Ok, Diaper Inserts Part 2...

Ok, Diaper Inserts Part 2. Here’s where things get interesting. There are so many different makes and types of inserts on the market these days that it would be overwhelming to try and discuss them all. Hopefully, though, I can give you an idea of some different styles of inserts and diapering systems that use inserts.

Pocket diapers are usually sold with an insert tailor made to fit in that diaper. Each brand has a slightly unique shape or design of insert and diaper in an attempt to stand out above the others. For example Rumparooz has their 6r system in which the two microfiber or hemp inserts can be snapped together in various ways to accommodate different sizes of babies or to customize the absorbency of the diaper. Bum Genius One Size (OS) diapers come with one pocket cover and a microfiber insert that can snap down for smaller babies, as well as a newborn microfiber insert that can either be used on its own or in combination with the regular insert for greater absorbency.

There is even more variation in the all in two system (AI2) of diapering (a cover and insert). Most companies create covers and inserts to be u

sed together, but for the most part either could be used with another brand. The Flip system by Cotton Babies includes covers and either stay-dry or organic inserts. The stay dry inserts are the same microfiber inserts used in their bumGenius pocket diapers, but with a layer of suedecloth to keep baby’s skin dry. The organic inserts are basically prefolds made of organic cotton and are extremely buttery soft and super absorbent. The covers are designed to fit either insert, but could also be used with a variety of other inserts. Conversely, the Flip inserts can also be used with other covers.

The AI2 diapering system is designed so that the covers can be reused and just the inserts changed as needed. This makes it an ideal system to customize. Many people take what they like from one system, either the cover or insert, and combine it with the cover or insert from a different system to create a customized diapering set up.

This is one of the many great things about cloth diapering; you can completely customize your cloth diapering experience to suit you and your baby’s individual needs.

Sometimes a little extra absorbency is needed and so smaller inserts called soakers or boosters are used. Bamboo, hemp and zorb are usually used for these inserts. They’re thinner and often smaller than regular inserts. The advantage of using a

soaker/booster rather than an extra insert is that you add absorbency without adding bulk. While using two Flip organic inserts would give amazing absorbency for Emma overnight, the diaper would be so thick and bulky she wouldn’t be able to get comfortable (not all babies have issue with their diaper being too bulky, but many do). Instead I use a bamboo insert behind the Flip organic to give added absorbency without making her legs so far apart she has to waddle.

There are so many inserts on the diapering market today and the only way to know for sure what will work for you and your baby is to try a few different ones. Although I believe there are some inserts that stand above the others (such as Flip Organics- really these inserts are awesome!!), many are fairly interchangeable and do a great job. Have fun trying different ones and creating the perfect diapering stash that works for you!

All about inserts...

Well, I think it’s time to dust off the old typewriter and what better way to start than with a brief overview of diaper inserts. Besides the different varieties of diapers, the types of inserts might be the most confusing decision when cloth diapering. My goal here is to keep it as simple as I can and provide a basic summary of different types of fabrics used in inserts and different types/makes of inserts.

Before we begin, let me just mention that like types of diapers, inserts are very much a personal preference. What works for one baby might not work for another or might not work for that same baby down the road. Conversely, what doesn’t work at the newborn stage may be ideal for a bigger baby or toddler. I really believe you have to try out a variety of inserts and diapers to see what works best for you.

Ok, that said, let’s get to it. In this first section I’ll briefly mention the different materials or fabrics most widely used in diaper inserts.

Cotton: Cotton is a natural fiber, soft (though can be stiff when line dried and gets rougher over time), inexpensive and easy to care for. Depending on the insert, cotton can add bulk to a diaper.

Hemp: Hemp is also natural (most often organic,) very absorbent, trim, but there can be the potential for odor problems. Hemp is generally more expensive than cotton and can get stiff and rough over time (this is actually why hemps inserts tend to be a cotton/hemp blend- the cotton helps keep the inserts soft and supple).

Bamboo: Bamboo is an environmentally friendly, natural fiber that is silky and soft (and stays that way after washing!), and naturally antibacterial. Bamboo doesn’t hold up to repeated washing and drying the way cotton does.

Microfiber: Microfiber is a manufactured fiber (a polyester/polyamide blend), very absorbent, inexpensive and fast drying. Microfiber should never be in direct contact with baby’s skin so these inserts are generally used in pocket diapers or with a liner. Microfiber also has the potential for odor problems if not washed and rinsed well.

Zorb: Zorb is one of the newest players to the diapering game. It’s a mixture of fibers from bamboo/cotton/viscose and poly microfiber. It’s a non-allergenic, very absorbent and trim material that absorbs much faster than other diaper fabrics.

Wool: Wool is highly breathable, waterproof and absorbent. It does require special care, but also has natural antibacterial properties so does not need to be washed as often as other fabrics.

Microfleece: Microfleece is a 100% polyester fabric that is ideal as a moisture wicking diaper layer. When used next to baby’s skin it keeps baby’s skin dry, even in a wet diaper. It’s easy to clean and does not hold stains like many other fabrics.

Suedecloth: Similar in function to microfleece, suedecloth does not pill the way microfleece does.

Microchamois: Also similar to fleece in its stay dry properties, but stays extremely soft and doesn’t pill.

Wicking Jersey: An athletic fabric used in golf shirts, it is often used as a layer to help keep baby’s skin dry, but holds up better than suedecloth. This is the stay dry layer used in our diaper service diapers.

Many inserts are actually a combination of these fabrics to get the benefits of more than one material. For example the Flip stay dry inserts are a microfiber insert for great absorbency and trimness, with a suedecloth layer to keep baby’s skin soft and dry. More on these and other various types of inserts next time…