Just to let you know, Mommy…
Diaper liners and inserts are a Diaper’s holy grail that’s literally their reason to hold on a little tighter for dear life.
This article is a complete guidebook and review of the 5 Best Baby Diaper Liners and Inserts actively sold in the market to help you with your nappy needs.
We’ll be giving you the breakdown about:
- Differentiating between a liner and an Insert
- Different types of the two
- 5 Product Reviews of the best baby pads for diapers
- And a whole lot more…
Ready to add more “mileage” to those diapers?
Now, let’s see what products we have!
- 1 – Naturally Natures 5 Layer Cloth Diaper Inserts
- 2 – Muslin Burp Cloths 4 Pack Large
- 3 – Gerber Cloth Diaper Prefold Premium 6-ply with Absorbent Padding
- 4 – Sposie Overnight Diaper Booster Pads
- 5 – Dandelion Diapers Biodegradable and Flushable Natural Diaper Liners
- Buyers Guide: Diapers Liners vs. Inserts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results
- Our Final Verdict: Best Baby Diaper Liner
- Conclusion: Best cloth diaper liners and Inserts
So you are noticing that your cloth diapers are not working as promised.
You may have noticed leaks! Cleaning is not as simple as people said they were! And you have even touched a bit of poop while cleaning up your child.. Yuckyyy!
Take a deep breath!
Cloth diapering system is not meant to complicate your life… It is possible you may not be using the cloth diaper the right way.
In case you don’t know..
..it should include a diaper insert, diaper liner, or both!
Usually, cloth diaper liners are an accessory. They come with pocket diapers and all-in-ones.
Yet, it’s possible they are not the right material for your situation.
That being said, Mommy…
Cloth liners come in both reusable and disposable types.
They help you in either a pocket diaper or a disposable diaper situation.
Diaper liners and diaper inserts can help you with easy clean-up and less mess when using cloth diapers!
Now, you may be wondering which type is the best for your baby!
Worry not, we got you covered..
Below we have included the best cloth diaper inserts and liners to get you started, and for a variety of uses.
Think of this as your cloth diaper insert starter kit.
1 – Naturally Natures 5 Layer Cloth Diaper Inserts
Best Bamboo Diaper Liners
- Size: 12-Pack
- Dimensions: 13 x 5 x 1 inches
- Brand: Naturally Nature
- Color: Grey
- Material: Bamboo
- Item weight: 1 Pound
Bottom Line Super soft, thick, and absorbent fleece liners. Best for heavy wetters babies!
Pros
Pack of 12
Thick for absorbency
Made of environmentally conscious fabrics
Sewn-in gusset to help prevent leaks
Dark color to hide stains
Cons
Many layers mean a long drying time
Requires slightly more maintenance when cleaning
Sizing runs a little long
These have 5 layers of charcoal bamboo inserts and come in a pack of 12.
There are two outer layers of combined charcoal bamboo fleece. Beneath that there are three layers of microfiber material.
And another thing…
.. the outer layer is about 70% charcoal bamboo fiber combined with around 30% polyester. It helps to make this a moisture-wicking insert.
Naturally Natures claims that their inserts can hold up to 10 ounces of liquid.
We recommended washing them in cold to warm water, and not mixing them with your other clothes.
This extends the life of these reusable liners. Yep!
Above all,
…they come with a sewn-in gusset in the middle to help prevent leaking and the outer material keeps the most important layers close to skin dry!
Keep in mind, though, they run a little long so if your child has a shorter torso or bum, you may want to fold it over.
2 – Muslin Burp Cloths 4 Pack Large
Best Multi-purposes Soft Cloths
- Size: 4-Pack
- Dimensions: 10.51 x 9.45 x 1.54 inches
- Brand: Synrroe
- Color: White
- Material: 100% Cotton
- Item weight: 5.6 ounces
Bottom Line: Soft, large, and absorbent multi-purposes clothes that can be used for babies of all ages.
Pros
Well made, and 6-ply
Large enough for doubling up as a diaper liner
100% cotton and soft
Multi-purpose; great as a burp cloth and for cleaning up
Cons
Recommended to pre-wash to avoid shrinkage
Feels thin
Stains Easily
These are a four pack of large, 10” by 20” muslin burp cloths.
They are 100% cotton, a natural material that requires pre-washing. Once washed the fibers in the cloth soften, becoming extra absorbent, and quick to dry.
Why?
This is because of the 6 ply layer, which helps absorbency, but because it is cotton, is not too thick!
Furthermore, these liners can be used for a variety of uses other than as diaper liners. They are well designed, with sewn in edges for a finished look.
These are a great simple option that gets the job done.
