10 Best Prefold Diapers for Comfort and Convenience!

Ever since I transitioned to prefolds from disposables, my kid has been happier and comfier!

Plus, I’ve been able to save A LOT because of their reusability.

The best part is knowing that my kid is safe and not exposed to any harmful chemicals.

Not sure what the best prefold diapers are?

I’ve got you covered in this complete guide to prefold cloth diapers. I narrowed it down to the best and softest picks to make things easier for you and your baby.

By the end, you don’t have to worry about finding the best prefolds because I’ve done all the hard work for you!

Top 10 Best Prefold Cloth Diapering Options

These are the best prefolds that you can buy. They vary in terms of budget, features, design, and versatility.

Choose any of these options to serve your baby’s needs well.

1) Osocozy Bamboo Organic Cotton Prefold Diapers

• Sizing: 7lbs – 30lbs
• Size Type: Infant and Premium (Traditional; Better Fit)
• Material: 50% rayon (bamboo) 50% organic cotton
• Bleached: No
• Layers: 4x8x4

No crying, all comfort!

These Osocozy prefolds use a cotton blend and bamboo blend to treat your baby’s sensitive skin with HIGH-QUALITY fabric, making them great newborn prefolds.

This blend of bamboo and cotton is the SOFTEST and most BABY-SAFE material you can use in prefolds.

Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals or toxins touching your kid.

When my kid wore these prefolds, it showed on his face how comfortable he was!

These prefolds can be adjusted with traditional and better-fit sizing to properly suit your babies.

You can also prepare them by washing them 3-5 times before putting them on your baby.

The organic prefolds can be adjusted with a fastener, tri-fold method in a diaper cover, or as an insert in a pocket diaper.

However, they’re NOT the best at moisture-wicking, so adding an extra layer or changing the prefold cloth diapers more often is ideal.

They also need lower temperatures when in the washer.

2) Imagine Smart Fit Unbleached Cotton Prefold Cloth Diapers

• Sizing: 4lbs – 30lbs
• Size Type: Better Fit; XS, S, M, L
• Material: 100% certified organic cotton
• Bleached: No
• Layers: XS 3x6x3; 4x8x4

These prefolds have a soft cotton fabric and are super absorbent. They are also not too expensive, giving great value for money.

For starters, these prefolds are made of 100% organic cotton, so it already earns a lot of my trust.

What’s more is these prefolds are quite VERSATILE!

Physically, these prefolds are shorter and wider than other brands, meaning you can fold them in MORE ways.

I always try to switch it up every now and then, which I realized makes my kids more comfortable.

To prepare these prefolds, you must wash them 4-5 times on a hot cycle, including drying. Washing can help the fabric quilt up, making it soft and can increase absorbency.

However, the natural oils in these prefolds need to be stripped BEFORE use by washing them, or else they might repel water instead of being absorbent.

3) Gerber Birdseye 3-Ply Prefold Cloth Diapers

• Sizing: Up to 5lbs – 43lbs
• Size Type: 14” x 20” Traditional Long
• Material: 100% cotton
• Bleached: Yes
• Layers: 3 Ply

These diaper prefolds are made of Birdseye muslin cotton, meaning your baby or toddler will have NO issues with breathability or comfort for their skin.

My baby was very mobile and not restricted at all, thanks to the muslin cotton.

Muslin cotton prefolds is also safe and organic, so you really can’t go wrong here!

They are also great value for money because they come in a ten-pack. They’re also large enough to cater to both a baby AND a toddler!

These prefolds were already cheap, but I could save even more money because of their multi-purpose use!

I can even use these prefolds as cleaning rags or cotton burp cloths, thanks to the inner cotton fabric.

Its bleached, thinner cotton fabric also makes the preparation time and drying time much shorter than that of unbleached prefolds.

Additionally, these prefolds can be folded in various ways to make different types of cloth diapers for different use cases.

