper that has already been folded for primary thickness in the center.  Then, the absorbent diaper layers are sewn into place to 'set' the fold.  This results in a cloth diaper that may have from 6 to 8 layers (ply) of thickness in the center panel and 2 to 4 layers (ply) on the outer two panels.  Prefolds can be purchased in several different sizes: Preemie - Infant/Newborn - Regular/Standard - Regular/Premium - Toddler.  They can also be purchased in varying layers in their 3 panels (also called ply).

• Flat Fold Diapers: A Flat Fold cloth diaper does not have multiple layers.  These are often what is visualized when the term "Old Fashioned Diapers" come to mind.  They are large single-layered squares of fabric meant to be folded down *origami skills not required* to tailor the absorption where it is needed.  They dry quickly and are lighter weight overall than Prefold cloth diapers.

Pictorial Diagrams:

Want to see step by step pictures of differing Diaper Folding fold techniques?  Check out the links below for simple methods of folding your cloth diapers to get the fit you need/want for your baby's diapering needs.  With the right system, cloth diapering is a delight - not a chore!

• Birdseye Flat Folds

• Newspaper Fold

• Reverse Newspaper Fold

• "Let's do the Twist" Fold

• Thigh Fold for Side Sleeping Babies

• How to use a Wrap-Style Cover with Chinese Prefolds

Know of a Diaper Fold that we are missing?  Seen another on the world wide web that needs to be added to our collection here?  Please email us with a link or let us know if you would like to be a contributing WAHM or momma to our Diaper Folding 101 pages here at The Diaper Hyena™.