Let's dive into the world of microfiber in cloth diapers and absorbency.
You might have noticed that microfiber inserts are super popular and widely available from many cloth diaper brands. One of the reasons they're so common is that they're really cheap to make, which can be a big plus for companies looking to keep costs down. Plus, microfiber does a decent job of soaking up liquids quickly, which sounds like exactly what you want from a cloth diaper, right? Well, kind of.
The thing is, while microfiber might seem like a great option at first glance, it's not always the best choice for cloth diapering. Sure, it absorbs liquids fast, but that's only part of the story. The real question is how well it holds onto those liquids over time and whether it causes any other issues. So, let's take a closer look at why microfiber might not be the best bet for your cloth
When it comes to cloth diapers, they need to do a lot more than just absorb liquids quickly. Sure, that's a great start, but it's only half the battle. The real magic happens when they can hold onto all those liquids for an extended period of time – think a full bladder's worth and a good nap!
You want your cloth diapers to be reliable, so you don't have to worry about leaks or accidents, especially during those long naps or overnight.
Here are the reasons that I don't recommend messing around with microfiber based diaper inserts.
1. Compression Leaks:
Microfiber can be a bit of a tricky material when it comes to cloth diapers. It's like a super-absorbent sponge that soaks up liquids fast, which sounds great at first. However, there's a catch: as soon as any pressure is applied, it can release those liquids just as quickly.
This means that families who use microfiber cloth diaper inserts often experience a lot of leaks, especially in situations where there's extra pressure on the diaper – like when your little one is sitting in a car seat or sleeping. And let's be honest, babies love to move around and put pressure on their bottoms, which can lead to leaks all over the place!
As your baby grows and gets heavier, these compression leaks can become even more frequent. It's not just about the leaks themselves; it's also about the stress and hassle they can cause. We talk to a lot of customers that begin to experience leaks around the 6 month mark with brands containing microfiber style inserts.
You want your cloth diapers to be reliable and comfortable for your baby, not a source of worry and mess. So, while microfiber might seem like a convenient option at first, it's worth considering other materials that can handle pressure better and keep those leaks at bay.
2. Lower overall absorbency capacity:
When compared to other common insert materials, microfiber really underperforms. It doesn't hold a lot of liquids, which can be a big problem as your baby grows and starts producing more urine.
You see, babies are like little factories, constantly producing more output as they get bigger and more active. But if your diaper inserts can't keep up, you're going to end up with a lot of leaks.
3. Microfiber is super bulky:
Isn't it funny how things work out? Microfiber inserts, which are actually the least absorbent, often end up being the thickest and bulkiest under your baby's bum. At first, a chubby diaper can be adorable, but things quickly take a turn when you're dealing with a toddler who needs multiple microfiber inserts just to get through the day. Suddenly, what was once cute becomes overwhelming – you're talking about four or more inserts, and that's just crazy!
It's like trying to solve a puzzle with too many pieces that don't quite fit. You want a diaper that's both effective and comfortable for your little one, not one that's so bulky it's hard to manage. Opt for natural fibers like Hemp and Cotton — especially for older babies and toddlers.
4. Odor Prone:
Synthetic fibers like microfiber in cloth diapers tend to trap urine smells. This can be a real challenge because it means you'll probably find yourself needing to strip your diapers more often. Stripping diapers is a process where you use special methods to remove built-up residue and odors, which can be a bit of a hassle.
Families who opt for natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, or hemp often have a different experience. These materials are generally better at resisting odors and don't require as much maintenance. They tend to breathe better and allow for a healthier environment inside the diaper, which can reduce the buildup of smells.
Plus, natural fibers are often easier to clean and maintain, so you spend less time dealing with stinky diapers and more time enjoying time with your baby. So, if you're looking for a low-maintenance cloth diapering experience, natural fibers might be the way to go!
5. Cannot be placed directly against baby's skin.
Microfiber is super absorbent, which sounds great, but microfiber diaper inserts can also pull moisture right from your baby's skin. This can lead to rashes and skin irritation, which is definitely not what you want for your little one. To avoid this, you will need to stuff microfiber inserts inside the pocket of your baby's cloth diaper. This helps keep the microfiber away from your baby's skin, reducing the risk of irritation.
On the other hand, natural fiber inserts like cotton and hemp are a different story. They're gentler on your baby's skin and don't pull moisture in the same way. This means you have more flexibility when using them. You can either stuff them inside the pocket of the diaper or simply place them on top of the lining inside the shell. This flexibility is really convenient and can make cloth diapering a lot easier and more comfortable for your baby. Plus, natural fibers tend to be better for your baby's skin, which is always a win!
What do we recommend instead of microfiber?
I totally get it – you might already have a stash of microfiber inserts, and it can feel overwhelming to think about replacing them all at once. But don't worry, there's a way to make them work a bit better while you transition. One great trick is to boost their absorbency with a flour sack towel or a cotton receiving blanket. This is not only inexpensive but sometimes even free if you already have these items lying around. It's a fantastic option for families on a budget who want to stretch the life of their current inserts.
However, if you're ready to move on from microfiber cloth diaper inserts, consider replacing them with natural fiber insert styles. Look for ones made from bamboo, cotton, or hemp – these materials are gentler on your baby's skin and offer better performance overall.
Just remember to read the fine print when shopping. Some brands, especially those that are more budget-friendly, might sneak in a microfiber core and still call it a bamboo or charcoal bamboo insert. Unfortunately, these will still have the same issues as regular microfiber inserts. So, be sure to check the details to ensure you're getting the natural fibers you want. It's worth the extra effort to find inserts that will work better for you and your baby!