Cloth nappies, also known as reusable nappies, offer many benefits due to their environmental focus and financial savings that can be made. One of the key components of a cloth nappy is the nappy insert, which is responsible for absorbing and keeping the baby feeling dry. Three common materials used in nappy inserts are microfibre, bamboo, and hemp. In this article, we will explore the benefits and disadvantages of each of these fabrics to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right nappy insert for your baby. All three fabrics are on offer at Berry Bottoms and this article will assist you to choose the best option for your family.
Microfibre Inserts
Microfibre inserts are made from synthetic materials, usually a blend of polyester and nylon. These inserts are popular among cloth nappy users because they are highly absorbent and quick-drying, making them an ideal choice for parents who do not have access to a dryer or have limited drying space.
Benefits:
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Highly absorbent - Microfibre inserts are known for their high absorbency, which means they can hold a lot of liquid and keep your baby dry for longer periods.
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Quick-drying - Microfibre inserts dry quickly, making them a convenient choice for parents who need to reuse nappies within a short period.
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Affordable - Microfibre inserts are relatively cheap compared to other materials, which makes them a popular choice for parents on a budget.
Disadvantages:
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Prone to compression leaks - Microfibre inserts can become compressed over time, reducing their absorbency and leading to leaks.
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Not eco-friendly - Microfibre is a synthetic material that is not biodegradable, and its production contributes to the use of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions.
Bamboo Inserts
Bamboo inserts are made from natural bamboo fibres, which are known for their softness and absorbency. These inserts are a popular choice among parents who prefer natural materials for their babies.
Benefits:
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Soft and gentle - Bamboo inserts are incredibly soft and gentle on your baby's skin, making them a comfortable choice for babies with sensitive skin. High quality bamboo like we use at Berry Bottoms will not go stiff when wet or over time from use.
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Highly absorbent - Bamboo inserts are highly absorbent, which means they can hold a lot of liquid and keep your baby dry for extended periods. The absorbency is increased with the weight of the fabric used. At Berry Bottoms we use 450GSM weight bamboo so its the most absorbent available. Many brands talk about having bamboo but they use a lighter weight fabric which doesn't hold as much as the thicker fabrics.
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Environmentally friendly - Bamboo is a natural material that is biodegradable and sustainable, making it an eco-friendly choice for parents who want to reduce their environmental impact. Once your inserts have worn out you can compost them and reduce your waste even more.
Disadvantages:
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Slow drying - Bamboo inserts are not as quick-drying as microfibre, which means they may take longer to dry after washing.
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More expensive - Bamboo inserts are more expensive than microfibre, making them a less budget-friendly option.
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Less durable - Bamboo inserts are not as durable as microfibre or hemp, and they can wear out faster with frequent washing. This risk is reduced when washed properly and thoroughly.
Hemp Inserts
Hemp inserts are made from the fibres of the hemp plant, which is known for its strength and absorbency. These inserts are a popular choice among parents who want a natural and durable option for their babies.
Benefits:
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Highly absorbent - Hemp inserts are highly absorbent and can hold a lot of liquid, making them an ideal choice for heavy wetters.
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Durable - Hemp inserts are incredibly durable and can withstand frequent washing without losing their shape or absorbency.
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Environmentally friendly - Hemp is a natural material that is biodegradable and sustainable, making it an eco-friendly choice for parents who want to reduce their environmental impact.
Disadvantages:
- Slow to absorb - Hemp inserts can take longer to absorb liquid than microfibre or bamboo, which means they may not be the best choice
- Slow to dry - hemp inserts due to their ability to hold liquid can also be slow to release it. This means they do dry slower than bamboo or micorfibre.
Every fabric has its benefits and different options may better suit you and your child. We often recommend trying a few different options to decide what works best. It is for this reason we do not sell a predetermined cloth nappy. Parents can add the right inserts without having to buy extra that they do not need or may not work.