The best cloth nappy inserts for heavy wetters are usually a higher absorbency combination, such as a charcoal bamboo insert paired with a hemp insert. Waladi makes this simple with Overnight Sets, which include 1 cloth nappy, 1 charcoal bamboo insert and 1 hemp insert, giving you more absorbency than a standard daytime setup without having to guess which inserts to pair together.
If a cloth nappy leaks before 2 hours and the insert is fully soaked, the nappy usually needs more absorbency. It does not always mean the nappy is faulty or that cloth nappies do not work for your baby.
Quick answer
- Best simple daytime boost: add a second insert.
- Best for heavy wetters: charcoal bamboo insert + hemp insert.
- Best for overnight: Waladi Overnight Set.
- Best if drying time matters: keep some microfibre inserts in your stash.
- Best first step: check if the current insert is fully soaked before adding more.
How do you know your baby needs more absorbency?
Your baby may need more absorbency if:
- The nappy leaks before 2 hours.
- The insert is soaked from end to end.
- Leaks happen during naps or car rides.
- Your baby wakes with wet clothes.
- Your baby wees a lot at once.
- A single insert no longer lasts between changes.
If the insert is not fully soaked, check the fit first. Gaps around the legs can cause leaks even when the insert still has absorbency left.
For fit help, read How should a cloth nappy fit?
Best insert setup for heavy wetters
For many heavy wetters, the simplest setup is:
- 1 Waladi pocket cloth nappy
- 1 charcoal bamboo insert
- 1 hemp insert
The charcoal bamboo insert gives you a practical everyday absorbent layer. The hemp insert adds extra absorbency for longer stretches, naps and overnight.
This is the same setup included in Waladi Overnight Sets.
Why hemp inserts help heavy wetters
Hemp inserts are useful when your baby needs more absorbency without adding too much bulk.
Waladi’s hemp insert is a 4-layer hemp and cotton blend. It is a good booster for babies who soak through a standard daytime insert too quickly.
Hemp can absorb more slowly than faster insert types, so it often works best when paired with another insert, such as charcoal bamboo.
Why bamboo inserts are a good starting point
Bamboo inserts are a good everyday choice for regular daytime use.
Waladi’s 5-layer charcoal bamboo insert includes 3 microfibre inner layers and is included in Waladi Everyday Sets. It is a simple first insert for daytime changes.
If your baby starts soaking this insert too quickly, add a second insert rather than replacing the full nappy setup.
Should heavy wetters use microfibre inserts?
Microfibre inserts absorb quickly and dry quickly, so they can still be useful. But microfibre can be more prone to compression leaks when it is fully soaked, like a sponge being squeezed.
Microfibre should also sit inside the nappy pocket, not directly against baby’s skin.
For heavy wetters, microfibre is usually better as part of a setup, not the only absorbency for long stretches.
Best setup for naps
For naps, start with your normal daytime nappy and add absorbency if the insert is soaked when your baby wakes.
A simple nap setup is:
- 1 cloth nappy
- 1 charcoal bamboo insert
- 1 extra hemp or bamboo insert if needed
If your baby sleeps on their tummy, you may need more absorbency toward the front of the nappy. If your baby sleeps on their side, fit and leg seal matter even more.
Best setup for overnight
Overnight usually needs more absorbency than daytime use.
Waladi Overnight Sets are the easiest starting point because they include:
- 1 cloth nappy
- 1 charcoal bamboo insert
- 1 hemp insert
If your baby still leaks overnight, check three things: the insert is fully tucked in, the legs have no gaps, and the inserts are not completely saturated before morning.
For overnight help, read Can cloth nappies work overnight?
Can you add too much absorbency?
Yes. Adding more inserts can help, but too much bulk can stop the nappy fitting properly.
If the nappy becomes bulky and gaps around the legs, it may leak even with more absorbency inside.
The goal is enough absorbency while keeping a snug leg seal.
How many extra inserts should you buy?
If your baby is a heavy wetter, start with a few extra hemp or bamboo inserts before buying a large amount.
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
This makes it easier to add absorbency as your baby grows and their wetting pattern changes.
Common questions about heavy wetter inserts
What are the best cloth nappy inserts for heavy wetters?
The best inserts for heavy wetters are usually higher absorbency inserts, especially hemp or bamboo. A simple setup is 1 charcoal bamboo insert paired with 1 hemp insert.
Is hemp better for heavy wetters?
Hemp is a good option for heavy wetters because it adds extra absorbency without too much bulk. It often works best when paired with another insert, such as charcoal bamboo.
Is bamboo good for heavy wetters?
Bamboo is a good everyday insert and can work for heavy wetters when boosted with another insert. If one bamboo insert is soaked too quickly, add more absorbency.
How many inserts does a heavy wetter need?
Many heavy wetters need 2 inserts for longer stretches, naps or overnight. Start with 1 charcoal bamboo insert and add 1 hemp insert if the nappy is getting fully soaked.
Why does my heavy wetter still leak with extra inserts?
If the inserts are not fully soaked, the issue may be fit, gaps around the legs or insert placement. If the inserts are fully soaked, you need more absorbency or more frequent changes.