3 – Gerber Cloth Diaper Prefold Premium 6-ply with Absorbent Padding
Diaper Inserts For Overnight
- Size: 10 Pack
- Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 8 inches
- Brand: Gerber
- Color: White
- Material: Polyester, cotton
- Item weight: 1.41 Pounds
Bottom Line: Multi-purposes, soft, and high quality insert that makes cloth diapering so much easy to handle.
Pros
100% birdseye cotton
Soft and gentle
Soft and gentle
Cons
Best used with a diaper cover or doubled up
Not for big messes
Thin material
Gerber has been a trusted brand in baby products for decades.
From life insurance to food, to baby toys, you can’t have seen the Gerber baby’s face growing up (or now as you nurture your little one).
It’s made with 100% birdseye cotton.
Which has a diamond-shaped weave pattern to help with absorbency and drying. They are large-sized.
As a liner, this would not do well by itself, and would best with an insert or doubler.
Keep in mind, Mommy…
.. cotton products do best with a pre-wash beforehand, so we recommend you wash before using to improve absorbency
These come in a set of 10, and these 3-ply cloths will work as a prefold diaper and liner.
They are not as thick as the Muslin Burp Cloths.
Yet, we recommend them in situations such as during the day when you may be changing them anyway.
All things considered,
… because of their thinness, it is not recommended for any overnight diaper situations. They work well as a multi-tasking clean up cloth for small messes, but not for any large situations.
4 – Sposie Overnight Diaper Booster Pads
Booster Pads For Diapers
- Size: 3 Pack (10 each)
- Dimensions: 17.8 x 10 x 11.4 inches
- Brand: Select Kids
- Color: White
- Material: Polyester
- Item weight: 3.2 Pounds
Bottom Line: These pads go with any diaper type you use and help your kid sleeps the whole night without any leaks
Pros
Long and wide diaper booster for larger coverage in a diaper
Hypoallergenic, no fragrance, chlorine, or latex
Great liner, doubler, or boosters for overnight diapers
Disposable diaper booster pad- Best for travel use
Cons
They fell apart easily
No adhesive backing
These disposable cloth diaper liners are 3.5” wide and 12” long, and fit diaper sizes 4-6.
What you will like in these diaper boosters, is that they are hypoallergenic and made with cruelty-free materials (no fragrance, chlorine, or latex).
Plus, they include no glues or adhesives to avoid skin sensitivity.
Keep in mind, though..
…some parents may find the lack of adhesive difficult to work around, especially when using it as an overnight diaper insert.
With a well-sized diaper and diaper liners overnight, you can avoid leaks even if your baby moves around at night.
That’s said, we recommend these for babies six months and older.
In conclusion,
…these are super absorbent, generally perform well for larger wet messes, and can even work as boosters and for the double lining.
5 – Dandelion Diapers Biodegradable and Flushable Natural Diaper Liners
Best Flushable Diaper Liners
- Size: 200 Sheet Roll
- Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 0.25 inches
- Brand: Dandelion Diapers
- Color: Viscose
- Material: Bamboo
- Item weight: 0.16 ounces
Bottom Line: If you are looking for an option that is good for your kid and easy to use, then these soft, gentle, and flushable liners are the best option for you
Pros
Economical option
Disposable and flushable
Lightweight and big
Gentle and soft on baby’s bum
Cons
Very thin
Not for sensitive skin
Not for big messes
The roll makes using them a little bit difficult
Some parts may stick to the skin when extra wet
These diaper liners are in the affordable part. They are chemical-free and don’t contain irritating components.
What makes these liners special is the flushable feature..
However, we recommend you get rid of the dirty ones in a diaper pail instead, to protect your septic system!
Just like many disposable liner brands, these are big enough to hold as much waste as possible.
BUT, they don’t perform well when it comes to solid waste!
Most parents use them during the night as a protective thin layer with a waterproof cover, once their kid is potty trained…
Works perfectly as an on-the-go option…
Sooo,
..if you are going out with your little one and want an easy to use option, then you can use these liners as disposable ones.
Buyers Guide: Diapers Liners vs. Inserts
Cloth diapers liners and inserts are versatile..
That’s said,
..you can use them inside the pocket of a pocket diaper, or line between your baby’s bum and the diaper.
They are layers of stitched cloth.
They help to clean up easier, make cloth diapers more absorbent, and prevent staining.
The market of liners and inserts available to moms and dads is vast.
Let’s break down the difference between a diaper insert and a diaper liner.
Diaper Inserts
Diaper inserts are the ones used with ‘snappis,’ or pocket diapers.
Those are the cloth diapers with the snap buttons. Often, they are one size fits all and are adjustable to your baby’s weight and size.
Pocket diapers, as the name suggests, have a pocket in the back of the diaper to add extra fabric. This fabric is absorbent and wicks moisture.
Keep in mind, though,
…they make up the bulk of weight and volume in a diaper.
Doublers aka Boosters
Boosters are used with diaper inserts.
