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.

Is Keto The Best Diet For Autism?

Paleo & vegan & keto, oh my! With a constant rotation of trending diets, It can be hard to keep up and sift through which diets are actually beneficial and which are just fads. Of course, everybody is different. A diet that changes one person’s life might prove to be completely useless (or even damaging) to someone else’s health. 

Throw in an autism diagnosis, and it’s even more challenging to find the right foods to eat and to avoid. 

Many families with autism swear by the keto diet. Claims have been made that this diet is excellent for behavioral improvements. However, committing to the keto diet can be challenging, and improvements aren’t always immediately seen. 

Since there are so many different opinions regarding the keto diet, we want to supply you with the facts so you can decide which diet is best for your family member with autism. 

Let’s dive into the science behind the keto diet, what benefits some claim to see, and why others are hesitant to implement this diet. 

What Is The Keto Diet?

Healthline explains, “It involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. This reduction in carbs puts your body into a metabolic state called ketosis.” In short, the keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet.

Putting the body in a state of nutritional ketosis leads to increased energy as the body can burn fat more efficiently in this state. As a result, the body’s primary energy source is now fat. In turn, there are more ketones producing energy in the brain. 

To maintain a low-carb, high-fat diet, foods you would avoid include sugar, grains, starches, fruits, beans, root vegetables, natural sweeteners, and unhealthy fats. Instead, you would focus on eating whole and nutritionally dense foods like meats, fish, eggs, dairy, olive oil, avocados, tomatoes, onions, peppers, and other low-carb vegetables. 

As it is a seemingly restrictive diet, let’s switch gears and focus on the benefits some claim to experience!

What Are The Benefits of Keto For Individuals With Autism?

Most people start the keto diet to lose weight, but it has also improved medical conditions such as epilepsy and heart disease. Other benefits are reduced inflammation, oxidative stress, and acne.

Thankfully, more studies have focused on the link between diet and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in recent years, so there isn’t a shortage of research to review before deciding on a diet. In addition, some studies have focused primarily on ketogenic diets to analyze if they are just a fad or if they have genuine benefits. 

For example, researchers who conducted a study at the University of Calgary say that kids with autism following a ketogenic diet showed “improved behavior and changed the metabolism and trace elements in their bodies.” They think this is a result of the brain having produced more energy thanks to the increase of ketones. We can’t forget to mention the kids partaking in this study were on a modified ketogenic diet. 

A second study shows a modified ketogenic diet is beneficial in improving social effects and behaviors in children with autism. A different study saw “noticeable improvements in learning, social behavior, speech, cooperation, stereotypy, and hyperactivity.” 

Interestingly enough, many individuals with autism are affected by mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria make up a massive portion of the energy our body needs. When your body is in a state of ketosis, it increases mitochondria, which is another added bonus to a keto diet.

Of course, behavioral improvements will not happen overnight, and even within the mentioned studies, not every participant saw results. 

Why Some Are Skeptical

Sounds too good to be true? Some think so! Many arguments against a ketogenic diet to treat autism are based on these same studies. For example, some of these studies were conducted on small groups of participants and didn’t report the long-term effects of sticking with a keto diet as the studies lasted for a few months. 

At the same time, it’s a pretty restrictive diet. If you have a picky eater, following a keto diet might be just about impossible. 

As with any diet, it takes time to see changes. If your child doesn’t stick to the diet, all the effort might prove to be in vain.

We want to provide you with the information you need to decide. So, before deciding, ask yourself:

• What are their current dietary restrictions?
• How will the food budget change with a new diet?
• Will they be compliant with this new diet?
• Am I prepared to follow and cook a new meal plan?
• Will the whole family be on board, or will I need to duplicate meals?

Of course, what we put into our bodies should be healthy and nutritional, but as with everything in life, our diet should balance it. So while keto isn’t for everyone, there are plenty of other diets that families with an autistic member have come to love. 

