Cloth diaper insert

You've heard of the washable diaper insert but you don't know what it is? Want to know more about the insert and the differences between washable and disposable diapers? Want to reduce your carbon footprint and switch to washable diapers but don't know where to start? You've come to the right place and you can count on Confections Lili to explain everything to you.

What is a washable diaper insert used for?

An insert is a removable absorbent element for a washable diaper. This is the fabric, bamboo, hemp or other element that comes in addition to the washable diaper. It is advisable to wait a while after birth before using them.

Depending on the case (for example, if you use an absorbent diaper insert), this product is used to provide the basic absorbency of the diaper or to reinforce it. All cloth diaper systems consist of an absorbent part (usually cotton) and a waterproof part (usually polyester).

All-in-one integral diapers (or TE1 or hybrid diapers) where the absorbent parts are integrated into the diaper are composed of two parts: an absorbent part and an impermeable part. On the one hand, in TE1, TE2 or TE3 diapers, the absorbent part (or diaper insert) generally consists of a "mattress", often made of cotton, which fits into the waterproof part (or support).

The term insert is sometimes used to refer to an additional absorbent element that is added to the base absorbent layer of a diaper to boost its initial absorbency. For this example, diaper inserts are also called liners or boosters. Sometimes two boosters are used at the same time, or even three in extreme cases (more often in cloth diapers for children suffering from enuresis).

Washable or disposable diaper insert?

Cloth diaper insert

The best diaper inserts you will find on the market are available in different materials, appreciated for their absorption and drainage properties.

There are different sizes and types of absorbent inserts available for use with cloth diapers. For more information, see our article on the different types of liners.

What also matters a lot is the thickness of the absorbent pad and the weight of the textile. Whether it's main diaper inserts or boosters, you'll want to change your stock of pads or boosters as baby grows, so they can absorb more.

Some brands offer pre-formatted inserts using rubber bands, which, in TE3, allows them to be better placed in the diaper and avoid leaks.

Disposable diaper insert

Unlike washable inserts, disposable inserts are generally made of cellulose without any absorbent gel. They are made from 100% natural materials, so they do not contain plastic parts, rubber bands or Velcro.

Because they are so easy to use, reusable cloth diapers are much more environmentally friendly than disposable diapers. Only the inserts will end up in the trash, but the envelopes can be washed and reused.

You might ask us: but why would we want to use a disposable insert when the diaper has to be washed anyway. Well, think about the trips you take, the trips to the park or the shops. Imagine baby doing the dirty work, you'll have to carry the dirty insert with you for the rest of the day... Not great, is it? The disposable insert is the ideal partner for traveling or taking a leisurely walk with baby.

Other types of inserts

day insert

Children's urine output varies a lot during the day. Some pee while others have a flood.

There are two types of day inserts: single inserts and tri-ply inserts.

We recommend bringing more absorbent nappies to daycare to avoid leaks, as educators change them a little less often than parents do at home.

night insert

Night inserts are designed to give parents some respite during the night period. They are designed in one or two parts and absorb a lot. Their main advantage is their ease of use. You can use them in a pocket diaper or diaper cover.

You should be careful though. Some companies use microfiber inserts, made from petroleum derivatives. These products are very bad for the environment because they have to be washed regularly. You should not let your child directly touch this material, as it can cause burns. The first 10 washes are the most crucial.

If your child has a small or medium wet diaper, the night insert is an effective solution. Pay special attention to the installation.

What material for the baby diaper insert?

It is important to choose an absorbent that suits you. The absorption of the inserts varies according to the materials used. Synthetic materials absorb liquids quickly and dry quickly. Organic materials, on the other hand, have an unparalleled absorption capacity.

These materials are therefore suitable for naps, nights, or outings that last a little longer than usual These are fabrics that take a little longer to dry than synthetics, but they can be tumble dried in a delicate cycle, which takes less time.

Microfiber inserts

Made from polyester fiber, microfiber fabric is a synthetic material. It is very light and instantly captures even the largest liquids. It is pleasant to use because it provides a real "dry" effect, which allows your baby not to feel the humidity.

