Let's talk about dipes -PREFOLDS pt.1

There are so many options when it comes to cloth diapers. It's really fun to browse the different types and styles. It's always good to do a little research based on your baby's body type and budget. Baby E is long and lean, but she has one roll on her upper inner thigh (it's really quite cute) that makes CD's kinda tricky, so definitely ask around or browse different message boards dedicated to cloth diapering to help you find a good fit for your baby and budget.

 So lets talk about dipes...

PREFOLDS/FLATS
(please excuse the bad photos tonight, I was anxious to get this post up and sloppy lol)

These are what you mostly likely wore yourself as a baby and are considered a little more "dated" or "old fashioned". I have a special place in my heart for prefolds. There is just something about wrapping a little piece of rectangular cloth around your precious bundle and fastening it tight.

While prefolds have pretty much stayed the same the "accessories" have changed and have been modernized quite a bit! Behold the SNAPPI!

 

(photo courtesy of google image search)

The Snappi is this nifty little invention that replaces any need for those scary diaper pins (props to you moms and dads out there that still rock the pins!). It's super easy to use and really is quite genius. I have great love for the snappi's. Diaper covers have really come a long way too! No more icky plastic pants! You can find some super cute prints with velcro or snap closures. You can find them sized that will fit your baby for a certain amount of time based on their height/weight or you can find them one sized that grow with your baby!
Here's a little basic "how to" for using prefolds. This is the "Angel Wings" fold. there are several different types of folds out there, this is just what I used most often.

First lay your prefold down and fold it into thirds lengthwise. Separate the top to corners to form "wings"

Then lay your baby (or teddy bear, whichever is handy) and pull the diaper up and over the baby "bits"

Pull the wings together across baby's midsection

Then hook your Snappi into the diaper from the left and stretch it across to the right.

Once it is hooked into the right side of the diaper, pull the remaining tab down and secure it.

Wallah! There you have it. Now we just need a cover!

Fasten your super cute cover to meet your baby's size. Make sure its snug around the waist and thighs.

Check out this ridiculously cute fluffy butt! Cover is made by Gen-Y (holy cute prints Batman!)

This cover snaps on the side to allow for more generous sizing around the thighs while still getting snug around the waist.

Here is another example of diaper cover. This is a Thirsties Duo Size 1. This should fit babies from 6-18lbs according to their website. I found that Baby E grew out of it much sooner. Closer to 15lbs

See how the snaps adjust to grow with your baby?

Here is Baby E with her very first cloth diaper at two months old <3 She's wearing an infant size unbleached Indian prefold with a Thirsties Duo size 1 with aplix (velcro).

 Well there you have it folks, your first lesson on prefold diapers!! That's not so hard is it?  Please feel free to share your favorite types of covers or different tips and tricks for getting a good fit.