Prefold Diaper Service Quality (DSQ) Diapers are a cost effective way to put cloth diapers on your child.  These diapers are called "prefolds" because they are folded first and then sewn in such a way that they are thicker in the middle and thinner on the outer edges. 

A flat is a really big, single piece of material that YOU fold to use as a diaper; a "prefold" diaper just takes a little of the folding trickery out of the way for you. 

Our Infant DSQ prefolds have 4 layers of twill weave material on the outer edges and 8 layers in the middle where the absorbency is needed the most.  You will often see this fabric layering denoted as 4X8X4.  This twill weave used to make these baby prefolds is stronger and more absorbent than what are called "Chinese prefolds".

Good, quality prefolds (see top, left picture for bleached, unwashed prefold) are large and shrink/quilt-up after they are washed.  Unlike Gerber burp cloths you get at the local store, they get softer and softer the more you wash them.  The sizing of the prefolds is indicated by color-coded thread on the ends. 

 (Unbleached & washed)

 Sizing and Identification Chart

 Prefold diapers usually need either diaper safety pins or a Snappi® to keep them on your child.  In addition, they need a water resistant or waterproof cover to create the moisture barrier between the absorbent prefold and your child's clothing (or your lap or couch).  Prefold users rely on wool, fleece, polyester or PolyUrethane Laminated (PUL) fabrics for diaper covers.  The shell of a pocket diaper (pocket diaper without the inserts) can be used, too!