How to Fold Chinese Prefolds
Chinese prefolds are rectangular cloth diapers. You can use them by themselves or with coordinating diaper covers. No matter what brand of prefolds you use, the basic folding instructions remain the same. The most important aspect is to keep the diaper from bunching up or snagging so that it remains comfortable on your baby. Folding the diapers well can also help keep your baby protected better and prevent leaks, as long as you change the diaper regularly.
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Instructions
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1
Lay the diaper in front of you so that you are closest to one of the shorter seams. You may notice that the diaper already has three crease lines in it, dividing the cloth into three segments. If it doesn't, use your ruler to measure the fabric, dividing it into thirds yourself. Make the right-hand segment 1/2 nch shorter than the other two. Since you don't want to mark on the fabric, put your right index finger where the right-hand fold should go, and vice versa.
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2
Fold the left-hand segment in toward the center of the diaper, making a vertical crease that is straight up and down. Then fold the right-hand segment toward the center and do the same. Now this segment will be on the top. Note that the edge closest to you and the edge furthest from you may not be exactly the same length. As long as they are close, it's fine. Measure down 4 inches from the furthest away edge. Fold this edge down toward you making a crease that is straight across. Then remove the fold.
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3
At the point where this crease meets the panel that's on top (the former right-hand panel) start opening up the cloth. Fold it out to the right at a 45-degree angle. Continue the fold line all the way to the top of the diaper. You will now have a triangle shape jutting out at the top right, which is perfect for pinning or fitting into the tabs of a diaper cover.
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4
Repeat Step 3 for the right side of the diaper to create a tab on this side. Try to make the angles of each tab exactly the same so you don't get a lopsided fit.
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5
Place your baby's bottom on the diaper so that her back is to the two tabs. Fold up the front of the diaper towards her belly. Then fold up the back over the baby's bottom and bring the tabs forward so they overlap the front of the diaper near the baby's waist. Pin in place.
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Tips & Warnings
If you're using a diaper cover, place the prefold in the cover before completing Step 5.
