For most daytime cloth nappy changes, you need 1 good absorbent insert inside a pocket cloth nappy. Waladi Everyday Sets keep this simple by including 1 cloth nappy and 1 charcoal bamboo insert, which is a good starting point for regular daytime use. For longer stretches, heavy wetters, naps, or overnight, you may need to add a second insert, such as hemp, for extra absorbency.
The insert is the absorbent part of the cloth nappy. The nappy shell gives the fit and waterproof outer layer, but the insert is what holds the wee.
Quick insert guide
- Daytime: 1 charcoal bamboo insert is a simple starting point.
- Longer outings: add extra absorbency if the insert is soaked before 2 to 3 hours.
- Naps: use more absorbency if your baby sleeps longer or wets heavily.
- Heavy wetters: try 2 inserts or pair bamboo with hemp.
- Overnight: use a higher absorbency setup, such as Waladi’s Overnight Set.
What insert should I start with?
Start with a charcoal bamboo insert for daytime use. It is the simplest option for beginners and works well with regular 2 to 3 hour changes.
Waladi’s charcoal bamboo insert has 5 layers, with 3 microfibre inner layers. It is designed to sit inside the pocket of the nappy, not directly against your baby’s skin.
If you are just starting, choose the simplest setup first. You can add more inserts later if your baby needs more absorbency.
When do you need extra inserts?
You may need extra inserts if:
- The nappy leaks before 2 hours.
- The insert is fully soaked when you change.
- Your baby is a heavy wetter.
- You want the nappy to last through a nap.
- You are using cloth overnight.
- Your baby is older and wetting more at once.
If the insert is soaked, the issue is usually absorbency, not the nappy itself.
For leak help, read Do cloth nappies leak?
Bamboo, hemp and microfibre inserts explained
Charcoal bamboo inserts
Charcoal bamboo inserts are a simple everyday option. Waladi’s 5-layer charcoal bamboo insert includes 3 microfibre inner layers, giving you a practical daytime insert for pocket cloth nappies.
This is the insert included in Waladi Everyday Sets.
Hemp inserts
Hemp inserts are useful when you need more absorbency without too much bulk. Waladi’s hemp insert is a 4-layer hemp and cotton blend.
Hemp is a good choice for boosting absorbency for naps, heavy wetters, and overnight use.
This is why Waladi Overnight Sets include both 1 charcoal bamboo insert and 1 hemp insert.
Microfibre inserts
Microfibre inserts absorb quickly and dry quickly, but they should sit inside the pocket of the nappy rather than directly against your baby’s skin.
Waladi also offers 3-layer microfibre inserts if you want a quick-drying insert option.
White bamboo inserts
White bamboo inserts are another absorbent option for families who want to adjust their setup. Waladi offers 4-layer white bamboo inserts and 5-layer white bamboo inserts with gussets.
They can be useful when you want to increase absorbency or test what works best for your baby.
How many inserts do I need?
As a simple guide, you usually want at least 1 insert for every daytime nappy change, plus a few extras for drying time, naps, and heavier wetting days.
- Trying cloth part-time: start with the inserts included in your Everyday Sets.
- Regular daytime use: have enough inserts to match your nappy changes.
- Heavy wetters: keep extra hemp or bamboo inserts ready.
- Overnight use: use a dedicated higher absorbency setup.
Waladi insert discounts can help when building your stash:
- 2-5 inserts: 10% off
- 6-10 inserts: 20% off
- 11-20 inserts: 30% off
- 21+ inserts: 40% off
Can you use two inserts in one cloth nappy?
Yes, you can use two inserts in one pocket cloth nappy if you need more absorbency.
Just make sure the nappy still fits well around the legs. Too much bulk can create gaps, and gaps can cause leaks.
For fit help, read How should a cloth nappy fit?
What inserts are best for overnight?
For overnight, most babies need more than a single daytime insert.
A simple overnight setup is 1 charcoal bamboo insert plus 1 hemp insert. This gives more absorbency for longer stretches.
Waladi Overnight Sets include:
- 1 cloth nappy
- 1 charcoal bamboo insert
- 1 hemp insert
This is the no guesswork option if you want to try cloth for heavier wetting or overnight use.
What if the nappy is bulky?
If the nappy looks too bulky or gaps at the legs, you may have too much absorbency packed into the pocket.
Try adjusting the rise snaps, checking the leg seal, or using a trimmer insert combination. A good fit matters as much as absorbency.
Common questions about cloth nappy inserts
What inserts do I need for cloth nappies?
For daytime use, start with 1 absorbent insert per nappy, such as a charcoal bamboo insert. For heavy wetters, naps, or overnight, add extra absorbency with a second insert such as hemp.
Is one insert enough for a cloth nappy?
One insert is often enough for regular daytime changes. If the insert is fully soaked before 2 to 3 hours, add more absorbency or change more often.
What insert is best for heavy wetters?
For heavy wetters, hemp or an extra bamboo insert can help boost absorbency. Waladi Overnight Sets include a charcoal bamboo insert and a hemp insert for more absorbency.
Can microfibre inserts touch baby skin?
Microfibre inserts should sit inside the pocket of the nappy, not directly against your baby’s skin. This helps avoid dryness and irritation.
How many inserts do I need for overnight cloth nappies?
Most overnight setups need more than 1 insert. A common starting point is 1 charcoal bamboo insert plus 1 hemp insert for extra absorbency.