However, they’re NOT as durable as unbleached cotton or as soft as other brands and fabric types.

4) Humble Bebe Prefold Cloth Diapers

• Sizing: 10lbs – 30lbs
• Size Type: Traditional; Newborn to Toddler
• Material: Cotton
• Bleached: No
• Layers: 4x8x4

These chemical-free cotton prefolds come with comprehensive care instructions so that even first-time parents can easily follow along.

I had no knowledge on how to use prefolds before, but these instructions made it super easy to follow!

The best part? I got it on the first try, and my baby had NO issues!

They aren’t big and bulky but have GREAT ABSORBENT FABRIC.

Keeping them soft is easy – just keep them in high heat. Wash these cotton diapers 6-8 times on a hot cycle to prepare them for use.

These newborn prefolds can be folded with fasteners, making them one of the most convenient prefolds for your toddler.

However, some batches of these prefolds have issues with being less absorbent and having pilling while drying after multiple washes.

5) Nicki’s Diapers Bamboo Prefold Cloth Diapers

• Sizing: 4lbs – 30lbs
• Size Type: Better Fit; XS, S, M, L
• Material: 55% bamboo 45% cotton
• Bleached: No
• Layers: 4x8x4

These BUDGET-FOCUSED, ALL-ORGANIC prefolds have a three-panel design that allows for effective layering, giving them extra absorbency.

Babies that sleep longer at night, who have sensitive skin, or are heavy wetters will appreciate the extra absorption when using these prefold diapers.

My kid is quite a sleeper, so he could sleep comfortably and leak-free with these prefolds!

With a cover, they become a waterproof cover to keep your baby’s skin dry and happy. The cotton blend and bamboo blend make them both soft and anti-microbial.

These prefolds need washing on a hot cycle 4-5 times and will shrink considerably, from 5-15%. So, don’t worry if it seems too big before washing it.

Unfortunately, these prefolds will shrink with every wash, and you need to use lining instead of nappy cream.

6) Osocozy Indian Cotton Bleached Prefold Cloth Diapers

• Sizing: 4lbs – 45lbs
• Size Type: Traditional (long) and seven sizes – preemie to toddler
• Material: 100% cotton
• Bleached: Yes
• Layers: 2x6x2;4x6x4; 4x8x4

Bleached cotton prefolds are easy to use and keep clean. Parents that are new in their cloth diapering journey will appreciate this.

These inserts are made of pure, Indian cotton, which feels soft and is more textured, making them a perfect, healthy option for newborn babies.

The bleached prefolds mean that they wash well and easily, making them HASSLE-FREE for busy families.

I realized that it only took ONE wash preparation before I could use them, saving me a ton of time!

The gauze-like weave with a thinner texture that this cotton prefold uses also allows for quicker drying, further adding to the convenience.

However, these prefolds shrink dramatically after washing, making the sizing confusing. The inner material also sometimes doesn’t fluff up, making it less absorbent.

7) Osocozy Indian Cotton Unbleached Prefold Cloth Diapers

• Sizing: 4lbs – 45lbs
• Size Types: Traditional (long) and Better Fit; Preemie to Toddler
• Material: 100% cotton
• Bleached: No
• Layers: 2x6x2; 4x6x4; 4x8x4

These Osocozy prefolds are one of the best if you’re looking for good quality for a value price. Indian cotton makes them soft and absorbent.

These are also unbleached prefolds, which are soft and better for newborn babies than bleached prefolds.

Not to mention, they are COMPLETELY made of 100% cotton!

They’re also more durable for PROLONGED use!

However, they must be given a hot cycle wash 3-5 times to remove the natural oils and increase their absorbency.

True enough, my baby was leak-free after he had an accident, which is a testament to how absorbent these things are!

Without proper preparation, these unbleached prefolds will shrink more than 10%, meaning they will be LESS CONVENIENT than other prefolds.

The absorbent materials inside the prefold cloth diapers will also suffer if improperly washed.

