Absorbency Options
Inserts
Inserts are mainly used in pocket diapers, either stuffed into the pocket or laid flat. They can also be used in covers. Microfiber, Bamboo, Charcoal bamboo, and Hemp are the most common types of inserts. Some may be blended with cotton for various reasons.
BambooBamboo is broken up into 2 categories, bamboo/bamboo blended and charcoal bamboo (CBI).
Bamboo/Bamboo blended inserts are natural fiber which is important to some people. They stay soft after many washes, but can wear out faster than other options. CBI inserts usually have 4- or 5-layers where the outer layers are charcoal infused bamboo and the 2-3 layers inside are MF. I love CBI because it doesn't stain. My CBI look brand new 1.5 years later. |
MicrofiberMost diapers you buy come with a microfiber starter insert included with them. It is the cheapest option available besides DIY and flats. It's not the most absorbent but absorbs very quickly. Microfiber inserts are known to cause compression leaks because they are so sponge-like. The biggest problem with MF is that it cannot go directly against skin because it is very drying and can cause diaper rash. Perfectly okay for being stuffed in pockets though. Note: MF is "sticky." Mine come out of the dryer with everything not caught by the lint trap stuck to them. I've also found inserts stuck to pieces of clothing.
HempHemp is a thirsty, natural fiber. It is the most expensive option, but also the most absorbent. It holds over double what microfiber can, making it a great option for heavy wetters. It is very trim too. One drawback is that it takes longer to absorb compared to MF and bamboo. It's not necessary, but it may be helpful to put behind something that absorbs quickly like MF. Hemp needs to be washed about 8 times to reach full absorbency and can have longer drying times.
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Soakers
Photo Credit: Sassy Bums
Soakers are very similar to inserts except they're designed for AI2 diapers. You can also find them in fitted and hybrid fitted diapers. Soakers snap in. They come in several different styles. They can be a single insert that snaps in, an insert with multiple snaps to attach additional absorbency. Hybrids are more likely to have multiple inserts that are sewn together in petal or folding style like shown above. The folding style is cool because you fold the inserts to wherever your little one needs the most absorbency.
Doublers / Boosters
There comes a point when many kids need more than just a single insert to stay dry, but using two can cause a diaper to not fit properly, especially around the leg elastics. Leg gaps can cause leaks. That's why boosters and doublers are used in addition to soakers/inserts to add extra absorbency without adding too much extra bulk. They can be narrower, hour glass shaped, or otherwise smaller.
They can be made from a variety of fabrics like cotton, bamboo, hemp, and zorb or even a combination of them. |
2 Ply Organic Bamboo Boosters made by BeanAndBearsShoppe
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Prefolds
Prefolds are flat diapers that have been sewn into smaller rectangles to save time and make them easier to use. Brand new they are flat and a bit stiff, but fluff up and become "quilted" and super soft after a few washes. I loved using prefolds on my daughter her first few months because they were great for holding in runny EBF poop.
They're a very affordable option with minimal learning curve making them the go-to option for budget families. They be fastened like a diaper like a flat diaper or tri-folded and used like an insert. |
Green Mountain Diapers has even taken prefolds a step farther and offers them sewn into a fitted called a GMD work horse. You can buy them with snaps or snapless. The snapless ones require pins, snappis, or boingos to close them.
Check out GMD workhorses here. |
Flats
One type of flat that is popular in the cloth diapering community is the Flour Sack Towel (FST). FSTs are made of cotton and Walmart and Target carry them (check kitchen aisles) so they're easy to find. They're cheap and the ones from Target come in pretty colors/patterns.
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Flats are large, single ply pieces of fabric made from cotton, bamboo, and even hemp. They're inexpensive, easy to clean, and fast drying (great for hanging). Flats can be folded different ways into diapers or pad folded into inserts, or can even be sewn to save a few steps. There is definitely a learning curve with folding flats. Learn more about how to fold flats here and here.
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Fitteds
Hybrid Fitted Diapers made by Jen's Cloth Diapers and More.
Fitteds and Hybrid fitteds are contoured diapers that are fully absorbent. Hybrids have an extra layer of heavyweight fleece like windpro to make a water resistant layer for longer wear. They snap or velcro on like any other diaper then just add a cover. I talk about these more extensively here.