Prefold diapers

Prefolds diapers were invented by curity in the 1940's.  Until the 1980's prefolds and flats were the only diapering options. My mom and grandma both used curity diapers.  And it was cut up curity diapers that my mom used to make prefolds diapers with Velcro tabs for my dolls.  So I have been using prefolds a very long time lol.  Prefolds are a rectangular diaper divided length ways into thirds; the two sides and the core.  The core is generally thicker then the sides. Prefolds are described by a set of numbers that tell you the number of layers of fabric in each third.  I find a 2/4/2 or 2/6/2 to be all that is needed, although with a 2/4/2 I do use a 3 layer flannel booster.  Prefolds are folded with just a few simple folds to form a diaper shape and add absorbency to your core.  They are easy to use (my 14 yrs old can use them and taught my hubby to use them).  We find it easiest to put them away folded, ready for use.  Prefolds need covers and they do up with pins, snappi's or boingos.  I have added Velcro to mine like my mom did with my doll diapers but in the end decided I prefer pins.  Prefolds are an excellent newborn option.  By folding down the front or back you can make the diaper smaller.  If you have gaps around the legs you can use a fold call jelly roll to make the legs snug.  They are very versatile.  To get long term use I recommend a size small (with back folded down there is no need for a newborn size).  Then when baby grows out of the prefolds simply use in trifold to lay in a diaper cover or shell.   Because prefolds are not very thick when open, they wash and dry very well.  It is pretty much unheard of for a mom to have ammonia with a flat or prefolds unless she is following some strange washing instructions (and now a days there is a lot of strange instructions).  Unlike other diaper styles you can boil prefolds (and flats).  Also diaper safe creams for bum rashes are not such a big deal as you can boil or (often) wash out the cream.  Like I said they wash out easy.  Prefolds are most often made of classic diaper fabrics such as cotton flannel, muslin or  Birdseye but you can make (and buy) them out of nearly any absorbent fabric. 

Pros
• wash and dry easy
• durable and low maintaince
• fairly easy to use
• inexpensive ($2-$3 each to make or buy although more expensive hemp options are available).
•versitile
• fold to fit newborns rather then buy a newborn size.

Cons: no elastic to help contain poop explosions but your cover will help with that.  Alternatively you could make my fitten leg prefold (tutorial link at bottom)

http://www.kellyscloset.com/Prefold-and-Flat-Diapers_c_601.html

The link above is to the prefolds and flats page at Kelly's closet.  If you scroll down you will see a few ways to fold prefolds and a chart showing prefolds sizes.  I find the chart a useful guide to determine the size if prefolds I wish to make.

To make a prefold diaper you need only absorbent fabrics.  Minimum 2 layers that are the full size of your prefolds and additional layers the size of your core. 

http://mamamossdiapers.blogspot.ca/2014/07/fitted-leg-prefold-tutorial-part1-with.html?m=1

Above is a link to a tutorial I made on a prefolds with elastic to form a fitted leg, and an option to add fleece so it functions like a hybrid fitted diaper.  You can use this to make a regular prefolds, or prefolds with one or both of my additions.  The size used is a small fit.  The hybrid  option would be a bit thick for a newborn I think.  Both styles worked fabulously for our family till my chunky monkey out grew them. 
Below is a pic of my fitted leg prefolds open, and folded.  The folds can easily be found on the internet.  I have always used angel fold or jelly roll, with or without the back folded down to size smaller.  How easy to fold?  Pictured is the prefold in angel fold.  Each side is folded over on an angle.  When done it looks like a triangle with a flat bottom.  Then being front up over baby and fasten.  Quicker then stuffing a pocket diaper.  Below are pictures of my fitted leg prefold, and my chunky monkey wearing one at 4 weeks