For example, a gluten-free and casein-free diet (GFCF) is another popular diet that many parents are implementing to benefit their child’s autism. Since it means avoiding certain foods, it’s also referred to as an elimination diet. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Casein is a protein found in mammal’s milk. So, following a casein-free diet means avoiding milk and other dairy products. 

What’s Best For Your Family

If you are still unsure about following a keto diet after looking at the studies and pros and cons of a keto diet, talk to your physician or consult with a dietician! They will no doubt give you loads more information and advice. 

Health fads come and go, but the basics of leading a healthy lifestyle don’t really change. Of course, as new research comes out, we keep learning new ways to care for our bodies and families. 

Whether you decide to start with a gluten-free diet or jump all the way in with a keto diet, we are here to cheer you on! Have you already switched to a new diet and noticed behavioral changes? We would love to hear your feedback! 

Autism and Diet: Can Diet Cause Autism?

As a parent of an autistic child, you’ve probably spent hours and hours on the internet, sifting through pages of conflicting opinions about the best ways to raise your kid. So it probably comes as no surprise that there’s a ridiculous amount of criticism and speculation surrounding something as simple as food.

It seems like half the community wants to label one food as “a cure” while the other half wants to condemn it as “poisonous.” Sadly, this constant stream of differing opinions can make it super difficult to find reliable information regarding nutrition for your son or daughter on the spectrum. But, don’t worry, we’re here to clear up a little bit of that confusion!

In this article were going to take a look at food from a couple of different angles. First, we’ll check out some recent medical findings of prenatal nutrition, addressing the important question: Can diet cause autism? Then, we’ll talk about some helpful ways you can ensure your son or daughter is getting all the essential vitamins and minerals they need to live their best life. 

Fair warning, we’re about to dive pretty deep into a recent medical study, so put on your thinking caps; things are about to get really “science-y.”

Why has Autism Become So Common?

The fact of the matter is, autism spectrum disorders are becoming more and more common. Studies conducted by the CDC show that the number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) this year is five times higher than twenty years ago, rising from one in every 150 kids to one in every 44 being medically diagnosed with some form of ASD. Those numbers are CRAZY! If things continue at the rate they are now, in twenty more years, nearly every kid will be born with some level of autism.

Its alarming stats like these that have parents and scientists asking the same question: Why? Why are there so many kids being born with autism? 

The good news is, more than ever before, researchers are determined to find answers. Every day, extensive investigation goes into finding causes for these rising numbers of autism diagnoses, and more importantly, what can be done to prevent kids from developing ASD in the future.

Is Food to Blame for the Rising Number of Autistic Children?

“Don’t drink, don’t smoke, and don’t do drugs; follow those rules, and your baby will come out just fine.” Sound familiar? Oh, if only it were only that simple. While these guidelines are a great place to start if you’re expecting, by no means do they guarantee a perfectly healthy birth. Every day autistic babies are born to moms who did “everything right” during their pregnancy.

Unfortunately, apart from these obvious “unwritten rules” there is very little information regarding what factors may increase the chances of a child being born with ASD. Some researchers suggest that a pregnant mother’s age, genetics, and environment play a large part. However, recently, scientists have been devoting much effort to researching a somewhat unexplored factor: prenatal diet. Can certain foods consumed by pregnant mothers increase the risk of having a child born with autism? Let’s take a look at what we know so far. 

The Foods in Question

Medical Researcher Dr. Saleh Naser, and his team at UCF College of Medicine Orlando, have recently discovered a potential medical breakthrough in the link to prenatal diet and autism.

The university scientists found that exposure to high levels of propionic acid (PPA) during pregnancy can directly affect nervous system development in the brains of unborn children. Propionic acid is a naturally occurring chemical that the body produces as food ferments in the digestive system. PPA is also added to many processed foods to enhance flavor and prolong shelf-life. 

