Folding Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapers made easy

There are two types of cloth diapers. Pre-fold cloth diapers are folded with extra-absorbent panels sewn in place, offering six to eight layers of thickness in the center, and two to four layers at the sides; pre-fold diapers are sold by sizes. Flat-fold diapers are large, single-layered squares that can be custom-folded to provide the desired degree of absorption.

The art of folding

Flat-fold angel wing: Fold the square in half; bring both sides to the middle, overlapping one side to form a middle absorption layer; bring new bottom corners in on a diagonal and lay baby on this spot. Bring the center through baby's legs, draw together the wings and secure with a safety pin.

Pre-fold angel wing: Fold sides to the center and overlap; fold a couple of inches of the diaper up in the front; unfold sides at the top of the backside; place diaper under baby, bring the front up between the legs, overlap back and front wings to fit and pin closed.

Pre-fold/flat-fold double daytime: Use a flat-fold diaper inside the pre-fold diaper and fold in the angel wing method.

Pre-fold double angel wing/nighttime double: This is done the same as the angel wing, but it uses two diapers, providing 12 layers for heavy wetters.

Pre-fold below the navel: This method is used for smaller babies when the navel is healing. Fold the same as for the angel wing and bring the front through baby's legs; do not bring the front diaper edged up to meet the back. Instead, dip the front below the navel, bring the back wings around and pin.

Pre-fold twist: For larger leg openings, lay diaper flat; lay baby on diaper; flip bottom of diaper over 180 degrees; pull up between legs and pin.

Diaper pins: Use quality diaper pins. Keep a bar of soap on the dressing table. When removing diaper pins, insert points into the soap. This will make pins go through diapers easily and eliminate poking baby with the points.