Zephyr Hill

A Family Blog

Prefold Diapers for Newborns

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Prefolds and covers are the most popular option by far for newborn babies. But which prefolds should you buy? There are couple of different choices and the prices and absorbency vary with each.

#1 – Indian or Chinese Cotton Prefolds: This is the most economical option out there. Indian or Chinese prefolds are 100% cotton and you can choose from bleached or unbleached (softer). Before buying, check the number of layers sewn into your newborn prefolds. Some of them are thinner than the standard and larger sizes.  The reasoning behind this is that tiny babies don’t wet as much at one time, and are usually changed more frequently, so they don’t need a really thick prefold. Clothdiaper.com has some of the best prices right now on plain cotton prefolds (Osocozy brand).

Folded in thirds and tucked into a newborn cover is about as simple as it gets!

#2 – Bamboo Prefolds: Prefolds made of bamboo (or a bamboo/cotton blend) are growing fast in popularity. They are slightly softer and more absorbent than standard cotton prefolds, and many mothers like that bamboo is such a sustainable crop. Plus, you don’t have to shell out that much more for bamboo. Price ranges from $2.25 to $2.67 each. I love the GroVia bamboo prefolds and OsoCozy bamboo prefolds.

Here’s a bamboo prefold trifolded inside the same Sweet Pea newborn cover. As you can see, the fabric is very similar:

#3 Hemp Prefolds: Hemp is definitely the “Cadillac” in terms of absorbency, but you do have to pay more for this perk. Although some hemp fabrics can be stiff and a bit “crunchy,” that’s not always the case with hemp blends. I am completely in love with the Geffen Baby hemp jersey prefolds – they are made in the USA from a smooth and soft blend of hemp and cotton. They feel like an old t-shirt and they absorb LIKE CRAZY. At just over $5 each, I can’t have entire stash of them, but I did grab 6 when Geffen Baby had a free shipping promotion. They are perfect for long naps and overnight.

Here’s a Geffen hemp jersey prefold (newborn size) in the Sweet Pea cover:

Did you use prefolds for your newborn? Which kind did you choose and why?

Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefold Review

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Have you ever seen the Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefolds advertised and wondered what they are like, and if they are worth the money? Here’s the scoop on these really neat prefolds, and some pictures to help you get an idea of what they look like and how well they can fit into any diapering system.

The drawing on the front of the package gives you a good idea of how the Duo Hemp Prefold is made. Each hemp/cotton panel is made of 2 layers and they are sewn together only at one end to allow for air flow and a quicker drying time.

This photo gives you an even better idea of how they are constructed. I’ve draped it over my arm so you can see how it’s sewn in the shape of a tube:

When I laid it out I realized it’s not really a “prefold” in the traditional sense because there aren’t any extra layers sewn into the middle. But just like a regular prefold, you still have to fold a Thirsties Duo Hemp. And, of course, you can use it in all the same ways that you would a standard cotton prefold.

Here’s a close-up to show you the folding lines which are stitched in:

One of the greatest things about the Duo Hemp Prefolds is how TRIM they are compared to a bulky cotton prefold. Even better, they are 25% more absorbent than cotton alone. Because of this fact, they’ve served us well as both daytime and nighttime diapers. For really long nights I can stick a thin microfiber insert under my Duo Hemp Prefold and Susanna and Samuel will wake up dry, guaranteed.

Other things I really love about the Duo Hemp Prefold:

  • The hemp jersey material is buttery soft and smooth, kind of like an old t-shirt. I love the way the material feels and it stays soft after washing and fluffing in the dryer.
  • Hemp is naturally antimicrobial
  • Duo Hemp Prefolds are made in the USA
  • Because the Duo Hemp Prefolds have 2 fabric panels that are separate from each other, they clean more thoroughly and dry more quickly than cotton prefolds which can have as many as 8 layers in the middle.
  • You can choose from two sizes – 1 and 2

Here are the only drawbacks I’ve noticed:

  • Hemp stains more easily compared to some other fabrics, but it’s nothing I haven’t been able to treat or sun out.
  • The price of each Duo Hemp Prefold is $7.75 (updated 9/20/13), which many prefold moms might initially balk at. However, I think it’s worth it for the extra features. Besides, the price is actually comparable to other hemp trifold inserts on the market which generally sell for between $5.00 to $8.00 each. Hemp is, quite simply, a more expensive and higher quality fabric, so you get what you pay for. And you can always search for them used on diaper swap sites to save money.

Hemp is also supposed to be more durable than cotton, so I’m eager to see how mine hold up because I’m into cloth diapering for the long haul and have 2 in cloth right now.

Last of all, I wanted to show you the two ways I’ve used my Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefolds.

Laid inside a PUL cover (this is a Flip):

Or stuffed inside a pocket diaper (this is an Oh Katy):

Where to Buy
If you would like to try a Thirsties Duo Hemp Prefold in your stash, you can find them at my affiliates, Nicki’s Diapers, Kelly’s Closet and The Green Nursery!