Lined Up: Best Diaper Liners & 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.