'Chinese Prefolds' vs. Fitted / 'Shaped' Nappies

[hub2dee]

Hi all,

Was hoping for some experienced advice...

I've been e-mailing Erica at Simons Custom Cloth about her nappies and wraps - to learn more about how they're made and whether they might be good for our new (first) baby. Love the fabrics, prints, customisation options, design etc. etc. Gallery here.

She mentioned that although her nappies would give excellent containment for breastfed explosive poo, that for economy, it might be as wise to consider Chinese Prefolds (or 'Diaper Service Quality' as they're called in the States which are basically an elaboration on the flat Terry / muslin, but with much improved absorbency because they are 4 layered to the sides and 8 layered in the middle... you just fold them to make a rectangle, spread out the top if you need to, and pop into a wrap of some description.

I get the impressions loads of people use this, particularly in the States, as they're so effective and cheap - about $25 for twelve -that's just over a quid each ! 'Bummi Super Whisper Wrap' was suggested as a great, basic wrap too.

So.... I am specifically wondering if there are any experienced cloth users who have used 'Chinese Prefolds' (which isn't the same thing as a Terry done with a 'Chinese' origami fold, but in the same spirit IYSWIM), and fitted nappies (Tots Bots, Motherease, kissaluvs etc. etc. etc.)... do the prefolds leak more and give so much more grief that the more expensive fitted nappies are really worth it, or is it essentially all marketing elaboration (aside from cuteness factor - which I can still achieve with a wicked wrap ) ?

[hub2dee]

To return to the thread topic...

There is some fab text on Terries / Pre-Fold / other flat nappy system on this page here (Elvika Nappies). Probably worth reading if you're deciding between pre-folds or Terries and fitted etc.