They provide extra absorption for certain situations, such as naps and overnight use.
The best part?
They can also be used regularly for kids who are heavy wetters. Many parents often use them with pocket diapers combined with a liner or insert.
Cotton is one of the few natural fabrics inserts, boosters, and diaper liners feature.
The material is absorbent but may be bulkier than other insert types.
That’s said..
..we recommend you look for organic cotton when choosing an insert. These are the most common materials and are often the more affordable option.
Sometimes, cotton diaper inserts, if thin enough, can double as a diaper liner.
Microfiber is best for daytime use…
.. it is best used with less movement and activity.
It is very absorbent BUT holds a lot of liquid. Packing it too tightly with another insert or too much pressure or movement may cause leaking. Ouch!
Thus, we recommend them as a doubler aka booster insert. Like other microfiber materials, they are not the most environmentally friendly material.
So we advise washing it with care the way you would other microfiber materials.
Other than that…
Hemp can be the more environmentally-friendly choice. It takes less water to produce hemp materials.
Most importantly,
They also can be super absorbent, and you will often find them blended with cotton.
And, remember, that you don’t want one completely made of hemp as it is not a very soft material.
Most natural fibers will need washing before use to soften the fabric, and hemp is no exception!
Bamboo or Bamboo Cotton is a hybrid material and fabric. Like hemp, it is a more environmentally friendly choice of fabric.
This is because bamboo is a readily renewable resource.
Furthermore, you may find that combination makes it less bulky than 100% cotton.
Like hemp, you need to wash these multiple times to break down the stiffness of the fibers. Some find that bamboo can be more absorbent than microfiber.
Charcoal or Charcoal Bamboo is another hybrid material and fabric. It is sometimes an outer lining of bamboo or microfiber and charcoal.
This extra layer sits closest to the skin of your baby. The combination of those two materials helps to keep the baby’s bum dry and clean.
It is more absorbent than both materials combined.
But beware that charcoal bamboo is made with a combination of microfiber. Thus, it comes with the same environmental considerations when washing.
Diaper Liners
Diaper liners go between your baby’s bum and the diaper.
They line the inside of the diaper to help with cleaning up solid waste and increase absorbency.
Subsequently…
..they also protect your cloth diaper from stains long-term.
Liners can sometimes look like older cloth diapers or prefolds. Where you swaddle a child and secure it close to them.
They are usually less thick, with fewer layers, and made of gauze-like material.
When it comes to liners, there are generally two versions:
Disposable Liners
If the liner is thick enough, we consider it a disposable cloth diaper insert.
They are one and the same…
These are by far much easier than dealing with how to wash it or avoid touching poop.
Disposable cloth diaper liners work with disposable diapers as well.
They are similar to toilet paper!
After use, trash or flush…
They are thin (sometimes single ply), rectangular, and come in sheets.
The purpose of liners is a barrier for your baby’s sensitive bum.
You will see them often made of different types of synthetic viscose materials. Which is a combination of wood pulp and cellulose combined through refining processes.
These liners line right up against your baby’s skin. This is the reason they are often hypoallergenic or fragrance-free, so they can be used for babies with sensitive skin.
Reusable Liners
Reusable diaper liners are washable. They consist of thin layers of fabric such as cotton and fleece to catch big messes and let the insert soak the rest.
Usually, washable liners are durable and withstand many washes.
Reusable diaper liners also make the best Swaddlers against your baby’s bum. They feature materials such as cotton and fleece.
If you want to cut any additional cost, you could easily DIY your own.
Let’s look at it this way…
With those types of materials, often the more you wash them, the softer they become.
Look specifically for microfleece!
It is easier to wash the poop off of it and is a more moisture-wicking material than regular fleece.
But wait, here is the kicker..
… you do not even need a thread or needle to make it!
Be sure to wash all your material many times before using it on your child.
Top Tips
Here are the best things to think about when deciding between different diaper liners and inserts brands:
- Check the size and shape of the liners and inserts before buying them to make sure they fit the type of diapers you use. Usually, they come in a standard fit, but you may find some exceptions.
- If you use the flushable ones, make sure to check the capacity of your septic system before you flush any.
- Try to get the unscented option to prevent causing any skin irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the most absorbent diaper insert?
Usually, the material that is made out of hemp or organic cotton is more absorbent than the bamboo or microfiber ones. The hemp and cotton inserts will retain moisture under pressure better than bamboo and microfiber.
Q2: Are microfiber or bamboo inserts better?
Well, they both work well as a cloth diaper insert. The difference is that the microfiber material absorbs liquids quickly, while the bamboo holds the most liquid. That’s why many parents use both materials 9as two layers) with the microfiber one at the top and the bamboo at the bottom.
Q3: Do I need liners for cloth diapers?
