Using a disposable or reusable cloth diaper liner or insert is a great way to stretch out the time between diaper changings. Diaper liners are added to the inside of the diaper to add an extra layer of absorbency, allowing your baby to sleep longer without a change, whether it be nap-time or overnight. Cloth diaper inserts and cloth diaper doublers are much the same, though they are generally bulkier, adding even more protection for long nights and the like. Read on to learn more about the different types of diaper inserts and liners, and how to properly dispose of them.
This article covers the following:
Types of diaper liners and diaper inserts
If you’re looking for more eco-friendly diaper inserts and liners, there are several options you can choose. Our Ecolife picks are reusable cloth liners that, like your cloth diapers, can be washed over and over again.
But if you’re on the road and lack the storage facilities for soiled diapers and inserts, then you could try out disposable diaper liners and inserts. Though these options are not reusable, eco-friendly diaper liner choices can be found. Look for biodegradable diaper liners that will break down when tossed in the trashcan, or try out flushable diaper liner options that can be sent down the toilet.
Whether you choose reusable or disposable, be sure to look for options that are made from natural fibers, like organic cotton, hemp, and bamboo, and are whitened without the use of chlorine bleach.
Eco-friendly diaper liners and diaper inserts
Here’s a selection of eco-friendly diaper liners and inserts:
- Hemp Babies Little Weeds products are made of 55% hemp and 45% certified organic cotton.
- Naturally Nature’s Bamboo Disposable Diaper Liners are 100% made of bamboo and free of toxins.
- Disana Diaper Liners are made of 100% raw silk.
- Vimse´s All-in-two diaper cover + inserts. These inserts are made of 100% certified organic cotton.
- Amp Cloth Diaper Inserts: Nighttime, and Daytime. Both of these two diaper inserts are made of 45% cotton and 55% hemp.
Should you toss, flush, or compost disposable diaper liners?
When it comes to disposable diaper liners, this is a hotly debated topic, and a debate that’s not solved easily. In fact, the answer to the question will likely depend on your particular circumstances. See why:
- Toss: This probably is not the best choice when you consider the most available, but if you’ve chosen a biodegradable liner that’s made without chemicals like chlorine bleach, at least throwing it into the landfill will mean a quick decomposition process without the fear of nasty toxins. It will, however, mean that untreated human waste ends up in landfill, which can lead to the spread of disease to wildlife and our waterways.
- Flush: In many ways, this is the most natural option since flushing human waste will ensure that it gets properly treated. And again, as long as the diaper inserts you’ve chosen are biodegradable, that portion of the mess won’t cause any undo problems either. The only hitch with these is that if you’ve got an old plumbing system, you may have trouble with clogs.
- Compost: Here’s another excellent option, especially if you can have a separate compost pile for baby’s poo. Though you wouldn’t be able to use this compost on your veggie garden, biodegradable liners and the waste they contain will break down to create some great compost for your trees and shrubbery.