Cloth Diapering for Beginners – II

I am back and as promised, this post will be about the different kind of inserts and boosters (that we have and love).
In simple terms, inserts refer to the cloth pads that we use with (stuff/snap onto/place) inside different kinds of diapers.

Boosters are add-ons to inserts to increase the absorbency of the diapers for night time, longer time usage, etc.

So, let me quickly share details of the different types of inserts and boosters and the ones that we have been using successfully.

1. MICROFIBER INSERTS: These are the cheapest and wick pee the fastest. However, their capacity isn’t much and they should never be used against the baby’s skin directly (as they are capable of wicking all moisture).

We used these inserts with pockets diapers when we started cloth diapering and they typically lasted us 1.5-2 hours tops.

Microfiber Insert

2. MICROFIBER INSERT WITH MICROSUEDE TOP LAYER: These are the same as microfiber inserts but have a microsuede layer on top because of which they can be used even with covers. The microsuede layer will keep a dry feeling to the baby.

Microfiber Insert with a Microsuede Top Layer

3. NATURAL FIBER INSERTS: This comprises of all other natural fiber inserts like cotton, bamboo cotton, terry cotton, hemp cotton, etc. All these can absorb a LOT of pee but none of them give a stay dry feeling to the baby.

These work for longer periods of time, say 3-4 hours easily and overnight when paired with a booster.

You can use these with a stay dry liner if your baby is sensitive to wetness or if you prefer it that way.

Clockwise: Bamboo Cotton Insert, Padfolded Prefolds, Organic Cotton Insert, Padfolded Flats

4. BOOSTERS: Since boosters are used to add absorbency to existing inserts, they are mostly made of natural fibers. These may be thinner than your regular inserts. However, if you do not want to invest in them, you can simply try and see if using two inserts at a time work for you.

Geffen Baby Quick Absorber

Smart Bottoms Hemp Booster (small)

Little Lamb Bamboo Booster

We usually add a booster in case we are going out and know that we may not really be in a position to change the diaper every 2-3 hours and for night times (because they stay on the bum for at least 8-10 hours).

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all that is available. Rather I am writing this based on what we have and love. So feel free to experiment and find out what works for you and your baby.

Although it may seem like there is a lot to it, cloth diapering is no rocket science. Give it a try and I am sure you will get a hang of it in no time. Feel free to comment below and ask any question(s) that you may have.

P.S: We change A’s diaper every 2-3 hours and immediately in case of poo. Only the overnight diaper is on for 8-10 hours.