How to use Cloth Diaper Inserts and Real-World Tips

Start by prepping your fresh cloth diaper insert through a thorough wash to maximize its moisture-holding power. Once dry, simply position the insert inside the diaper—whether tucking it into the pocket or laying it directly in the cover works for your style. Carefully pull the edges to make sure the diaper hugs softly but firmly around your baby's legs and waist, so no gaps remain where leaks could sneak out. Fasten the snaps or Velcro securely and double-check the fit; your baby's comfort matters as much as leak protection. Keep an eye on the diaper—a newborn usually needs a change every couple of hours to stay dry and comfortable, adjusting for your baby's unique needs and day-to-day routine

If you’re a parent considering cloth diapering, or you’ve already started and want to maximise the performance and comfort of your baby’s diapers, understanding cloth diaper inserts is crucial. This guide is designed from personal experience and deep research to bust the myths, give practical advice, and answer every question you might have about the use, benefits, and types of inserts—from newborns to toddlers and beyond.

What Are Cloth Diaper Inserts and Why Do They Matter?

At their most basic, cloth diaper inserts are absorbent pads placed inside cloth diapers—specifically pocket diapers or diaper covers—to absorb urine and keep your baby dry. Think of them as the engine that actually makes the cloth diaper effective. The material, size, and style of insert play a huge role in how dry and comfortable your child feels, and in how easy your diapering routine becomes.

Types of Cloth Diaper Inserts: Pros, Cons, and When to Use Each

One thing that can overwhelm new parents is the array of choices when it comes to insert fabrics and shapes. Here’s an honest look at what’s available and what works in real life.

1. Microfiber Inserts

Pros:

• Quickest absorbing
• Affordable and fast-drying
• Great for heavy wetters in short bursts (e.g., naps)

Cons:

• Can lead to compression leaks if overfilled
• Not for use directly against baby’s skin (can dry out and irritate)
• Least eco-friendly, but often made from recycled material

Best For: Stuffing inside pocket nappies, especially when you need a quick turnaround on laundry.

2. Cotton Inserts/Boosters

Pros:

• Second fastest at absorbing
• Easily layered for more absorbency without excessive bulk
• Inexpensive and widely available
• Naturally biodegradable and safe next to skin

Cons:

• Can feel rough in hard water and needs occasional tumble drying to stay soft
• Dries relatively quickly, but is less absorbent than bamboo or hemp for the same thickness

Best For: Newborns, heavy wetters, or as extra layers at night.

3. Bamboo and Bamboo Charcoal Inserts

Pros:

• Super soft, breathable, and gentle for sensitive skin
• Odour-resistant and antimicrobial
• More absorbent than cotton or microfiber
• Biodegradable and eco-friendly (though some are partially synthetic)

Cons:

• Prone to wear-and-tear in the long term
• Slower to dry than cotton or microfiber

Best For: Babies with sensitive skin or for overnight use in a layered setup.

4. Hemp Inserts

Pros:

• Most absorbent and durable for their thickness
• Great for overnight and heavy wetting toddlers
• Gets more absorbent with every wash

Cons:

• Slowest to dry
• Typically, more expensive and harder to find
• Can feel stiff after line-drying

Best For: Nighttimes and long journeys; often combined with a faster-absorbing layer like microfiber or cotton on top.

5. Zorb and Speciality Inserts

Pros:

• Extreme absorbency (manufacturer claims up to 20x faster than other fabrics)
• Blends multiple materials for best performance

Cons:

• Usually sandwiched between other fabrics (not used alone)

Best For: When you absolutely need maximum absorbency in a slim package (e.g. heavy wetters, overnight).

6. Disposable Hybrid Inserts

Great for travel and days out, these inserts fit in branded hybrid diaper shells and can be thrown away after use—no carrying stinky diapers home.

How to Use Cloth Diaper Inserts (Step by Step)

Here’s what I do for a leak-free, comfortable experience every single time:

1. Prepping Inserts: Wash new inserts at least once (hemp and bamboo become more absorbent after about 8–10 washes).
2. Choosing and Layering: For daytime: One insert, or double up for heavy wetters. For overnight: Layer microfiber on top for fast absorption, then hemp or bamboo underneath to hold it all in.
3. Placement: For pocket diapers, slide the insert into the pocket using your forearm, grip at the front, and pull out. For covers, just lay the insert inside (if not using a pocket system).
4. Using Liners: If your insert is microfiber, add a stay-dry or fleece liner on top to protect baby’s skin from irritation.
5. Adjusting Fit: Make sure the insert doesn’t poke out of the diaper cover; this prevents wicking and leaks.
6. Changing and Disposal: Remove any solid waste before washing (liners catch solids) and store used diapers in a dry pail or wet bag until laundry day.

