Disposable liners or reusable inserts for cloth diapers (your questions answered)

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Disposable inserts can be a convenient option for cloth diapering parents who want the benefits of reusable diapers but with the added convenience of easy cleanup. For this article, I have examined the reviews trawled the chat rooms considered all the different features; absorbency, environmental impact, and overall performance and drawn on my own extensive use of cloth diapers both as a parent and childcare professional. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of which disposable insert may be the best fit for your cloth diapering needs

A disposable insert for a cloth diaper is a single-use layer that can be inserted into a cloth diaper cover. It is designed to provide convenience and easy cleanup while using cloth diapers. Unlike traditional cloth inserts or pre-folds that need to be washed and reused, disposable inserts are intended for one-time use and are discarded after each diaper change.

Flushable diaper liners- Can I really flush them down the toilet?

NO! Although this is a tough question because some brands claim to be 100% flushable and biodegradable and septic tank safe. However, if something is strong enough to hold poop and protect the nappy from it, how can it go down a drain without blocking it? They might not block your toilet but they will block a drain somewhere and either have an environmental impact or cause an expensive plumbing bill. I’ve done the deep work for you on the online reviews. DON”T FLUSH LINERS! Even if they are advertised as fully flushable and biodegradable. They won’t biodegrade fast enough to not be a risk to your drains or the ecosystem. Far better to compost them or put them in the normal waste.

Are disposable diaper liners environmentally friendly?

Yes because they help parents to use reusable diapers which have a huge impact on our ecosystem. Just don’t Flush them. No because many that claim to be environmentally friendly Bamboo and Bamboo Viscose which is made using harsh chemical processes. It’s important to note that while disposable inserts offer convenience, they do generate waste as they are thrown away after use. For those concerned about environmental impact, reusable cloth inserts or pre-folds are a more sustainable option. However, if that would put you off using cloth diapers check that they are made from chemical free, environmentally friendly sourced materials such as Bamboo.

Warning! Many products diaper liner products advertised as 100% Bamboo are Bamboo Viscose which is made using a harsh chemical process which has been very damaging for the ecosystem and workers in the factories where they are made. Although improvements are being made, most of these products are made in China where sustainability practices are not as open and it is therefore difficult to trace origin and ethical credentials. Look for the Tencel™ mark for closed- loop Viscose, or for an alternative Ingeo™ which is made from corn. Liners reduce the washing and staining of cloth diapers. This for many parents, myself included made cloth diapers a more attractive option and helped me to use them continuously.

What is a disposable diaper insert/ liner made from?

A good environmentally friendly diaper disposable insert will be made from closed-loop Bamboo Viscose or Corn and should be 100% compostable.It is hard to find many corn based Viscose or lngeo.™ GroVia® being the only brand I have that use a corn based product, get very good reviews form parents. This seems to be the draw back for the eco-conscious, as its hard to trace the production process of Bamboo Viscose which involves using harsh chemicals which if not in a closed- loop system and very damaging for the planet and the people making it.

Whats the difference between liners and inserts?

Cloth diapering can be a confusing mission. But its well worth it so keep up the good work. Inserts are normally used to increase the absorbency of cloth diapers and get stuffed inside the diaper pocket or layered inside. Some inserts can be used as liners if they are thin, liners can be disposable or thin layers of cloth placed in the diaper and the first thing that touches you baby’s bottom, so make sure whatever you use its chemical free.

What are the best inserts for cloth diapers?

Thirsties™ reusable liners have a perfect combination of materials for absorbency and comfort

• Outer: 100% polyester with waterproof coating; Inner Liner: 100% GOTS certified organic cotton; Inner Absorbency: 2 layers 100% GOTS certified organic cotton; Inner Soakers: 8 layers of 55% hemp/45% organic cotton
• Made in USA
• Bundle of Adventure Collection Package includes 5 Natural Newborn All in One diapers: 4 prints and 1 solid
• Convenient, trim fitting, and absorbent
• Goes on in one simple step – cloth diapering doesn’t get easier
• Snap closure version offers umbilical cord snap down which may be used while cord stump is present or belly button is healing
• Gentle elastic around legs and waist provide protection against leaks

The best inserts for cloth diapers depends on your priority as some materials are better for fast absorbency, others for environment impact and others for being holding the most liquid.

Overall I think Hemp inserts are the best types of reusable inserts all round. Microfibre inserts absorb moisture quickly but they hold less liquid and so can cause leaks and most microfibre is bad for the planet either releasing micro plastic or harsh chemicals in the production process. Whereas Hemp (natural or Linen) is sustainably grown and doesn’t require nasty chemical to turn it into fabric. What’s more it’s also highly biodegradable. Ultimately hemp holds liquid better than many other fabrics.

What are the best cloth diaper liners for heavy wetters?

