The 5 Best Prefold Cloth Diapers of 2023

Written by Sarah Claywell

Updated on July 4, 2023

This post may contain affiliate links; please see our terms of use for details.

• These 5 prefold diapers are among the best on the market. 
• Clips, covers, and dry bags are helpful accessories for prefold diapers. 
• Prefold diapers are layered for maximum absorbency.
• Cloth diapering has many benefits over typical disposables. 
• Consider fabric, thickness, readiness, and sizing before purchasing. 

Cloth diapering comes with its fair share of choices. While some of those choices are more convenient, they don’t offer the same affordability and versatility as prefolds. Offered in varying levels of thickness, fabric, and sizes they meet the needs of little ones from birth all the way into toddlerhood. 

With so many prefolds on the market, though, it can be tough to know which ones are up to the task. After all, they see a lot of wear and tear (among other things). Luckily, we have all the info you need right here! Stick around and save yourself the time and research—we’ve got the 5 best prefold diapers right here.

Our Choice: OsoCozy Prefolds Unbleached Cloth Baby Diapers

No products found.

The OsoCozy Prefolds Unbleached Cloth Baby Diapers get stellar reviews and it’s no surprise why. Right out of the package I was impressed with the stitching. You can tell they’re very well made and built to last. They’re very soft to the touch and the middle definitely seems thick enough to prevent leaks. 

They did look big for the size I got (size 1), but they’re said to shrink 5–10% after washing, so if they seem a bit big for your little one, they should fit better after a wash. With a lint-free weave and unbleached cotton that’s clearly durable, it’s easy to see why they’re a fan favorite. 

There aren’t too many issues with these prefolds, but still a few to take under advisement before buying. Some parents didn’t feel these diapers were wide enough for their babies after washing, claiming it depended on the child’s build. Another concern was the ability, or lack thereof in some cases, to remove stains from the diapers.   

Quantity: 6 pieces | Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 12 x 1 x 16 inches
View on Amazon | View on Walmart.com | View on ClothDiaper.com

Best in Multi-Use: Gerber Birdseye 3-Ply Prefold Cloth Diapers

No products found.

The Gerber Birdseye 3-Ply Prefold Cloth Diapers are made of a quick-drying, birdseye weave that creates a comfortable fit for your little one. They’re really easy to clean and come in an affordable pack of 10. While their main use is for diapering, they’re well known for use as cleaning rags and are often used as burp cloths. 

Even so, these prefolds aren’t without their flaws. Some parents didn’t feel they were thick enough for use as diapers. Many also said they’re not long-lasting; they tend to fray in the wash and don’t hold up against long-term wear and tear. 

Quantity: 10 pieces | Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 7 x 3 x 11 inches
View on Amazon | View on Walmart.com | View on buybuyBABY.com

Best in Softness: Kanga Care Bamboo Prefolds

No products found.

If you’re hunting for the softest prefolds available, you can’t go wrong with the cotton and bamboo blend of the Kanga Care Bamboo Prefolds. Their ultra-absorbent fabric comes in several sizes, all of which work extremely well for nighttime. They’re known to be durable, too, so you can count on long-term use. 

Parents did have some concerns with these prefold diapers, though. Many felt the sizing was off and that they ran too big. The most frustrating part is said to be the number of washes needed to reach full absorbency—some recommend washing upwards of 10 times for more absorbency, so they may not be ready to use upon unpackaging. 

Quantity: 12 pieces | Material: Bamboo Rayon, Cotton | Dimensions: 4 x 8 x 4 inches
View on Amazon | View on Walmart.com | View on Target.com

Best in Readiness: Humble Bebe Prefold Cloth Diapers

No products found.

No parent needs yet another task to add to the list. The Humble Bebe Prefold Cloth Diapers prevent you from doing just that, as they come pre-washed and pre-shrunk. These unbleached prefold diapers are chemical-free and made of 8 super-absorbent layers that make leaks a thing of the past. 

With the good also comes some bad. These cloth diapers are definitely more expensive than most others, likely due to their prep and number of layers. They were also reported to be too small for some babies and not quite as soft as some parents had hoped. 

Quantity: 12 pieces | Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 4 x 8 x 4 inches
View on Amazon | View on Sears.com | View on ECOnomarks.com

Best in Breathability: Fasoar Prefold Cloth Diapers

No products found.

The Fasoar Prefold Cloth Diapers win best in breathability, likely due to their design. The breathable side sections keep babies cool and dry with their lightweight birdseye weave. These cloth diapers come in a 12-pack that’s suitable for infants and toddlers alike. Easy to care for and wrinkle-free, they’re a solid prefold diaper option. 

Unfortunately, some reviewers weren’t pleased with the diaper description, namely their claim that these cloth diapers are unbleached when they really are. Many parents also felt that though the side sections are breathable, they’re too thin. The middle is said to clump up after washing as well. 

Quantity: 12 pieces | Material: Cotton | Dimensions: 9.8 x 9.8 x 1 inches
View on Amazon | View on Walmart.com

Recommended Accessories

It comes as no surprise that while cloth diapers have some major benefits (more on that later), they’re definitely more work. Even so, these recommended accessories are sure to make the use of your prefold cloth diapers a much easier process.

• Cloth diaper clips: Replacing the old school diaper pins, these clips grip the prefold diaper with micro teeth for a safe and secure hold. 
• Cloth diaper covers: Made as a pull over or with adjustable snaps, these fun covers go over your prefold to prevent leaks while still remaining breathable.
• Cloth diaper wet/dry bags: These no-leak zipper bags are perfect for putting soiled diapers in one section, using the second compartment for dry items. 

What are Prefold Cloth Diapers?

Prefold cloth diapers are made in a variety of fabrics layered and sewn together to create a thick rectangular diaper. The seams create 3 distinct sections which not only absorb but act as a guide when folding. They’re not to be confused with flat-fold diapers, which are simply a single layer of fabric made into a rectangular diaper.  

Whichever you choose, though, there are plenty of benefits of cloth diapers. In short, they’re allergy friendly, better for the environment, comfortable, and can be reused for future siblings. Not to mention, prefolds are known to be the cheapest option for cloth diapering. 

How to Choose the Best Prefold Cloth Diaper for Your Baby

When selecting your prefold cloth diapers, there are a few factors you’ll want to consider to be sure they best fit your baby’s needs. 

• Fabric: While regular or organic cotton prefolds are most common, they come in other fabrics as well. For instance, bamboo prefold cloth diapers are also a popular choice as the fabric blend offers an extra level of softness.  
• Thickness: Every prefold diaper has a different amount of thickness, which inevitably points to its absorbency. The thickness of the middle layer is the most absorbent, so you’ll want to pay attention to that layer most of all. 
• Readiness: Reusable cloth diapers require pre-washing for them to reach their maximum amount of absorbency. Each brand of prefold diaper is different with regard to pre-washing, though. Some come more ready to use than others.
• Sizing: Not every prefold diaper offers different sizing. Some of them are more of a “one size fits all” deal. Some parents don’t mind this, while others prefer to be able to pick sizing specifically for newborn babies to toddlers.