Usually, consistent amounts of propionic acid are not a cause for concern. However, when a person’s PPA levels suddenly increase, problems can begin to arise, especially during pregnancy. The brilliant minds at the UCF College of medicine explain it this way:

• “If a pregnant woman consumes a significant amount of processed foods, PPA levels can spike.”
• “In excess, PPA impacts a fetus’ brain by reducing the development of neurons — cells that tell other body cells how to function. This can also damage neurons’ communication pathways throughout the body.”
• “High amounts of PPA also cause an overproduction of glial cells. These cells protect neuron function, but too many cells disrupt the connection between neurons and causes inflammation in the brain and the rest of the body.”

Put simply, PPA levels during pregnancy seem to directly correlate with the likelihood that a child will exhibit typical ASD behavior, such as trouble communicating and stimming behavior like rocking back and forth or hand flapping after birth.

Which Foods Contain Propionic Acid and Should you Avoid Them?

PPA is commonly used as a preservative in many processed foods like cheese, dried fruit products, and baked goods such as bread, tortillas, and pre-packaged pastries. If you want to limit your intake of propionic acid, experts suggest checking the ingredients on the packaging for: 

• Methyl propionate
• Sodium propionate
• Calcium propionate

The connection between propionic acid and neural development is still being studied. While there is no sure-fire way to guarantee that your baby will be born without signs of autism, it never hurts to air on the side of caution. As hard as it may be cutting down on processed foods during pregnancy can be a great way to maximize the potential for healthy fetal brain growth, and it’s better for your overall health in general. 

Can Diet be Used to Treat Autism?

Let’s switch gears now and examine another aspect of nutrition. We’ve established a possible connection between prenatal diet and autism, but what if you have a son or daughter who has already been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder? Can their diet affect their overall health and cognitive ability? 

Put simply; there is no “cure” for autism. However, implementing certain foods into your child’s diet (and possibly removing some) can significantly improve their overall quality of life. When analyzing an autism-based diet, there are two main ways to look at food. First, from a nutritional perspective, and second, viewing certain foods as triggers can cause your son or daughter to react unfavorably.

Nutrition and Autism

One study showed that kids on the spectrum often lack fiber, folic acid, calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, D, E, K, B6, and B12. All of these vitamins and minerals are crucial to your child’s development and overall well-being. Fortunately, there are tons of fun and tasty foods that you can implement into your child’s diet to ensure they are receiving all the vital nutrients that their little bodies need. Here are a few examples, broken down by each essential vitamin and mineral.

Also, just as a side note, if you haven’t done so already, we encourage you to visit your child’s doctor or nutritionist. Gluten and lactose allergies are common among autistic children. Since many kids can’t communicate how they feel with words, they may have one of these allergies without you ever knowing about it. 

Trigger Foods

Every kid has meals that they like and dislike, but for boys and girls living with ASD, certain foods may cause them to stress or even panic. Most of the time, It boils down to sensory perception. For some kids, foods with specific colors, intense flavors, or unfamiliar textures can be overwhelming to their senses. 

Be prepared, learning which foods trigger negative reactions in your child can be a challenge. It may seem like they suddenly have an avulsion to every new meal you put in front of them. In this situation, it’s best to start simple. Try to identify a few foods that they tolerate, and gradually make slight changes to your recipes to incorporate other ingredients. 

When trying to incorporate a specific vitamin-rich food, smoothies might just become your new best friend. Sweet fruits easily mask the flavors of “undesirable” foods like vegetables, allowing you to give them essential nutrients while providing a cool and tasty treat.

It’ll take some time, but with some creativity, you can gradually turn trigger foods into meals that your autistic son or daughter will actually crave, and who knows, you might even have some fun doing it. For more tips on getting your child to try new foods, check out this article here. 

Share Your Nutrition Tips with us!

We hope that this information has helped shed some light on the importance of a healthy diet both before and after a child is born. It’s awesome to see so much research finally going into this important part of daily life. New discoveries and studies regarding nutrition and autism are being published every day, so as always, we encourage you to do your own research and let us know what you find!