Disposable liners do not increase absorbency they just make cloth diapering easier. Online reviews of reusable hemp liners score the highest for long time absorbency. With Cotton being a close second. For ultimate ease of use, eco-credentials and comfort for your baby a pocket diaper with a disposable corn based liner, stuffed with cotton or hemp is probably best for overnight.This is because it expands more when wet and draws liquid away from baby’s skin. The only draw back is that it’s a bit most expensive. However unlike disposable diapers you are only buying these products once and they can be passed onto a second child, so its worth the investment. For optimum sustainability look for brands that are made in the country you are in. Beware of microfibre Bamboo or Bamboo Vicose which although is made from Bamboo which is more sustainable to grow than cotton, using less water, uses harsh chemicals in the process which are dangerous for factory workers, the planet and your baby’s skin. Whilst many companies claim to be environmentally friendly because they are selling cloth diapers,

What materials are best for cloth diaper liners?

Reusable cloth diaper liners are typically made from various materials that are soft, absorbent, and easy to clean. Some common materials used in reusable diaper liners include:

Micro Fleece: Micro Fleece is a synthetic fabric that is soft, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying. It allows moisture to pass through while keeping the baby’s skin feeling dry. However, its manufacturing process can be anything but ethical or good for the planet, putting out dangerous chemicals into the environment and cause serious health issues for factory workers and that can ultimately end up next to your bab’s skin. Unless micro-fleece has been made using a closed- loop system and this is clearly visible, avoid it. Often suppliers are not open about these processes and the maker’s of the diapers cannot trace or control the microfibre origins. Recycled fleece is therefore a good option.

Cotton: Cotton is a natural fibre that is soft, breathable, and absorbent. It is commonly used in diaper liners for its comfort and ease of washing. 100% Organic cotton is costly to produce, however it can be recycled is durable, and has good absorbency.

Organic Cotton: Organic cotton is grown without the use of pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, making it a more eco-friendly and hypoallergenic choice for diaper liners. It offers the same softness and absorbency as conventional cotton.

Bamboo: Bamboo fabric is derived from the bamboo plant and is known for its softness, antibacterial properties, and absorbency. It is a popular choice for reusable diaper liners due to its sustainability and eco-friendliness. Bamboo is one of the most eco-friendly plants to grow because it grows very fast, needs little water and absorbs fives times the amount of water as the equivalent in trees. Bamboo is not the same as Bamboo Microfibre. Don’t be Bamboozled!

Bamboo Microfibre or Bamboo Fleece, Bamboo Raylon is not good for the environment or workers as the processes involved in making the fibres include harsh chemicals which have known serious health consequences for workers and are very toxic for the ecosystem. It is mostly grown and developed in China where manufacturers are not open about the processes, and although work is being done to create better regulations in its manufacture there is still a great deal of concern about its impact.

Bamboo Lyocell: Look for the Tencel (TM) mark which verifies its sustainability. Lycocell is a closed-loop process which means that there is far less environmental impact that its traditional synthetic fibre methods.

Hemp: Hemp fabric is made from the fibres of the hemp plant. It is highly absorbent, durable, and naturally antimicrobial, making it a suitable material for reusable diaper liners. Similarly avoid Hemp Vicose as this process involves a high chemical process.

These materials are often used individually or in combination to create diaper liners that are gentle on the baby’s skin, provide a moisture-wicking barrier, and are easy to wash and reuse.

How should I use a diaper liner?

Disposable diaper liners can be layered on top of your nappy. They should be disposed of in the compost either directly or in compostable waste bags or placed in the normal trash.

They are a great way to reduce staining on the diaper and the smell of cloth diaper pail or wash sac. They are also really useful if you normally use a cloth diaper insert but want something more convenient for when you are out and about.

Cloth diaper liners are the most environmentally friendly way to reduce the staining on cloth diapers, and make them easier to clean. The idea being that the cloth insert/liner is saves the nappy from the majority of the poop. You can remove the liner and drop the poop in the toilet to reduce the smell of your diaper pail.

In a pocket diaper, liners can go inside the pocket for extra absorbency and on top of the inner layer as a liner.

Summary

Choosing the right disposable inserts for cloth diapers is an essential decision for parents looking for convenience and performance.

Most parents are drawn to the idea of using cloth diapers due to their moral choices. Wanting to do their part in protecting the planet so that their baby will be able to enjoy it. Saving money overall is another big factor for most parents. Yet many can be put off by the confusing information about what materials are effective and good for the planet and easy to use. It can be a headache. Ultimately even if your choice of cloth diaper uses the least environmentally friendly material you are still saving the planet with every single use.

Consider your priorities, such as eco-friendliness, absorbency, and compatibility with your diapering system, to select the best disposable insert that suits your needs. With the right choice, you can enjoy the convenience of disposable inserts while still embracing the environmental benefits of cloth diapering.