The Best Cloth Diaper Inserts
Chances are, you’ve made it to this page because you’ve heard about how awesome reusable cloth diapers are and you’re interested in trying them out with your child. Good for you! We promise you won’t be disappointed. Reusable diapers are an eco-friendly option that can save you a fortune.
If you’re just getting started with reusable diapers, you may have heard that need to buy some cloth diaper inserts as well. But what are they? And how do you know which ones are best for your son or daughter?
All-In-One vs Hybrid Diapers
First, it’s important to know that there are two main types of reusable diapers: all-in-one diapers and all-in-two (aka hybrid) diapers. The former is basically a cloth version of a standard disposable diaper. These diapers have a built-in absorbent pad, so when the diaper is soiled, you can remove the whole thing, throw it in the wash, and you’re good to go. On the other hand, two-in-one hybrid diapers don’t have a built-in moisture absorber, giving you the freedom to choose the size, material, and absorbancy level of the reusable cloth insert.
There are tradeoffs to each type. For those looking to avoid some of that “gross factor” mentioned before, all-in-one diapers can’t be beaten in terms of convenience. However, that is about the only advantage they have over hybrid reusable diapers. In comparison with all-in-one’s, hybrid diapers take far less time to dry, and because the removable cloth insert takes most of the “damage,” they last a lot longer than diapers with built-in inserts.
What are Cloth Diaper Inserts?
In short, cloth diaper inserts are reusable pads placed in a diaper to absorb liquids. They are arguably the most important part of a hybrid diaper because you’re basically left with a pair of underwear without them.
Cloth diaper inserts can be used in one of two ways depending on the design of the diapers you have chosen. If your diapers have a designated pocket, you can slip the insert inside. Otherwise, you can place the reusable insert in the bottom of the diaper against your child’s skin (with the exception of microfiber inserts).
If you’re new to reusable diapers, the lingo can be a bit confusing. For example, you might see two seemingly identical products labeled differently; one as an insert and another as a booster. In a physical sense, these two products are identical. However, they differ in how they are used. Boosters are intended to be used with all-in-one diapers to “boost” or “double” absorbancy, while inserts are designed to be used as a stand-alone option. In the end, it’s just a marketing tactic to sell the same product to a broader group of consumers.
Be careful, though, not to confuse inserts with liners when shopping. These two products are made to do two entirely things. While inserts absorb moisture, liners are designed to allow liquids to pass through them, catching solids and preventing them from soaking into the diaper itself.
Different types of Inserts
Because older kids and teens with autism pee a lot more than toddlers or babies, you’re going to want to make sure that you find the inserts that are both ultra-absorbent and comfortable for your child. Fortunately, with the growing popularity of reusable diapers, there are many great options to choose from. Microfiber, cotton, hemp, and bamboo, are four of the most common materials used in cloth diaper inserts; and each has its unique pros and cons.
Microfiber
Because they are so easy to manufacture, microfiber cloth inserts are the most affordable and easy-to-find options. If your reusable diapers came with a few included inserts, chances are they were made from microfiber. The synthetic material does a great job of quickly and effectively soaking up moisture. However, once microfiber inserts reach their absorbancy limit, they struggle to hold the moisture in and are prone to compression leaking.
Unfortunately, the drawbacks don’t stop there. Unlike natural materials, microfiber quickly drys out and irritates the skin, making these inserts a valid option only if your diapers have a designated insert pocket. Additionally, since microfiber is plastic-based, it is not biodegradable, making it less friendly to the environment than comparable materials.
Cotton
Cotton is a fantastic alternative to microfiber if you are looking for a natural option at an affordable price. Like microfiber, cotton absorbs quickly, is easy to wash, and is very soft to the touch. Keep in mind, though, that these inserts do tend to wear out relatively quickly, so you might have to replace them more frequently than with inserts made from other materials.