8) Osocozy Organic Prefold Cloth Diapers

• Sizing: 7lbs – 30lbs
• Size Type: Traditional (long) and Better Fit; Infant and Premium
• Material: 100% organic cotton
• Bleached: No
• Layers: 4x8x4

These are a great option if you’re looking for ORGANIC prefolds. They’re 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, making them softer than most unbleached prefolds.

This organic cotton is soft and ultra-absorbent, making it a perfect option for a newborn with sensitive skin.

Furthermore, organic cotton is gentler for babies, so they will not be irritated or uncomfortable. My baby went about his day with no problem!

I love the versatility, as they offer traditional and better-fit prefolds. They can be folded and pinned, tri-folded in a waterproof cover, or used as a cloth insert in a pocket diaper.

However, I noticed that sizing could become tricky due to more shrinkage than normal, and if you air-dry it, it may become a bit scratchy.

9) Nicki’s Diapers Unbleached Cotton Prefold Cloth Diapers

• Sizing: 4lbs – 30lbs
• Size Type: Traditional; XS, S, M, L
• Material: 100% certified organic cotton
• Bleached: No
• Layers: 4x8x4

This is one of the best prefolds for those with sensitive skin because it is made of gentle, unbleached cotton.

They absorb well, meaning heavy wetters won’t have a problem.

My kid had a wet accident one time, but these diapers took care of it with no issue!

These prefold cloth diapers use 100% certified organic cotton. The unbleached cotton is easy to clean, durable, and absorbs well.

Put these unbleached prefolds in a hot and dry cycle wash. They can be folded using a tri-fold method or fastened with a clip at the waist.

However, natural fibers and oils hinder the absorption from being effective like with other brands that have unbleached prefolds, organic cotton, or use unbleached cotton.

Therefore, you’ll need to prepare these unbleached prefolds PROPERLY to ensure you get the best performance.

10) GroVia Prefold Cloth Diaper

• Sizing: 4lbs – 25+lbs
• Size Type: Traditional; Newborn, Infant, Infant Long, Toddler
• Material: 55% bamboo, 45% organic cotton
• Bleached: No
• Layers: 2x6x2 (infant); 4x8x4 (infant,toddler)

These cotton and bamboo prefolds are marketed as ECO-FRIENDLY, with a blend of bamboo and cotton.

They’re versatile, and you can use them as a cover or pocket diaper.

These prefold cloth diapers are very absorbent, more than most other prefolds on this list, because of that PERFECT blend of cotton and bamboo natural fiber.

You don’t have to worry about any toxins or sketchy ingredients in these diapers!

These prefolds are also soft, so if your baby has a bit more sensitive skin, this is a great option. It was like my baby was wearing a cloud!

GroVia recommends washing and drying these prefold cloth diapers at least six times before use. Not doing so can result in the absorbency being less than ideal.

They can also sometimes shrink, so the sizing can also become tricky.

What is a Prefold?

Prefold cloth diapers are three-panel rectangular cloth diapers made with organic cotton, bamboo, and other fabric.

The main difference between prefold cloth diapers and disposable ones is that the prefolds are REUSABLE diapers.

Even if your toddler outgrows the cotton prefold diaper, you can reuse them in other ways, like as a cleaning rag or to make a waterproof cover.

These are also usually the most economical and eco-friendly types of diapers because you don’t have to buy a new set all the time or throw the used ones away.

However, they require more effort to prepare and wash after use, especially if your toddler is one of the heavy wetters.

How to Use Prefold Cloth Diapers

Prefolds aren’t like your standard diaper that babies can just slip on. You should know a few quick steps if you are new to cloth diapering.

Step 1: Look at the Product Description

First, you must look at the prefolds product description.

For example, if it says 4x8x4 cloth diaper, there are four layers on the outer panels and eight on the inner.

Usually, the center panel has the most layers of fabric because the absorbency needs to be at its best.

