How to Fold Cloth Diapers

The cloth diaper is having a return in popularity. Many new parents are investigating just how these cloth diapers work in comparison to their disposable counterparts. Perhaps it is the ever-conscious eco-friendliness of the cloth diaper. These diapers can be washed and reused instead of being deposited in a landfill. Surprisingly, some people find it extremely difficult to master the art of folding a cloth diaper into a proper fit, both for baby’s comfort and protection. It isn’t a hard task, and after you have practiced on a few, you will have it down. You and baby will both be delighted in the soft, airy feel of real cloth against your newborn’s delicate little bottom.

Things You'll Need

  • Package of prefold cloth diapers
  • Package of square birdseye diapers

Instructions

  1. Prefold Diapers

    • 1

      Lay the diaper out on a flat surface and smooth out all of the wrinkles. Fold the long ends in towards the seam in the center padding. The fold should reach just to the seam on its side, depending on the size of your baby.

    • 2

      Fold one end over towards the center. The amount of fold will depend on the baby’s size. Very small babies will require the fold to be about one third. Now, fold the diaper in half. The general rule is that the folded thickness goes in front for a girl and in the back for a boy.

    • 3

      Try the first diaper you fold onto the baby for size. It is easy to adjust a cloth diaper for a perfect fit, by either increasing or decreasing the amount you fold in or over. Soon you will know your baby's exact size and will be able to fold accordingly.

    Square (birdseye) Diapers

    • 4

      Place the diaper on a flat surface and smooth out the wrinkles. Now, fold one side over about a third of the width, then fold over the other side. Always smooth the fabric as you fold.

    • 5

      Bring the top of the diaper down to about the middle and smooth it on the fold. Exact folding size will depend on the size of the child you are diapering. Adjust the sizes of your folds as the child grows.

    • 6

      Place the folded part in the back for a boy and in the front for a girl. Bring the other end up to fold the diaper for storage or stack as it is, and it is ready to slip under the baby for quick changes.

    • 7

      Wash all new cloth diapers in a very mild detergent and add fabric softener to the rinse cycle. Dry them thoroughly before using them on your baby.

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