Cotton/Bamboo Inserts vs Bamboo Terry Inserts: Which Cloth Nappy Insert Is Best?
Choosing the right cloth nappy insert can make a huge difference to your nappying experience. Whether you’re dealing with a heavy wetter, frequent leaks, or simply trying to reduce your washing load, the type of insert you choose matters. Two popular options are cotton/bamboo blend inserts and bamboo terry inserts. While both are highly absorbent and reusable, they each have unique strengths that make them better suited to different situations.
If you’re wondering which insert is right for your baby, here’s everything you need to know.
Understanding Cloth Nappy Inserts
Cloth nappy inserts are the absorbent part of your nappy system. They sit inside a pocket nappy or shell and absorb moisture, keeping your baby comfortable and helping prevent leaks.
The fabric used in an insert affects several important factors, including:
• How quickly it absorbs liquid
• How much liquid it can hold
• How bulky it feels
• How long it takes to dry after washing
• How durable it is over time
When comparing cotton/bamboo inserts and bamboo terry inserts, the biggest differences come down to absorption speed, overall absorbency, and drying time.
What Are Cotton/Bamboo Inserts?
Our LAM Cotton/bamboo inserts are made from a blend of natural cotton and bamboo fibres with 420GSM. This combination is designed to offer the benefits of both materials in a single insert. Cotton is known for its durability and quick absorption, while bamboo is prized for its ability to hold large amounts of moisture. Together, they create a versatile insert suitable for everyday use.
Fast Absorption
One of the biggest advantages of cotton/bamboo inserts is their ability to absorb moisture quickly. Cotton is known for drawing liquid into the fabric rapidly, helping to reduce the risk of leaks caused by flooding. This is particularly important for babies who release a large amount of urine at once, as the insert can begin absorbing immediately rather than allowing moisture to pool on the surface.
For active babies who are crawling, walking, or constantly on the move, quick absorption can make a noticeable difference in preventing leaks throughout the day.
Durable and Long-Lasting
Cotton fibres are incredibly strong and stand up well to repeated washing. This makes cotton/bamboo inserts a great investment for families planning to use cloth nappies over several years or across multiple children.
Faster Drying Time
Compared to bamboo terry inserts, cotton/bamboo blends generally dry faster. This can be particularly helpful during winter, wet weather, or when you need inserts ready quickly.
What Are Bamboo Terry Inserts?
Bamboo terry inserts are made from bamboo fabric woven into a terry cloth structure. The fabric contains thousands of tiny loops that increase the surface area of the material, allowing it to absorb and hold more moisture. Bamboo terry is soft, plush, and highly absorbent, making it a popular option for heavy wetters and overnight nappying.
Benefits of Bamboo Terry Inserts
Exceptional Absorbency
The terry loops allow bamboo terry inserts to hold an impressive amount of liquid. This makes them ideal for longer periods between changes, naps, and overnight use.
Excellent for Heavy Wetters
If your little one consistently out-wets standard inserts, bamboo terry can provide the additional absorbency needed to prevent leaks.
Becomes More Absorbent Over Time
Like many natural fibres, bamboo terry reaches its full absorbency after several washes and often continues to perform better as it ages.
Cotton/Bamboo vs Bamboo Terry: Which Is Better?
The truth is that neither option is universally better. The right choice depends on how and when you plan to use your nappies.
Many experienced cloth nappy parents choose to keep both types on hand. Using cotton/bamboo inserts during the day and bamboo terry inserts overnight provides the best of both worlds.
Our Recommendation
If you’re building your cloth nappy stash, cotton/bamboo inserts are an excellent all-rounder that will suit most babies and most situations. They offer a great balance of absorbency, durability, and drying speed.
For overnight protection or extra absorbency when you need it most, bamboo terry inserts are hard to beat. Their superior moisture-holding capacity can help keep your baby comfortable for longer stretches and reduce the risk of overnight leaks.
Ultimately, both insert types have a place in a well-rounded cloth nappy collection. By understanding their strengths, you can choose the right insert for every stage of your baby’s day and enjoy a more successful cloth nappy journey.