Insert Options, the basics

This instalment of our diapering series takes a look at inserts in their many forms. Inserts may be used in pockets, laid in covers or used as doublers with your prefolds to add absorbency. Below is a list of the most common and widely used inserts on the market. If you can can think of another type of insert that is not mentioned below please bring it up in the comments below. I would love to hear about other inserts that folks have tired and their feedback, as well as I would be happy to do additional research if you have heard of another insert that I have not covered. 

* Micro fiber

* Bamboo

* Hemp

* Cotton

* Wool

* Silk

* Charcoal bamboo blend

* Bamboo blend

Micro Fiber (MF) and MF blends tend to hold a lot of liquid but absorb slightly slower. MF inserts come in a variety of blends and layers. The more layers the more they will hold. A 5 layer MF should hold about 8 oz of liquid.

There are a variety of natural fiber inserts and each has it's own special qualities. Silk is used as a liner against skin to prevent and cure rashes. Wool can be used as a stay dry liner if stripped on lanolin, or can be used behind absorbent layers as a water proof barrier if lanolinized. Wool can be both absorbent and water proof. Wool and silk have special properties that help with anti microbial and odor resistance. Cotton, hemp and bamboo are all very absorbent fibers. These all come in blends and 100% fiber content. Again the number of layers controls how much they hold. Natural fibers tend to absorb faster than MF but may not lock the liquids in as well or hold as much. Many people like using a natural fiber insert closer to baby and a MF insert behind it. This allows for quick absorption as well as locking lots of liquid in. Sort of the best of both worlds. Charcoal Bamboo blends (CBI) have a charcoal infused bamboo outer layer and are a gray color, they will usually have a MF inner layer. The charcoal controls odors and avoids stains. These tend to be 4 or 5 layers and hold around 8 oz of liquid. They tend to absorb about the same as a MF.

MF tend to hold odors the worst, if you are going to have an ammonia and odor issue it will be your MF that give you troubles. Bamboo tend to be your first to repel and if you are going to have repelling issues it tends to be the bamboo's you first see it in.

Natural fibers can go directly against babies skin, MF can not ever go against babies skin as it will cause dryness and rashes. Always make sure you have a  natural layer or a pocket barrier between abbies skin and your MF.

Natural fibers take more prepping and should be prepped separate from your MF and covers. Our Prepping article in our blogs Washing series covers how to prep natural fibers. They will ned ran through several times. MF really only need washed once before use to prep. This removes shop grime but really they are ready to absorb from purchase if new. Natural fibers have natural oils on them that must be removed before they can properly absorb. Washing new natural fibers with old pre prepped stash or with MF can cause the natural oils to displace and settle on your older items or MF causing them to repel and need more washing. Do not worry Prepping your natural fibers is easy, just follow our instructions in that blog and you will be fine. Wool and silk must always be washed with care and please always use the care instructions for wool and silk only.

I hope this beginners guide has been helpful, as always it is fine to ask questions.