Nappy Inserts & Boosters

In the world of reusable nappies, the terms "nappy boosters" and "nappy inserts" often come up, and it's easy to get them mixed up. At The Nappy Gurus, we like to keep things clear and simple, so here’s how we define each and explain their differences:

Nappy Inserts

A nappy insert is the primary source of absorbency in a reusable nappy system. It's designed to be used inside a pocket nappy or laid in a cover and can be used alone or combined with other inserts. Depending on your baby’s needs, you can use a single insert or stack multiple inserts together for enhanced absorbency. Inserts are versatile and form the core absorbency component in many modern cloth nappies.

Nappy Booster Pads

A nappy booster, on the other hand, is used to "boost" the absorbency of your nappy setup. It’s not usually used by itself but alongside an insert or the nappy’s built-in fabric. Boosters are perfect for times when you need a little extra protection, like during long naps or overnight. They can be added to any type of reusable nappy to help prevent leaks and keep your baby dry for longer.

Best Materials For Nappy Booster or Insert

Both inserts and boosters come in various materials, each offering different benefits:

Microfibre Boosters & Inserts

Known for its quick absorption rate, microfibre is a synthetic material that can soak up liquids fast. However, it’s less absorbent overall compared to natural fibres and can be prone to compression leaks (when pressure is applied, such as in a car seat). It’s a great choice for quick drying time.

Bamboo Boosters Pads & Inserts

A natural fibre that’s highly absorbent and slightly slower to dry than microfibre. Bamboo is incredibly soft, making it comfortable against your baby’s skin, and holds more liquid, which is great for heavy wetters.

Hemp Boosters & Inserts

One of the most absorbent materials available for nappy inserts and boosters, hemp can hold a significant amount of liquid. It’s slower to dry and denser than bamboo, but its superior absorbency makes it ideal for long durations such as overnight use.

Here at The Nappy Gurus, we recommend that you mix and match!  Use a combination of these materials to take advantage of each type’s strengths. For instance, placing a hemp or bamboo insert at the bottom for maximum absorbency and a microfibre insert on top can provide a quick-absorbing layer that catches urine before it reaches the slower-absorbing hemp layer. This setup ensures efficiency in both absorption speed and capacity, keeping your baby dryer for longer periods.

Understanding the difference between inserts and boosters and the types of materials available can help you tailor your cloth nappy system to your baby's needs, ensuring comfort, dryness, and happiness. Whether you’re just starting with cloth nappies or looking to optimize your current setup, choosing the right combination of inserts and boosters is key to a successful reusable nappy experience.