Having leaks is one of the worst things that cloth diapering parents experience.

Therefore, if your toddler is a HEAVY WETTER, try to get cloth diapers with thicker fabric and more layers.

Step 2: Set Up

The next step is to properly set up your child and the cloth diapers.

You’ll also need a diaper cover, plus a flat table and a lot of extra room, especially if your child moves around a lot.

You’ll want to place your child directly in front of you and have the cloth diapers close at hand because you don’t want to run back and forth from another location.

Step 3: Fold Technique

Next, I’ll explain the Tri-fold technique. It’s the most simple one but needs a cover to function properly.

Fold the prefold into thirds lengthwise.

Follow the indentations or fold lines if there are any. You can also fold breadthwise if your child is smaller to maximize absorbency in the middle.

After you’ve folded the prefold, bring in the two side panels into the middle and then place it inside the cover.

If your child is older and needs extra absorbency, you can use the cloth diapers by folding them up and putting them inside as inserts to prevent leakage.

How To Choose The Best Prefold Cloth Diapers

The best prefolds will be different depending on your child’s needs and how willing you are to spend time preparing the cloth diapers.

Different Materials

There are different fabric types used when making cloth diapers. The popular ones are unbleached, bleached, organic, and bamboo or cotton blends.

• Bleached prefolds are white, bright, and easy to prepare before use
• Unbleached prefolds have a softer fabric but need more hot washes before use
• Organic prefolds have the softest fabric but might be harder to maintain
• Bamboo or cotton blends are soft and durable but can’t be washed in high temperatures

EXTRA TIP: I have a convenient buying guide on the best bamboo diapers if you want to switch to more eco-friendly diapers!

Convenience

The difference in convenience between the different types of materials is another important factor you should consider when getting organic cloth diapers.

If you have MORE TIME and are willing to wash the cotton diapers 3 to 6 times before using them, then unbleached, organic, and bamboo blends are for you.

If you don’t have much extra time, the bleached prefolds are the best cloth diapers you can buy because they dry quickly and only need to be washed once.

Layering

The number of fabric layers that are in diapers affects their absorbency. Prefolds have three panels with multiple fabric layers in each panel.

The middle panel usually has more fabric layers and can absorb more than the side panels. A good example is the 4x8x4 example I used earlier.

The BEST TYPE of fabric for heavy wetters is the bamboo/cotton blend because it has the highest absorbency. 

Bamboo or cotton blends are thick, meaning they can absorb more.

AVOID getting the birdseye cotton if your child is a heavy wetter because they’re the thinnest and can’t absorb too much.

Sizing

There are two types of sizing – traditional and better fit.

The traditional fit prefold diapers are folded around the body and are usually fastened using a clip. These can be used for different-sized and weighted babies.

The better-fit prefolds are shorter than the traditional fit and are folded into a rectangle or trifold. 

These are better as inserts and come in different sizes based on your child’s weight.

However, after hot cycles, unbleached natural fiber prefolds can shrink 5-15%. Keep this in mind when picking sizes.

Prefolds vs. Flats

The first decision you’ll have to make when you start your diapering journey is whether you’ll use prefolds or flats.

FLAT cloth diapers are muslin or toweling squares that can be folded in different ways and need to be secured using fasteners or pins.

They’re generally more cost-effective, quick-drying, and easy to clean, but they are harder to use because of the folding techniques you need to learn.

On the other hand, PREFOLDS are rectangles that are split into three fabric panels that have seams. These seams are used as guides when folding the prefolds, making them easier to use.

They are also usually MORE EXPENSIVE because of the extra cost of the materials and the production, but they are easier to use when you’re out and about.

EXTRA TIP: If you’re curious about the best hybrid diapers, I have a buying guide on those as well!

Bleached vs. Unbleached Prefolds

The BLEACHING process is when the cotton is bleached in the factory before being weaved into the diaper form. It removes the natural oils in the fabric.

However, bleaching means the fabric is NOT going to be as strong.

