Cloth Nappy Boosters

A great solution to increase Absorbency

What are “Cloth Nappy Boosters“? That is a question we get asked a lot!  All cloth nappies come in many different styles and types, but at some stage, you are likely to need a Booster.

As baby gets older and bigger you may find the system you are using is no longer lasting between changes. For example, it is very common to have leaks at night time when baby sleeps longer.

A cloth nappy could be leaking as a result of saturation. If you have leaks, it’s probably because it is saturated and you should consider changing your layers. Boost your system by adding extra absorbency using good quality Cloth Nappy Boosters.

There are different solutions for Boosting and it will depend on the type of Cloth Nappies you are using.

Nappy Inserts

The insert is the main absorbent part of a pocket nappy. Some cloth nappies already come with inserts. 

Inserts can be made from a variety of materials and blends. You will most commonly find Microfibre, Bamboo, Cotton and Hemp inserts. They all have various properties which determine what should be used when and how.

When we talk of ‘boosting’ a nappy we mean adding absorbency. A Nappy Booster is an extra piece that we include in our cloth nappy system to meet our baby’s needs (in addition the components it originally came with). There is no physical difference between an insert and a booster but there is in how it is used.

So what type of Cloth Nappy Boosters should I choose?

One of the best fabric types to boost with is Bamboo. Bamboo nappy boosters are a highly absorbent fabric that can hold more moisture content than cotton or microfiber. Visit our shop to discover our range of high quality Cloth Nappy Boosters.

BrightBots has designed a fantastic solution of Bamboo Boosters that does not bulk out the nappy. It also increases the absorbency of the cloth nappy system used significantly. It can be used with any system from any brand of cloth nappy.

If you have leaks but the nappy is not saturated that is a fit or flooding issue. If you have checked that your fit is correct then you need to add faster absorption. Cotton absorbs very quickly.

MuslinZ has the perfect solution with Cotton Boosters, a trim yet fast absorbing 6 layer, 100% cotton muslin fabric booster.

To get the best extra absorbency, just place the booster in the most appropriate position.

Where to place the Cloth Nappy Booster?

Although bamboo absorbs a lot, it is slower to absorb than cotton or microfiber.

It is important to place the booster behind or within the folds of your existing absorbency – not on top (i.e. not next to the babies skin). This can be a little more tricky on an All-in-one design but still possible on most.

• • On a pocket or two parts cloth nappy, just ensure the booster is placed behind the insert.
  • With flats Cloth Nappies, place the Nappy Booster within the folds.
  • With a fitted Nappy, put the booster between the fitted nappy and the cover/wrap.

Cotton absorbs less but is quicker to absorb so needs to be placed closest to the skin with all other inserts etc behind. This will ensure the cotton soaks up first and then transfers into the layers behind.

• • On a pocket or two parts cloth nappy, just ensure the booster is placed on top the insert.
  • With flats Cloth Nappies, place the Nappy Booster on top to be nearest the skin.
  • With a fitted Nappy place booster inside.

All-In-One Nappies

A one piece cloth nappy that has absorbency and a waterproof cover all sewn together. The All-In-One Nappies incorporate an absorbent inner with an attached waterproof outer layer, doing away with the need for a separate wrap. They are very simple to use, but can be slower drying. Additionally, in moving away from a two piece system you are likely to find a decrease in the level of containment however they will still perform better than a disposable. 

Bear in mind longevity of the product, all in ones are washed after every single nappy change which means they will wear faster than two part nappies.  If you are planning more children this might not be the right product for you.  as they may not last beyond one child. They are perfect for childcare or the change bag.  

Pocket Nappies

A cloth nappy with a pocket to insert the absorbent layer. This layer can be already attached to the nappy or be completely separated (two part). Pocket nappies consist of a waterproof outer and a fleece inner. There’s an opening along the back of the nappy through which you can insert as much (or as little) absorbency as you require. They are very simple nappies to use, and usually very quick drying. You should also consider longevity of all in ones.

All in ones are washed after every use so the waterproof cover will undergo more washing than a two part system. All in one nappies are unlikely to last more than one child so if you are planning more children they might not be the right nappy for you. They don’t provide the same level of containment or absorbency as a two part system however they are very quick and simple to use and are ideal for childcare or the change bag.

Two-Part system (Shaped Sized Nappies)

There are different designs for this type of cloth nappy. Part One (1) is the absorbent layer that could be a fitted nappy, folded flat nappy or an insert. Part two (2) is the waterproof cover (usually PUL) to go over. Sized nappy systems are amongst the easiest to use, and are a particularly good option if your baby is going to be at nursery under 6 months old.

Using a smaller size of nappy for the first few months means you will always get a nice neat fit and excellent containment. The absorbent inserts come right out in the wash!