What are my inserts made of?
Microfibre - a fantastic material and one that keeps your baby's bottom dry. Microfibre absorbs liquid fast, it helps draw moisture through the lining of the nappy into itself – away from your baby's skin. This is why if you are using a mix of insert material you should always have Microfibre on the top layer (closest to the baby's bottom but never touching skin). There is a downside to microfibre though. Firstly, of all the materials for inserts it has the least amount of absorbency. And just like a sponge, when it gets too full, fluid can be squeezed out. This may mean if your baby is sitting or lying down for a long time, the insert can get full and then fluid can be "squished" out and cause leaks.
It is a great idea to mix a microfibre insert with another absorbent material that can hold more liquid e.g. hemp or bamboo.
Microfibre inserts are a good option if you are experiencing leaking from "flooding". This is when the you are experiencing leaks but the inserts you are using aren't totally wet. At some stage your child will start holding their wees for longer and then having bigger wees. If the inserts don't absorb the wee fast enough, it can leak out of the nappy. Adding a microfibre insert can help as it is the fastest absorbing material.
More information on the inserts we stock can be found here.
Hemp - a natural fibre which has fantastic absorbency qualities. Did you know? Hemp holds liquid differently within its fibres to microfibre and it doesn’t squeeze out like microfibre. Try adding a hemp insert underneath a microfibre insert to draw the moisture/overflow into the hemp insert. One downside to hemp is that when it gets wet it tends to get quite firm – so a nappy with just hemp inserts in it can become a little hard and uncomfortable on your baby when it's full, another great reason to use a microfibre/hemp combination. Try a bamboo/hemp combo for overnight when a nappy is going to be on for longer.
While hemp is the slowest to absorb liquid of all inserts it has the highest absorbency quality (i.e. can hold the most amount of liquid).
Fabrics made from hemp are hypo-allergenic and non-irritating to the skin. Hemp materials will also soften with age and with each washing. Like linen and cotton, hemp is a cool choice for summer. It breathes well. It is recommended for warm, humid climates as the fabric resists mildew and absorbs moisture.
Bamboo - bamboo can be added to other inserts for additional absorbency and a longer-lasting nappy. Bamboo inserts have increased in popularity over time as they are super absorbent and quicker to dry than hemp. Bamboo is antibacterial and very soft so comfortable for your child, very absorbent, and is long-lasting and robust.
Cotton - another natural fibre option that has great absorbency qualities. Most commonly you will find cotton prefolds. Which can be used like a modern-day version of old school flats but are also great for pad folding and using as an insert inside pocket nappies.
The insides of the nappy cover - what materials are that made of?
Most pocket nappies have a PUL (waterproof material) outer and don’t require a cover.
Inside the nappy (next to your babies skin) there may be a range of materials depending on the brand. The most common inner lining is made from either:
- suede-cloth
- microfleece
- athletic wicking jersey
- bamboo (less common)
Each option has it's own benefits with the first 3 options featuring stay-dry qualities whereby the wick moisture away from skin and help the skin keep dry. Bamboo, being a natural fabric holds liquid and will allow your child to feel the wet. Bamboo is a good option of you find your child reacts to the other fabric options.