Bamboo, hemp and microfibre inserts all absorb wee, but they work differently. Bamboo is a good everyday option, hemp is useful when you need more absorbency for heavy wetters or overnight, and microfibre absorbs quickly and dries fast but should sit inside the nappy pocket, not directly against baby’s skin. Waladi makes this simple with Everyday Sets that include a charcoal bamboo insert, and Overnight Sets that add a hemp insert for extra absorbency.
The best insert is not always one material on its own. It depends on how long the nappy needs to last, how heavily your baby wets, how fast your inserts dry, and whether you are using cloth during the day or overnight.
Quick comparison
| Insert type | Best for | Main benefit | Watch for |
| Bamboo | Everyday daytime use | Good balance of absorbency and comfort | Can take longer to dry than microfibre |
| Hemp | Heavy wetters, naps and overnight | Extra absorbency without too much bulk | Slower to absorb and slower to dry |
| Microfibre | Quick absorption and fast drying | Absorbs quickly and dries quickly | Can compress when full and should not sit directly against skin |
Bamboo inserts
Bamboo inserts are a popular everyday choice because they offer a good mix of absorbency and practical use.
Waladi offers charcoal bamboo inserts and white bamboo inserts. Waladi’s 5-layer charcoal bamboo insert includes 3 microfibre inner layers, making it a simple insert for daytime pocket cloth nappies.
Bamboo inserts are useful when you want:
- A simple daytime insert.
- Good absorbency for regular changes.
- An insert that works well in a pocket nappy.
- A starting point before adding boosters or hemp.
This is why Waladi Everyday Sets include 1 cloth nappy and 1 charcoal bamboo insert.
Hemp inserts
Hemp inserts are useful when you need more absorbency, especially for longer stretches.
Waladi’s hemp insert is a 4-layer hemp and cotton blend. It is a good option for heavy wetters, naps and overnight use because it helps boost the total absorbency of the nappy.
Hemp inserts are useful when:
- Your baby wets heavily.
- The nappy needs to last through a nap.
- A single insert is soaked too quickly.
- You want a more absorbent overnight setup.
Hemp usually absorbs more slowly than faster inserts, so it is often paired with another insert rather than used alone for every situation.
Microfibre inserts
Microfibre inserts absorb quickly and dry quickly. They can be useful when drying time matters or when you want fast absorption inside a pocket nappy.
Waladi offers 3-layer microfibre inserts, and Waladi’s charcoal bamboo inserts include microfibre inner layers.
Microfibre should sit inside the pocket of the nappy, not directly against your baby’s skin. It can feel drying or irritating against skin.
Microfibre can also be more prone to compression leaks when fully soaked, like a sponge being squeezed. If leaks happen after sitting in a car seat, pram, or carrier, check whether the insert is saturated and whether you need extra absorbency.
Which insert should I choose for daytime?
For daytime use, start simple. A charcoal bamboo insert is a good first choice for regular changes.
If your baby is changed every 2 to 3 hours and the insert is not fully soaked, one insert may be enough.
If the insert is fully soaked before change time, add another insert or change more often.
Which insert should I choose for overnight?
For overnight, most babies need more absorbency than a standard daytime setup.
A simple starting point is:
- 1 cloth nappy
- 1 charcoal bamboo insert
- 1 hemp insert
This is the setup included in Waladi Overnight Sets. It gives more absorbency than the Everyday Set and is easier than guessing which inserts to pair together.
Can you mix insert types?
Yes. Mixing insert types is often the easiest way to get the right absorbency.
For example:
- Charcoal bamboo only: simple daytime changes.
- Charcoal bamboo + hemp: naps, heavy wetters or overnight.
- Microfibre inside the pocket: quick absorption and fast drying.
- White bamboo or gusseted inserts: extra absorbency depending on your baby’s needs.
Just make sure the nappy still fits well. Too much bulk can create leg gaps and cause leaks.
For fit help, read How should a cloth nappy fit?
How many inserts should I buy?
You need enough inserts to match your nappy changes, plus extras for drying time and boosted setups.
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
For a full guide, read What inserts do I need for cloth nappies?
Common questions about bamboo, hemp and microfibre inserts
What is the difference between bamboo, hemp and microfibre inserts?
Bamboo is a good everyday insert, hemp adds more absorbency for longer stretches, and microfibre absorbs quickly and dries fast but should be used inside the nappy pocket rather than directly against baby’s skin.
Which cloth nappy insert is best for daytime?
For daytime use, a charcoal bamboo insert is a simple starting point. Waladi Everyday Sets include 1 cloth nappy and 1 charcoal bamboo insert for regular daytime changes.
Which insert is best for overnight?
For overnight, hemp is useful because it adds extra absorbency. Waladi Overnight Sets pair 1 charcoal bamboo insert with 1 hemp insert for a higher absorbency setup.
Can microfibre inserts touch baby skin?
No, microfibre inserts should sit inside the pocket of the nappy, not directly against baby’s skin, because they can feel drying or irritating.
Can I use bamboo and hemp inserts together?
Yes, bamboo and hemp inserts can be used together when you need more absorbency for naps, heavy wetters or overnight use.