Prefolds - an oxymoron, yes I think so

[Volara]

Hi all,

I'm new to the site (and new to cloth nappies) and I've tried to search for answers in previous posts but
I'm still not clear as to what prefolds really are

Okay a thread to newbies that said prefolds were rectangular nappies with a padded strip down the middle.
Okay well then don't they still need folding then????? How are they prefold??? The is plenty of pre and post
folding as far as I can see.

And then I've seen a prefold shaped like a H, which makes more sense to me as a prefold as you would
just pull the ends together. I think....

Which is the truth? Can anyone please explain in small words as I think my brain is blown a fuse when
I entered the world of MCN

Thanks in advance

Vo

[skybie]

i havent seen the H shped ones b4!!!
i have the rectangle ones with the "padded" center. i fold both the side into the centre and fan out the back end, i know that probably makes no sense but u can google how to fold prefolds for sme ideas. then i wack them in a cover and off we go! they are very simple to use once u get the hang of it. Good luck hun

[Rivlas]

Haha, if you think your brain has blown now wait until they start talking nappy brands.

It took me forever to understand half of what my DD was talking about regarding nappies. Some of it did sink in eventually but I was not using them do a daily basis.

If I remember correctly they are folded in 3 and used when the baby is small, with just a cover over it. They also are great for using when you are b/f to wipe up any accidents.

Someone from cloth will soon answer you

[~Raven~]

lol I have thought similar when I first looked at prefolds too but they get their name because the majority of the folding has been taken care of and stitched into place If you have a stack of flat nappies to compare, the amount of folding is bugger all in comparison!

It is a time saver as it reduces the amount of folding one has to do but it doesn't do away with it all together

[Bloom]

I completely agree. Maybe we should re-name them partial-folds.

Yes, MCN is confusing, but ask all the questions you need to and soon you'll be up to speed.

[Volara]

Thanks everyone for replying. I think partial fold is a fantastic name! Prefold is a bit misleading especially
for someone like me who has difficulty folding a letter into an envelope!

[sunshine_sieben]

Lol, I also thought the same thing when I first heard aboput pre-folds.

Then there are the "All-in-One's" with snap-in soaker pads (boosters) or pockets...

When you are referring to nappies that don't need folding, you might want to have a look at contour nappies. They are sort-of hourglass shaped, don't require folding, but also don't have elastic, velcro or snaps, so are longer-lasting and cheaper. They do up with either a Snappi, nappy Pin or are just held in place with a well-fitting cover.