Considering prefolds - first timer needing advice

[rimsky]

Hi all!

Am very interested in using cloth nappies with my baby, and didn't realise there were so many different items on the market (I was expecting it to just be terry squares).

I'm considering pre-folds as the shaped/all-in-one nappies seem a little steep in price and Terrys I know to be a little complicated from watching my mum using them, and also remember my brother looking very bulky in them.

So I though pre-folds would be a good option, cheap, not as bulky as terrys, and just seem to be placed in a wrap so quite easy. Am I missing something, as I've been told they aren't very popluar at the moment? Are there reasons people don't like them?

Also if you have bought them does anyone have any brand recommendations or wrap recommendations, and any good websites where I can get them at a good price?

Sorry for the long message!

Cheers

they often leak abominally

see if you can find some local nappy suppliers in your area and get a trial pack of different sorts to try before you shell out for one type

personally I use sized, shaped nappies (Bimbles) with a separate wrap (Motherease) - it's a popular combo.

Mrs Badger the reason they often leak abominally is solely due to the fact some manufacturers do not take the time or trouble to advise to wrap the prefold round the baby (rather than simply fold to a pad) and to secure with a Nappi nippa as opposed to leave loose and rely on the wrap to hold it on. You can download instructions here

IME a prefold secured with a Nappi Nippa and a decent wrap (eg one specifically designed for prefolds such as Prorap, Bummis, or a reliable wrap eg Motherease, Nature babies ov er the top has superior containment to any one piece pocket or all in one nappy.

sorry i used them (nippered) for 1st 3 months and didnt like them at all- i ended up with a 2 part system (sandies and airflow wraps) which i loved.

I also found that prefolds leak horribly, particularly once the baby starts being mobile...However if you do decide to go for them, they are very very cheap second hand (and often almost unused) so I wouldn't buy them new under any circumstances. I think they are very expensive new considering what they are - you will need more wraps than with a shaped two part system as more poo will get on the wraps. They may seem cheaper but an awful lot of people give up on them making it a bit of a false economy - that's why there are so many around second hand.
If you want to save money, look at getting your nappies second hand - I think a shaped two part system is the best for all round value and fewest leaks - motherease or onelife onesize with ME wraps are great and you don't have to buy different sizes of nappies (although you will have to buy various sized wraps), plus there are usually a fair amount going second hand if you look on the forums. Other ones to look at are Sandys (also made by motherease but sized) or Lollipop - Lollipop do artificial fibre nappies which dry super quickly.

i have used all sorts of nappies in my time

all in ones / prefolds / shaped / stuffable... loads and loads, all different brands

in all honesty i hate prefolds, (but positively like most other washables)

My babies will be in cloth (indeed i already have supplies from a friend)

I prefer shaped and sized nappies, although more expensive, the fact that they work and dont leak therefor continues using them as opposed to giving up due to leaks, makes them worth their money.
IMO birth to potty nappies are more like 3 months - 18 months / 2 ish but not really birth to potty

I have a stash of lollipops softees, and fleece ones, but plan to add some ME sandys, some tots bamboozles to my collection... and some ME airflow wraps

plan to boost with microfibre cloths!

If you can't afford new of the other types you would like then have a look for second hand ones - you can get plenty of use out of most of them and keeps the cost down - also gives you a chance to try different types and you can resell those you prefer not to keep.

Personaly I tried prefolds and hated them - much prefer bamboo shaped nappies with a wrap.

if you want some preflds ffp to try i have some