How to Fold a Prefold Diaper

Don't let prefold diapers intimidate you. Even though they're a simple rectangular piece of fabric, they are nothing like the flat Birdseye diapers of yesteryears. These diapers don't require intricate folding. They don't even need to be pinned. With some practice and experimentation, you'll find the right fold for you and your baby.

Instructions

Newspaper (or No Fold Method)

1. Open a cloth diaper cover.

2. Fold down the front of the diaper (if needed). This way, it will match the length of the cover.

3. Fold the diaper into thirds. Place in the cover. You can tuck the diaper into the front fold.

4. Bring both cover and diaper over baby. Fasten the cover. Though not always blow-out-proof, this method is simple. It requires no fastening or pins.

Angel Wings

1. Lay diaper flat. Fold into thirds lengthwise.

2. Pull the top edges out flat, leaving the bottom folded into thirds.

3. Place your baby on the diaper. Bring up the bottom thrice folded half.

4. Stretch the back "wings" around baby to the front folded half. Secure with a safety pin.

Diva Fold

1. Lay the diaper out flat. Place your baby face-down on top, lining the edge with your baby's navel.

2. Bring the bottom edge up. Fold over your baby's bottom.

3. Tuck the top corners around your baby's tummy.

4. Bring the lower corners up around your baby's bottom. Pull toward the center.

5. Fasten the edges for a tight fit. This fold works especially well for boys.

Jelly Roll

1. Place the diaper out flat. Lay your baby face-up on top. Line the top edge up with your baby's navel.

2. Roll the sides of the diaper in from the bottom of the diaper towards the middle. Make sure your rolls are tight.

3. Making sure the edges don't unravel. Lift the bottom of the diaper over your baby's front. Bring the top corners up across your baby. Fasten them in place. This fold prevents blow-outs from leaking on covers.

Bikini Twist

1. Lay the diaper out flat. Fold into thirds lengthwise.

2. Hold on to the top and bottom halves and twist.

3. Fan out both ends, making sure to maintain the twist.

4. Slide one half under your baby's bottom.

5. Fold up the top half. Bring the bottom corners up across the front. Secure with safety pins. This fold works well for smaller babies by eliminating excess diaper bulk.

Tips & Warnings

• Stick pins in a bar of soap when not using them. The soap coating helps pins glide easily through cloth.

• Don't ever leave a baby unattended on a changing table.

Resources

• Detailed instructions on using prefold diapers
• Prefolds 101: Understanding the Differences
• Folds with step-by-step pictures