Cloth diaper inserts and liners may be necessary for a variety of reasons. Often, cloth diapers alone are not able to account for all the accidents.
Our Analysis, Comparisons & Test Results
Finally… Here comes the final result…
Choosing the best liners and inserts with cloth diapering is not an easy thing to do at all. There are many brands on the market and each has specific features..
Thus, our comparison is about the main features most parents consider when buying cloth diaper liners and inserts, which are:
- Value for money
- Easy to clean
- Absorbency
- Softness
Below, we lined up the 5 best cloth diaper liners and inserts on the same platform to give you a comparative analysis.
And here you go…
Value for money
This is the part that most parents care about when buying baby products in general.
For everyday things, you must consider the cost you pay to get the job done.
That is to say…
..economical options are the most desired ones when dealing with kids. Especially if you have more than one!
Keep in mind, Mommy..
Better values sometimes -but not always- cost more!
Now, let’s take a look at the performance results in terms of the values included..
The Naturally Natures 5 Layer Cloth Diaper Inserts came up as the top scorer. It’s a soft and high absorbent material that makes it worth every penny you pay for.
The Dandelion Flushable Natural Diaper Liners comes in second place with a flushable feature to make using them easy. These are also perfect for the on-the-go use!
The Muslin Cloths and Sposie Overnight Diaper Booster Pads secure the third spot with their special features respectively. Both of them performs well in terms of absorbency and softness
Unfortunately, the Gerber Cloth Diaper Prefolds ended up with the lowest score in this segment. At this price, we expected them to offer better absorbency and make the job done.. but they don’t!
Easy to clean
This segment is an important one to consider before you decide on a certain brand.
there are many options available that don’t stain or are manufactured in a way to hide the stains..
.. these are the best to go for when doing cloth diapering!
That’s said, many parents go with the disposable diaper liners option to simplify the cleaning part.
Below is the different performance of the cloth liners and inserts in terms of their ease of cleaning
Let’s check it out..
The easiest to clean option is the disposable one..
…that’s why the Sposie Overnight Diaper Booster Pads come up at the top in this segment.
Then comes the flushable liners!
The rest of the liners and inserts show average performance in terms of washing, drying, and stain removing.
However, the Naturally Natures liners come in a dark color that helps in hiding the stains.
Absorbency
Remember, Mommy…
…the main reason for getting these liners and inserts is to prevent any chance of liquid passing to the cloth diaper.
That’s why, when you choose a specific reusable liner or insert, make sure to get a high absorbent one.
This extra layer works to prevent the entire diaper from getting dirty..
Let’s now see the performance results
The Naturally nature inserts and the Sposie pads proved to have high absorbency level among all the reviewed items.
The rest of items show average absorbency..
Unfortunately, the Gerber Prefolds ended up at the bottom of the list due to its thin material.
Softness
Well, the best thing that needs to be as soft as possible is the one that touches your baby’s skin.
The softer the diaper insert (or liner) is, the more comfortable your baby will be!
With this in mind, Mommy..
… take good care of the material used to make out these liners when you decide to buy them.
In conclusion, different materials provide different softness levels.
Let’s see the performance level for the reviewed items
Clearly, the Muslin cloths are the softest material that is 100% cotton.
It performs well after many washes and keeps its softness, however, these cloths do shrink after the first wash.
Our Final Verdict: Best Baby Diaper Liner
We’re almost done with the detailed reviews…
It’s time for you to stop and check out the final results.
We have all 5 baby cloth diapers liners and inserts lined up here based on their most rated features..
Each of them offers something different than its competitors. All you have to do at the moment is to pick the one that best suits your little one..
So the final choice will rely upon your exact needs, preference, and budget…
Product | Rating out of 5 |
Naturally Natures 5 Layer Cloth Diaper Inserts | ⭐ 4.0 |
Sposie Overnight Diaper Booster Pads | ⭐ 4.0 |
Muslin Burp Cloths 4 Pack Large | ⭐ 3.75 |
Dandelion flushable Natural Diaper Liners | ⭐ 3.5 |
Gerber Cloth Diaper Prefold | ⭐ 3.0 |
As you can see,
…we ended up having two brands as a top performers…
The Naturally Natures inserts are reusable, BUT the Sposie pads are disposable!
Conclusion: Best cloth diaper liners and Inserts
Here we come to the final part…
Each brand offers something a little different than the competitor, providing excellent choices for varying needs and budgets.
With that being said…
Our in-depth review of the 6 best reusable baby diapers ended up having some brands that perform better than others..
Finally…
it’s time to look at our top 3 picks out of these best 5 diaper liners and inserts
The Editor’s choice goes to: Muslin Burp Cloths 4 Pack Large
The Best Value choice goes to: Naturally Natures 5 Layer Cloth Diaper Inserts
The Top Pick choice goes to: Sposie Overnight Diaper Booster Pads
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