3 Ways to Fold a Prefold Cloth Diaper

Here are three different ways to fold a prefold cloth diaper. Which you choose depends mainly on your preference. I prefer the first method (the Flying Angel Wing fold) because it seems to do the best job at catching poo. I will sometimes use the third method (the Trifold) along with the Flying Angel Wing fold for double absorbency such as at night.

Oh, and in case you were wondering, in my post Prefold Cloth Diapers & Diaper Covers (and in THIS video), I illustrated a variation of the Flying Angel Wing fold.

Flying Angel Wing

Lay the prefold flat.

Fold over one of the flaps.

Curl over one half of the folded flap.

Repeat with the other flap. It’ll look kinda like a funky-collared shirt for a really skinny person without arms. The little baby butt goes on the end with the collar (er, wings).

Fold the bottom half up over baby. If necessary, also fold down the edge to lower the rise.

Fold one of the “wings” around to the front. Repeat with the other “wing”.

Secure with a Snappi.

Cover with a diaper cover and you’re done. Be sure all of the prefold is tucked in around the leg openings and around the waist to prevent leakage.

Twist

Lay the prefold flat.

Twist the diaper near the middle. Pretend baby’s bum is on the part on the left side of the picture.

Flip the short end opposite baby’s behind up over baby. The twisted part should be toward the front so it catches more pee.

Fold the front edge down if necessary to lower the rise.

Tuck the front corner around baby’s side then pull the back corner around to the front. Repeat with the other side.

Secure with a Snappi.

Finish by putting on a diaper cover. Be sure the prefold is tucked in around the leg openings and around the waist to evade leaking.

Trifold

Lay the prefold out flat.

Fold down one short end as necessary to match the length of the diaper cover. This is the first fold.

Fold over one of the flaps. This is the second fold.

Fold over the other flap. This is the third fold (hence the name “trifold”).

Place the trifolded prefold inside the diaper cover. Some diaper covers have one or two partial “pockets” on the ends (the Thirsties cover I used for the picture has one). Tuck the ends of the prefold in these pockets if you like.