Tons of pre-fold diaper questions

Fuzzypeaches

When I first started researching this, I was set on using AIO's, but now I am more interested in pre-folds.

Does anyone use these exclusively? I'm wondering how they hold up at night.

Also, is using the covers a lot more work than an AIO? Don't they also leave red marks from the elastic on the baby's legs? I also have never seen a cover in real life, so I wonder if they are breathable at all? I hate the idea of sticking plasticy pants on my kid all the time...but I really have never seen a cover.

The local CD store only carries Secret Whisper Wrap covers..how are those? Do you recommend other covers??

Temp76535187505890

We dont use prefolds exclusively but do use them a fair amount of time although not at night so I cant answer that question.  I used to use only Thirsties covers over the prefolds but have recently ventured into using wool and I'm not looking back!  DS has chunky legs so the PUL covers I have to pull tight around his legs in order to get tight around the waist, thus leaving red marks.  Not so with wool! 

I think you mean the store carries the Super Whisper Wraps which are made by Bummis.  Personally I prefer Thirsties but many people like the Bummis covers.  

jen5-03

I have never used PFs exclusively, but they were over half my diaper stash when DD was newborn and small size. In those sizes, they did fine at night for absorbancy. I didn't like to use them at night though because I couldn't change a PF in the dim light and DD needed about 5 diaper changes a night in the early days (she pooped literally every.single.time she nursed). Also some babies are more sensitive to wetness and the cotton PFs leave wetness next to their skin - but adding a staydry liner of fleece or suedecloth will fix this.

Covers should not leave red marks on the skin. The elastic is encased in material, exactly like it is in AIOs and pockets. Most are made of PUL, which is exactly what is used to waterproof AIOs and pockets. It is plasticy on one side, but it is slightly more breathable than the rubber pants of old.

You also have the option of using wool covers or fleece covers. These are both much more breathable.

I think you might mean Bummis Super Whisper Wraps (BSWW), which are a popular diaper cover. They are popular, but they don't work well for every baby, especially ones with skinny legs. Thirsties are another popular cover which were my favorites.

middlemarch26

We use prefolds all the time except at night.  I actually find them more convenient than AIOs (no stuffing, etc.)  We use a Snappi and they are really easy to put on.  Aside from that, I agree with this post 100%:

jen5/03:

Covers should not leave red marks on the skin. The elastic is encased in material, exactly like it is in AIOs and pockets. Most are made of PUL, which is exactly what is used to waterproof AIOs and pockets. It is plasticy on one side, but it is slightly more breathable than the rubber pants of old.

You also have the option of using wool covers or fleece covers. These are both much more breathable.

I think you might mean Bummis Super Whisper Wraps (BSWW), which are a popular diaper cover. They are popular, but they don't work well for every baby, especially ones with skinny legs. Thirsties are another popular cover which were my favorites.

We also use and love Thirsties covers.  I didn't care for the Bummis covers.  They seemed thicker and more uncomfortable on DS.