On the other hand, bleached ones are bright and white, giving that “ultra clean” look many people want.

UNBLEACHED fabric prefolds are beige instead of bright white and are softer because their natural oils are still present.

Depending on the supplier’s instructions, you can remove the natural oils without affecting the fabric strength by giving them a hot cycle 3-5 times before use.

Frequently Asked Questions

After learning more about the best prefolds, how they work, how to use them, and the differences between each type, you might have some more questions.

I’ve answered the most commonly asked questions below.

Do You Need a Diaper Cover With Prefolds?

Yes, you can!

Having a cover will increase how waterproof and leakproof your prefolds are. It sits on the outside, while the prefolds will stay inside.

Additionally, you can add prefolds folded up as an insert to add even more absorption power if your child is having a heavy wetting day.

Which Are Better, Prefolds or Flats?

Prefolds are the better option, in my opinion. They’re more versatile and are easier and more convenient to use.

You can fold them into prefolds, inserts, or burp cloths instead of having the extra cost of buying different materials.

How Many Prefolds Does a Baby Need?

The number depends on your child’s age. A newborn must have their prefolds changed more often, usually every two hours or more.

Approximately you’ll need at least 12 diapers per day.

You should have at least 24 in your storage so that you’re not stressed out about constantly laundering.

• When your child is 10 months old or older, they’ll start to wet or soil their prefolds less, needing a change after every three hours, meaning around 8-10 prefolds per day.
• When they’re 15 months and older, they’ll only need 6-8 prefolds per day.

However, keep extra prefolds at hand if your child has a heavy wetting day so that you can use them as inserts.

What’s the Difference Between Prefold and Fitted?

The main difference between prefolds and fitted diapers is that fitted diapers don’t need folding anymore because they’re shaped similarly to disposables.

However, both still need covers to ensure they don’t leak out. Fitted diapers are just MORE CONVENIENT and leak less.

However, this also means they’re less versatile and can’t be used as inserts the same way that prefolds can.

Recap of Winner Picks

As I said at the beginning of this guide, I’ll give you my top three picks for the top prefolds you can buy, depending on your priorities.

Budget Pick – Gerber Birdseye 3-Ply

I couldn’t ask for a more versatile and wallet-friendly option!

These are my top pick for the best budget prefolds simply because they come in a ten-pack and are only priced at less than $15!

You’ll spend roughly less than 2 dollars on each prefold!

These are diaper service quality prefolds made of Birdseye muslin cotton that is VERY LIGHTWEIGHT and won’t bother your child even when sleeping.

Furthermore, the thin material also means it makes a great insert.

Best Value – Imagine Smart Fit Unbleached

These prefolds from Imagine are the best value prefolds that you can buy. They’re simple to use and versatile, making them suitable for use as inserts.

They’re priced the same as the previous prefolds but only come in a six-pack. However, each prefold performs better than the previous prefolds.

However, you must wash these prefolds 4-5 times before using them to MAXIMIZE their softness and absorption.

Best Overall – Osocozy Bamboo Organic Cotton

These Osocozy prefolds may be pricey, but they have the SOFTEST fabric as they’re made of bamboo and cotton blends, making them suitable for newborns.

They come in both traditional and better-fit sizing prefolds that are versatile, meaning you can also use them as inserts.

 You should give them a colder cycle instead of a hotter one because of the nature of blended fabrics, but that’s a small concession for its benefits.

Conclusion

Prefolds are convenient and environmentally friendly ways to keep your child safe and happy both on the go and when asleep.

While I picked the best from the prefolds, other options may better fit your needs and preferences.

Only you know what’s BEST for you and your child.

Hopefully, this guide to prefolds has helped you decide which unbleached/bleached cotton, organic cotton, or blended cotton options for prefolds are best for you.

FINAL TIP: If your baby has a wet prefold, you can easily throw it in any of these top picks for the best diaper pail for cloth diapers!