The Dirty On Cloth Diaper Inserts...

Many people new to cloth diapering are very overwhelmed when they start looking into all the different types.  One of the first things they will encounter is a huge selection of diaper inserts. I'm going to breakdown each option by fabric, to try and make things simple for those who are new to cloth.

Microfiber:

Absorbency: While they absorb liquid really quickly, they do not hold as much as other options.  Compression leaks can also happen with microfiber.

Dry Time: Extremely quick drying time

Price: Microfiber tends to be a very reasonably priced insert option ($$)

Notes: Microfiber has been known to trap in smells overtime, and difficult to really clean.  Also important to note - this cannot be put against the skin - it can only be used in a pocket, or with a skin safe layer in between the bottom and insert.  If put against the skin, it will absorb all the skin's moisture and will cause a horrible rash. Microfiber is also quite bulky.


Hemp/Cotton:

Absorbency: Amazing absorbency, will hold about 2.5 times what microfiber will hold.  However it does not absorb as quickly as microfiber does.

Dry Time: Takes a bit longer than Microfiber to dry

Price: A bit more expensive than microfiber, but less than Bamboo ($$$$)

Notes: All natural fabric is safe to be against the baby's bottom, which makes it usable in various types of cloth diapers.  Easy to clean, but requires more prep time to reach full absorbency. Very trim inserts.

Bamboo:

Absorbency: More absorbent than microfiber, but not as absorbent as hemp.

Dry Time: Using a dryer can break down the fabric more quickly, so line drying is recommended. It can take a  noticeably longer time to dry than the alternatives.

Price: The most expensive option ($$$$$)

Notes: Bamboo Rayon is a synthetic fiber derived from natural inputs. It is not a Natural Fiber like Hemp or Cotton. It is very soft to the touch. Requires more prep time to reach full absorbency. Very trim inserts.


My personal preference is Hemp inserts.  There are various reasons for this - first being that they are a natural fabric.  They also have fantastic absorption, and I don't have to stuff them into the pockets, I can just lay them in the cover.  Every person and baby is different, so it is important you select the insert that works best for your needs.  I recommend trying various types to determine what works best for you!