Bamboo
If you are willing to spend a little more on a natural, long-lasting cloth insert option, it’s hard to beat bamboo. Bamboo inserts are lightweight, ultra-absorbent, and do a great job of keeping the skin cool. In addition, inserts made from bamboo are among the best for locking in moisture and preventing compression leaks, making them an excellent choice for overnight use. While bamboo is a very durable and long-lasting material, some parents say that over time, bamboo inserts tend to lose their fluffiness, but your mileage may vary.
Hemp
Hemp inserts are often referred to as “luxury” products, and for a good reason. In terms of absorption levels, moisture-locking, and longevity, hemp works in a way that no other insert material does. Inserts made from this natural fiber actually become softer and more absorbent over time.
Hemp fibers are very porous and are filled with natural oils. So with every wash, tiny holes open up, rinsing away some of those oils, leaving more room to absorb moisture as well as creating a fluffier texture. The only drawback that hemp inserts have is that the more absorbent they become, the longer they take to dry.
In addition, being a “luxury product” also means that hemp inserts don’t come cheap. So if you’re interested in buying hemp cloth inserts, expect to pay a lot more than what you would for microfiber or cotton.
Our Top Picks for Cloth Diaper Inserts
Now that you know all about the different available types of cloth diaper inserts, it’s time to find one that best suits your family’s needs. Here, we have compiled a list of our favorite cloth inserts based on the material they are made with.
The Best Microfiber Diaper Inserts
LukLoy Bamboo Microfiber Inserts
In terms of value, these LukLoy microfiber cloth inserts are among the best you’ll find on amazon. These inserts come in a pack of 6 for just under $32 and feature a blend of microfiber and bamboo for a combination of fast moisture absorption and maximum liquid retention (a unique feature at this price point.)
The Best Cotton Cloth Inserts
Leak Master Cotton Adult Diaper Inserts – 3 Pack
If you need a natural and straightforward reusable diaper insert at an affordable price point, look no further than LEAK MASTER. These Inserts offer a comfortable, no-frills design that will keep your son or daughter dry and throughout the day.
As is the case with most cotton garments, there is a shrink factor with these inserts. LEAK MASTER claims that each insert will shrink by about 10% after the first few washing cycles, so take this into consideration when choosing from one of the three available sizes.
The Best Bamboo Cloth Diaper Inserts
Simlug 5 Layer Reusable Adult Cloth Diaper Inserts
Finding a genuine bamboo cloth diaper insert can be hard to do online. Particularly on amazon, companies will claim in the product description that their inserts are made from bamboo when in reality, it is just a bamboo sleeve stuffed with microfiber. Fortunately, this isn’t the case with these 5-layer “Reusable Adult Cloth Diaper Inserts” from Slimlug.
With five super absorbent layers made from true bamboo fiber, these inserts offer maximum leak protection, making them an ideal choice for both day and night use.
The Best Hemp Diaper Inserts
Lukara Hemp Cloth Diaper Inserts
If you have a “heavy wetter” living under your roof, you need an insert that can hold a lot of moisture without the risk of compression leaks. With a blend of 55% hemp fibers and 45% organic cotton, Lukara Hemp Cloth Diaper Inserts can give you that protection while offering optimal comfort.
Unlike similar densely packed materials, like microfiber or cotton, the hemp fiber that Lukara uses in their inserts is lightweight and breathable, allowing your child to stay cool and comfortable when wearing one.
It’s important to note that these inserts are listed as child-size in the amazon description; however, with dimensions of 15×5.25 inches, they are the same size, if not larger than the other adult-sized inserts on this list.
Making Reusable Diapers Part of a Normal Life
If you’re thinking of making the switch from disposable to reusable diapers and need a little more help finding the perfect cloth insert, please let us know! As always, our goal is to give you as much information as we can regarding behavior, education, and products pertaining to autism.
We also encourage you to check out our youtube channel and to join our #autismarmy Facebook group. Our community is constantly growing with dedicated moms, dads, and caregivers looking to help their kids live normal lives.
