Chinese Prefolds Versus Indian Prefolds

Chinese prefold or Indian prefold is a common question I get with my cloth diaper store. While there are passionate proponents of each type of cloth diaper, the best answer is to choose the diaper that makes sense to you.

What is a prefold?

These are usually cotton twill or cotton gauze cloth diapers that are folded into a thick, absorbent rectangle. They are different than the flat squares of cloth your grandparents probably used. By folding the cloth and stitching it closed at the ends, the manufacturer creates a thicker area in the middle for maximum absorbency with less bulk on the sides. You can find different thicknesses and sizes from premie to toddler. Some manufacturers make prefolds from hemp, bamboo, a thick terry called Sherpa, or many other fabrics.

What is Chinese or Indian about them?

Chinese style are made in China, these tend to be a bit sturdier and will last a little longer. They are made with a slightly more durable fabric. Indian style is made in India or Pakistan. These are usually softer and a touch more absorbent, but will hold up to fewer washings. They also "quilt up" more when washed, although both styles will plump up and become softer when washed. The differences really are subtle though and no matter which you choose you can't go wrong as long as they are "diaper service quality" or DSQ. This means that they are made to stand up to industrial strength washing and they are made to last.

Do I want bleached or unbleached?

Bleaching to whiten the fabric is commonly done these days with peroxide instead of chlorine, which is healthier for the environment. Bleaching any fabric makes the fibers a little less sturdy, but not so much that most people notice. Some people love of pure white or dyed colors. Others love the look of natural cotton color. Really it boils down to a personal preference.

Both styles are great for burp cloths as well, since they are thick and absorbent. For this purpose, the infant size bleached kind is often preferred. You can find beautiful hand-dyed colored prefolds for use as burp cloths or to keep baby's bottom dry. Quality colored prefolds are made with professional non-toxic dyes so they don't fade and are safe for baby. Some people use these for embellishment and add pretty fabrics, trims and other fun things to dress them up.

Julie R. Holland is an attachment parenting author and owner of One Lucky Mama cloth diaper store. You can find both styles of prefolds as well as colored prefolds in her store. Subscribe to the free One Lucky Mama newsletter for cloth diaper savings and more great articles like this one.