Even though I have always chosen to use disposable diapers to diaper the bottoms of all three of my babies over the years, I quickly discovered that having cloth diapers around is a necessity that I'd rather not do without. So as I was preparing for the birth of my third child over 17 months ago, one of the first baby care items I bought were Gerber Prefold Diapers. While I had no plans to actually use them as they are designed to be used as intended, I knew that I would get months and even years of use out of these basic pieces of white cloth. Purchased rather inexpensively for $11.97 for a package of 12 (1 dozen) cloth diapers in the baby department at my local Wal-Mart, this staple baby care item is one that most new parents quickly discover pays for itself in no time at all. For the many unadvertised uses Gerber Prefold Diapers provide are many.


~~~Old Fashioned Cloth Diapering~~~

Even though I do not use cloth myself to diaper my little one, I must first say that I am aware Gerber Prefold Diapers make a very poor choice when compared to the many innovative and exceptionally absorbent (not to mention those with the cute and adorable designs) cloth diapers that are available on the market today. These rather thin rectangular shaped pieces of white cloth measuring approximately 26 inches by 20 inches must first be layered, specially folded, and then pinned into place with old fashioned diaper pins if they are to be actually used as cloth diapers. Of course a plastic diaper cover would then have to be put into place or everything will be soaking wet the first time the baby urinates. This method would certainly do in a pinch if one ran out of disposable diapers or all the entire cloth supply is in the laundry, but I couldn't imagine having to diaper my baby this way on a regular basis. Gerber Prefold Diapers would certainly be my last choice if I ever decided to switch to using cloth sometime in the future.


~~~Use as Burp Cloths~~~

While Gerber Prefold Diapers are a poor choice for those choosing to use cloth to diaper their babies, they make great burp cloths to use during the newborn period and beyond. A wise and experienced parent will first place one of these pieces of soft cloth across his or her shoulder when holding the baby in an upright position. Otherwise, don't be surprised or sickened if your clothing becomes stained with vomited breastmilk or formula. These thin yet durable and absorbent Gerber Prefold Diapers easily aid in cleaning spit-up from whatever it happens to come in contact with. Keep a dozen or two on hand and throw them into the laundry to be machine washed and then reused again and again. Placed inside the diaper bag and spread out strategically around the house, these cloth diapers will prove to be indisposable over time and most certainly used several times a day. True, Gerber Prefold Diapers aren't colorful and cute like many of the specially designed burp cloths that can be purchased in the baby department of your favorite store, but they are certainly less expensive, functional, and get the intended job done quickly and easily without fuss.


~~~Use with Breastfeeding~~~

As a former breastfeeding mother, I can personally attest to the fact that Gerber Prefold Diapers help to make the art of nursing a newborn a lot less messy than it has to be. Especially during those first few weeks when supply and demand have not caught up with each other, leaky breasts are commonplace and just an expected part of the whole experience. So while my son breastfed on one side, I'd often have to place one of these cloth diapers over the unused breast to absorb any excess milk that would be released simultaneously. And if my letdown was too quick and forceful in the beginning, my son would sudden unlatch himself from the breast in a choking, coughing fit. But just because he was no longer suckling, this did not mean that the flow of milk stopped to compensate. Instead, I'd have to be really quick and contain the continuing stream or my poor baby would be covered in breastmilk in just a matter of seconds! So, while breastfeeding, I ALWAYS had a Gerber Prefold Diaper nearby to be used as frequently as needed.


~~~Use as a "Lovey"~~~

Early in infancy, many babies become attached to certain items, whether it be a particular favorite blanket or toy. But what happens if this security item happens to become lost, dirty, or misplaced? Be prepared for one unhappy child! If you are lucky, perhaps your baby will become attached to the soft cuddling properties that freshly washed Gerber Prefold Diapers contain. No worry necessary if one is forgotten at home or needs to be washed. Just pull out a fresh one from your diaper bag stock, which looks identical to the old one, and you have saved the day! Who would have thought such a plain piece of cloth could make your little one so happy. A relative's child carried one of these cloth diapers around every where she went and called it her "lovey." And of course her mother ALWAYS had a spare.


~~~Use as a Dusting Rag~~~

Once your child outgrows frequent spitting-up episodes and does not use them as a security object, these Gerber Prefold Diapers can either be stored (in good condition) for use with the next child or retired to the rag pile to be used as a dusting cloth. To this day, I still use cloth diapers purchased over 10 years ago with my first child to do my weekly dusting and they are still in great shape even now. Soft and absorbent, my transformed cleaning rags sprayed with furniture polish pick up dust and dirt quickly and easily with just a swipe of the hand. And with each use, I am always reminded of how these rather plain and ordinary looking pieces of material were originally used all those years ago. Who'd of thought cleaning the house would result in such nostalgic feelings and bring back those precious memories of yesterday? If only these old rags I have now could talk!


~~~Overall Recommendation~~~

As a staple baby care item, I'd recommend every new mother consider purchasing a dozen Gerber Prefold Diapers for all of the multi-purpose functional uses that they provide on a daily basis. While they make a poor cloth diapering choice, these soft, durable, absorbent, machine washable pieces of cloth can be used and then reused again hundreds of times for a number of both baby and non-baby related tasks. So add a package of Gerber Prefold Diapers to your wish-list as you register at your favorite store for potential baby shower gifts. You will most certainly appreciate this thoughtful and practical present much more than yet one more pair of cute pink or blue booties. I personally guarantee it!


For more information on Gerber Prefold Diapers and many other related baby care products, check out their website online at:

www.gerber.com

Questions or comments?
1-800-4-GERBER

Gerber Products Company
Fremont, MI 49413

Recommended: Yes