How to Fold a Prefold (aka Tri-fold) Diaper

Traditional Fold (my personal favorite):

 Lay the prefold flat and fold edges in so they overlap and make sort of triangular shape.

Lay baby on top of the prefold and bring it up beween baby's legs.

Fold forward and fan out the top of the prefold if the rise is too long.

Pull one side over toward the center and overlap to secure with a Snappi.

Place one side of the Snappi on.

Pull over the other side of the Snappi and secure it. Lastly, pull down the bottom set of teeth (more on using your Snappi click here).

Place your cover under baby.

Fasten one side of the cover and then the other side, securing it as snug as you think it is comfortable for baby.

The KEY: Make sure none of the prefold is sticking out of the legs or top of the cover!  If the prefold is sticking out, you will have leaks.  I like to take my index finger and "swipe" it in each leg opening to ensure the prefold is securely inside and kind of place the cover into the little crease babies have where their legs meet their bottoms.  My covers never leak and neither should your's!

The Traditional Fold is great for babies and toddlers of all ages and provides a great "stay put" diaper.  It also contains messes very well and keeps your covers cleaner and fresher smelling.  I have a "2 cover system" where I use one cover while the other cover air dries.  Folding with the traditional method and letting the cover air between uses keeps the cover from needing laundering for days (unless it gets poop on it, of course!)

The "Bikini Twist" or "Twist":

1. Lay prefold flat and place baby on top.

2. Take each corner of the prefold with a hand and then flip/twist your hands so that the corners are now on opposite sides.

3. This motion creates a "twist" of fabric that is between the legs of the baby. 

4. Complete the securing of the diaper with a Snappi like in the Traditional fold. 

The Bikini Twist is nice on newborn babies as it reduces bulk, shortens the rise of the diaper, and also creates a nice "poo pocket."  The Bikini Twist is also great for providing extra absorbency for girls where it counts.

The "Business Letter" Fold:

1. Fold the thinner outside thirds of the prefold in like a business letter; overlapping the thicker middle part of the prefold.  You are now holding a triple layer, long pad of absorbency.

2. Place this into the center of your cover (optionally tucking the prefold into the flap at the front of the cover). 

3. Place cover on baby and you're done!

This fold is very quick and easy and is the favorite of some parents.  I tend to "pass" on this fold as the covers tend to get dirty and stinky quicker since they are coming into contact wth more urine and also because it can get bulky if you have to fold down the rise.

Please email me at Amber@PunkerdoopsDiapers.com if you have any questions about folding your prefolds!