Do I Need Cloth Nappy Liners? Simple Guide

No, you do not need cloth nappy liners, but they can make poo clean-up much easier, especially once your baby starts solids. Waladi cloth nappies can be used without liners for everyday changes, but Waladi biodegradable liners are a simple add-on if you want less mess and easier nappy changes.

A liner is not the absorbent part of the nappy. It is a thin layer that sits inside the nappy, against your baby’s skin. Wee passes through to the insert underneath, while the liner helps catch poo.

When are cloth nappy liners useful?

Cloth nappy liners are most useful when:

Your baby has started solids.
Poo is thicker and easier to catch.
You want quicker clean-up after poo changes.
You are using cloth nappies while out or at daycare.
You want to reduce how much poo touches the nappy lining.
You are using nappy cream and want an extra layer between cream and fabric.

If you are new to cloth and nervous about poo, liners can make the switch feel less messy.

When can you skip liners?

You can usually skip liners if:

Your baby is still only having milk.
Poo is very runny and would not stay on the liner anyway.
You are happy to rinse or scrape poo when needed.
You want the simplest reusable setup with fewer extras.

Many parents start without liners, then add them later when solids begin.

Do newborns need cloth nappy liners?

Usually, no. Newborn poo is often soft and liquid, so liners may not catch much.

At this stage, it is more useful to focus on fit, enough changes, and a simple wash routine.

For newborn cloth guidance, read Do I need newborn cloth nappies?

Do you need liners once baby starts solids?

You still do not have to use them, but this is when liners become more helpful.

Once poo becomes thicker, a liner can catch more of it. At change time, you lift the liner out, remove the poo into the toilet, then deal with the liner based on the product instructions.

For poo clean-up, read What do you do with poop in cloth nappies?

Are liners the same as inserts?

No. Liners and inserts do different jobs.

Liners: sit on top of the nappy to catch poo. They are not designed to absorb wee.
Inserts: absorb wee and sit inside the pocket or absorbent part of the nappy.

Waladi Everyday Sets include 1 cloth nappy and 1 charcoal bamboo insert. A liner is optional and can be added on top if you want easier poo clean-up.

Disposable vs reusable liners

There are two common liner types.

Disposable liners

Disposable liners are used once, then disposed of. They are convenient for solids, daycare, travel, or parents who want less rinsing.

Even if a liner is biodegradable, the safest option for plumbing is usually to put it in the bin after removing poo into the toilet, unless the product instructions and your local plumbing guidance clearly say flushing is suitable.

Reusable liners

Reusable liners are washed and used again. They can reduce waste and may be useful if you want a fully reusable setup.

If there is poo on a reusable liner, remove the solids first, then store it with your used nappies for washing.

Can liners help with nappy cream?

Yes, liners can be helpful if you use nappy cream, especially thicker barrier creams.

Use only a thin layer of cream. Too much cream can transfer onto fabric and may need a stronger wash routine.

If your baby has persistent rash, irritation, broken skin, or discomfort, check with a healthcare professional.

What is the simplest setup?

For most beginners, start with the nappy and insert first. Add liners when poo clean-up becomes harder or when your baby starts solids.

A simple Waladi setup can look like this:

1 Waladi pocket cloth nappy.
1 charcoal bamboo insert for daytime use.
1 optional biodegradable liner for easier poo clean-up.
1 wet bag for used nappies when out.

Shop Waladi biodegradable nappy liners

Common questions about cloth nappy liners