Although it absorbs liquids very quickly, microfiber has an extremely limited maximum absorption capacity. We do not recommend that you put the microfiber diaper inserts in direct contact with the baby, as they dry out the skin unlike bamboo. This is the reason why it is recommended rather as a lining.

It's a good idea to buy extra as it will come in handy for drying clothes when you don't have a dryer.

100% bamboo inserts

Bamboo is an incredibly soft and absorbent fabric, ideal for sensitive skin. Bamboo fabric is known for its antibacterial properties, so it doesn't need to be treated with chemicals to keep it from smelling.

Made of three layers of bamboo, these thin inserts are perfect for lining your baby's diapers without too much extra bulk.

100% bamboo folding inserts

The bamboo inserts, a natural material with antibacterial and antifungal effects, fold in three and allow excellent absorption. They are made from high quality materials.

These squares are made from two layers of bamboo which means they are easier to wash and take less time to dry.

Bamboo and microfiber inserts

With these inserts, bamboo offers the benefits of antimicrobial properties, as well as the rapid absorption of microfiber. They are ideal for everyday use.

Made up of four different layers, two in bamboo fabric and two in microfiber fabric, our Bamboo and Fiber Inserts ensure optimal absorption throughout the day and night!

Charcoal inserts

Bamboo charcoal (or bamboo charcoal) is a mixture of microfibers and bamboo that has been treated with bamboo charcoal particles to make it absorb toxins from the body.

It has a bamboo viscose fleece which makes it very soft for your baby's skin. Therefore, the insert should be placed directly on the child's bottom. It also allows to have a "dry buttocks" effect. Its gray color makes it easy to hide stains that saddle pads can cause.

It dries quickly.

Organic cotton and microfiber inserts

Organic cotton is a natural fiber of plant origin, extracted by pressing cotton seeds. Organic cotton is ideal for babies with sensitive skin as it does not contain harsh chemicals.

Hemp inserts

Hemp inserts offer superior absorbency for their size, are thin enough to fit almost any newborn diaper.

They are scalable to allow for optimal fit and absorbency (perfect for compression leaks) while laying flat in the diaper (giving a flat diaper) without creating uncomfortable buildups of thickness.

The hemp inserts are among the best on the market.

How to wash diapers?

If you want to flush the contents of the used diaper down the toilet, flush the feces down the toilet, and dispose of the leaflet if present. Then put the dirty diapers, not rinsed, in a bucket provided for this purpose. Today, most diapers must be stored "dry" to yield a dry diaper.

Each manufacturer recommends a specific procedure for washing diapers. However, in general, a first wash is done in cold water followed by a wash in hot or lukewarm water with an additional rinse.

Do not use the "sanitize" cycle, which may damage the velcro fasteners and elastic bands for either flat diapers or pocket diapers. Be especially careful if you have a front-loading washer. Because this type of washer uses little water, it can lead to residue issues. If so, make sure it uses as much water as possible.

You can dry the diaper in the dryer, however, this may shorten its life. It is recommended that PUL products be tumble dried occasionally to maintain their watertightness. When using the clothesline, place pins at the top and bottom of each layer to avoid stretching the rubber bands. If the diapers are too rough when dry, just tumble dry them for a few minutes to restore their softness.

Which detergent to use for the inserts?

Ideally, you want a detergent that is free of brighteners, fragrances (natural or synthetic), fabric softeners, natural oils, dyes, enzymes, and bleach. Each manufacturer recommends a specific detergent or detergents. Some products are only available in the United States, or one brand recommends one product and another brand recommends something else.

If you are buying cloth diapers, you can also consider buying detergent. But the most important thing is not to put too much, because soap residue can cause bad odors and leaks. It is always better to start with too low a dose rather than too high a dose. Never use fabric softener or bleach.

You now have everything there is to know about the washable diaper insert. However, if you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us . We will be happy to answer your questions and guide you to the product that best suits your situation.

Whether diaper accessories, classic diaper, hybrid diaper, boy or girl diaper, regular diapers, mixed diapers, reusable diapers, molded diapers, disposable diapers or any type of diapers, we have the best diaper inserts.