Benefits of Cloth Diaper Inserts—Why Switch?

• Cost Saving: Expect to spend significantly less over time than with disposables, especially if you use inserts that last multiple children.
• Eco-Friendly: Reduces landfill waste and environmental footprint compared to single-use diapers.
• Gentle on Skin: Natural fibres keep your baby’s sensitive skin rash-free; no exposure to chemicals and fragrances common in disposables.
• Customizable: You can tweak absorbency for day/night, growth stage, and activity level by mixing and matching inserts.
• Lower Diaper Rash Rates: Improved airflow and natural fibres help prevent rashes caused by constant wetness and chemicals.

Myths and Real-Life Challenges—Addressed!

Myth: Cloth diapering is complicated or messy.
Reality: Once you get the hang of prepping and using inserts, it’s no more hassle than changing a disposable.

Myth: Cloth diapers always leak.
Reality: The right insert combination eliminates most leaks. Make sure the fit is snug and the insert absorbs enough for your baby’s needs.

Myth: You need to use brand-specific inserts.
Reality: Any absorbent pad that fits your diaper’s dimensions and materials can work when layered correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cloth Diaper Inserts

Which cloth diaper insert is most absorbent?

Hemp and bamboo are generally the most absorbent. For ultimate overnight protection, use a hemp or bamboo insert layered under a microfiber or cotton insert.

How many inserts do I need?

• For newborns: 24–36 inserts (changing every 2 hours)
• For older babies: 14–24 inserts
• Wash every 2–3 days for best hygiene

How do I stop cloth diapers from leaking?

• Make sure the insert’s fully inside the cover or pocket
• Layer faster-absorbing fabric (like microfiber or cotton) on top, slow-absorbing (hemp or bamboo) on the bottom
• Adjust diaper fit to ensure a snug seal around legs and waist

Can I use two inserts together?

Absolutely! This is called “boosting” and helps for overnight or heavy-wetters. Just watch for too much bulk, which can hinder the fit and cause leaks around the legs.

How do you prep new inserts?

• Wash 2–3 times before first use; bamboo and hemp reach max absorbency after about 8–10 cycles.
• No fabric softener or fragrance, as these coat fibres and reduce absorbency.

Are cloth diaper inserts hard to wash?

No, just rinse off solids, then machine wash with the rest of your laundry. Use a gentle or baby-safe detergent, avoid fabric softeners and bleach, and line-dry or tumble-dry as appropriate for your insert’s fabric type.

Can you make your own inserts or liners?

Yes! Microfleece won’t unravel, so cut up a piece for DIY stay-dry liners. Plain cotton, bamboo, or hemp fabric rectangles can serve as inserts or boosters.

Are cloth diaper inserts better for the environment?

Yes, especially natural fabrics like organic cotton or hemp, and reusable systems over time are far less wasteful than disposables.

Care and Longevity Tips

• Rotate at least two days’ worth of inserts to prevent wear and time laundry cycles efficiently
• Store diapers in a dry pail or breathable wet bag to avoid mildew
• Dry in sunlight when possible for natural stain removal and odour control
• Remove any residue with periodic “stripping” washes if you notice buildup or odour

Expert Tips From My Experience Using Cloth Diaper Inserts

• Every baby’s needs are a bit different—try several insert materials and combinations to see what works best for you.
• For travel or daycare, consider hybrid covers with disposable inserts for less hassle.
• If your inserts feel less absorbent over time, try washing with a small amount of vinegar (unless forbidden by your brand).

Final Thoughts: Why I Recommend Cloth Diaper Inserts for Modern Parenting

Switching to cloth diapers with the right inserts is one of the smartest moves for health, the planet, and your wallet—and with a little practice, it quickly becomes second nature. No matter your lifestyle, there’s a cloth diaper insert solution that can make your life a little simpler, your baby a lot happier, and your footprint much smaller.