I Was Wrong About Charcoal Bamboo Inserts, Here Are the Reasons Why

In my first assessment of cloth diaper inserts, I made a verdict that the four-layer bamboo microfiber was the best of them all. After more than a year of using cloth diapers, however, I figured that I was wrong. Indeed, the four-layer bamboo microfiber is more absorbent than any other insert I have tried. Then again, it fails me in terms of durability and ease of use. Allow me to share with you my second assessment of cloth diaper inserts. The result will surprise you!

3-Layer Microfiber

This is the default insert for most cloth diapers. By default, it means that when you buy a diaper, it is the insert that comes for free. I do not have this insert but I got the chance to inspect it when I saw one in the department store. It looks to me like an ordinary white cloth, soft and thin. I also consulted other moms through the online community and they all agreed that while the 3-layer microfiber helped, it was not the best type there was.

3-Layer Hemp

This three-layer insert remains intact even after several months of use. But while it is durable, it does not absorb enough to make the diaper last for more than two hours. The diaper gets wet easily, which means that I have to change more often. That is, aside from the fact that this insert is rough on the skin, making it harder to wash. I am not using this insert anymore.

4-Layer Bamboo Microfiber

As I said earlier, I made an initial conclusion that the 4-layer bamboo microfiber outdo all other inserts. Well, I have no problem with this type of insert in terms of absorbency. But, the problem arises when it comes to washing. This insert is prone to staining, so you will have to wash it immediately after use. But this is not always possible especially for a busy mom like me. No, do not think about using bleach as it breaks down the fabric. I tried before, and it did not turn out well for my inserts.

5-Layer Charcoal Bamboo

I initially did not like this type of insert because it appeared to me that it repelled wee-wees. I preferred to use two inserts at a time because I thought that a single insert would not do well for a baby boy. The problem was, a diaper with 2 charcoal bamboo inserts would look too bulky. My baby did not like it either.

Well, I learned that it would take more than 6 months of using and washing for charcoal bamboo inserts to reach their maximum absorbency level. And guess what, I now use just 1 insert at a time, which is more comfortable for my baby, and do not worry about fast wetting. From my observation, a diaper with a single 5-layer charcoal bamboo insert lasts about 3 to 4 hours. Most important of all, this type of insert is invincible to stains making it so much easier to wash compared to other diapers. And while it is the softest of all, it is the hardest to break or deform.

Note: I use cloth diapers only at daytime. When by baby sleeps at night, I make him use the disposable type, which can last for more than 8 hours. Other moms say that they use 2 to 3 inserts to make the diaper last overnight, but my baby would not be comfortable with it.