Textiles

Absorbency

Microfiber

Microfiber is a synthetic material known for its quick absorbency. It can hold a decent amount of liquid quickly.

Pros: Microfiber is relatively inexpensive, dries quickly, and has a quick absorbency rate. It is also stain-resistant.

Cons: Microfiber should not be placed against baby's skin as it can be irritating, pulling moisture from baby's skin. Over time, microfiber can lose its absorbency, become compressed, and develop an odor. It may also cause compression leaks if pressure is applied to the diaper.

 

Charcoal Bamboo

Charcoal bamboo inserts are typically a blend of (charcoal) bamboo and microfiber. It offers good absorbency and can hold a decent amount of liquid.

Pros: Charcoal bamboo is known for its antibacterial and odor-controlling properties. It is also relatively affordable and dries faster than pure bamboo.

Cons: It is not as absorbent as other natural fibers like cotton, bamboo, or hemp. The charcoal layer may also lose its effectiveness over time.

 

Cotton

Cotton is a natural fiber with good absorbency. It can hold a moderate amount of liquid.

Pros: Cotton is soft, breathable, and readily available. It is also durable and maintains its absorbency over time.

Cons: Cotton does not offer as much absorbency as bamboo or hemp fibers. It can also take longer to dry compared to synthetic materials.

 

Bamboo

Bamboo is a highly absorbent fiber. It can hold a significant amount of liquid.

Pros: Bamboo is known for its softness, antimicrobial properties, and excellent absorbency. It is more eco-friendly and sustainable than other synthetic fibers.

Cons: Pure bamboo textiles may take longer to dry than other synthetic or blended materials. It may also be more expensive.

 

Hemp

Hemp is a highly absorbent natural fiber with excellent retention capabilities.

Pros: Hemp is known for its durability, antimicrobial properties, and high absorbency. It is also eco-friendly and becomes more absorbent with each wash.

Cons: Hemp may feel rough initially and require more prepping before reaching maximum absorbency. It is slower to absorb in comparison to other fibers and is often paired with cotton for this reason. Hemp can take longer to dry, and is a more expensive option.

 

Lyocell

Lyocell is a synthetic fiber made from wood pulp. It has good absorbency capabilities.

Pros: Lyocell is soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking. It is also eco-friendly and biodegradable.

Cons: Lyocell may be more expensive than other materials. It is also less common in cloth diapers compared to cotton or bamboo.

 

Modal

Modal is a semi-synthetic material made from beech tree pulp. It has moderate absorbency.

Pros: Modal is known for its softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. It is also eco-friendly.

Cons: Modal is less common in cloth diapers, and is a more expensive option. It does not offer the same level of absorbency as other natural fibers.

 

Barriers

Polyurethane Laminate (PUL)

Polyurethane Laminate is a type of fabric that consists of a layer of polyurethane film (typically thermoplastic polyurethane or TPU) laminated to a piece of fabric, usually polyester or cotton. The polyurethane layer provides a water-resistant barrier, making it commonplace in modern cloth diapers. PUL is often used as the outer layer of diaper covers and pocket diapers. It is durable, flexible, and resistant to stretching, cracking, or delamination. PUL is also breathable, allowing air to circulate through the diaper while preventing leaks.

 

Microfleece

Microfleece is a synthetic fabric made from polyester fibers that are finely knit or woven. It is known for its softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. Microfleece is often used as a stay-dry lining or a cloth diaper cover. Its main purpose is to keep baby's skin dry by allowing moisture to pass through the absorbent layers while maintaining a dry-feeling surface. It provides a comfortable and non-irritating barrier between baby's skin and the wetness of the diaper.

 

Wool

Wool is a natural fiber commonly used in diaper covers due to its unique properties. Wool is breathable, helping to regulate temperature and prevent diaper rash, and has natural antimicrobial properties. It also has natural water-resistant properties, thanks to the lanolin present in the wool fibers. Lanolin creates a self-cleaning and odor-resistant barrier, making wool covers suitable for overnight use. To maintain their water-resistant properties, wool covers require proper care, such as hand-washing and lanolizing.

 

Alpaca

Alpaca is a natural fiber known for its softness, warmth, and hypoallergenic qualities. In cloth diapers, alpaca fiber is most commonly used in covers. It is highly absorbent, wicks moisture away from baby's skin, and has natural odor resistance. Alpaca fiber may be blended with other fibers, such as cotton or bamboo, to enhance its performance in cloth diapers. Alpaca should be washed by hand, but it does not need to be lanolized.

 

Other

Athletic Wicking Jersey (AWJ)

Athletic Wicking Jersey is a technical fabric commonly used in athletic wear and cloth diapers. It is lightweight, breathable and designed to wick moisture away from the skin. AWJ dries quickly because it is made from synthetic fibers, such as polyester or a blend of polyester and spandex. AWJ is used for liners and as an inner layer in cloth diapers to keep baby's skin dry, helping to prevent diaper rash and discomfort. AWJ also enhances the overall absorbency of the diaper by allowing liquid to pass through to absorbent layers.

 

Cotton Wicking Jersey (CWJ)

Cotton Wicking Jersey is another fabric used as a stay-dry lining in cloth diapers. It is made from 100% cotton and is designed to pull moisture away from baby's skin and into the absorbent layers of the diaper. CWJ has a soft and breathable texture, allowing for better airflow and reducing the risk of diaper rash. It is also known for its durability, making it a reliable choice for cloth diapering. Additionally, CWJ is easy to care for and can be machine washed and dried. Overall, it provides a comfortable and dry surface against baby's skin while effectively managing moisture.

 

Microsuede

Microsuede is a synthetic fabric that imitates the look and feel of real suede but is more durable and easier to care for. It is usually made from polyester or a blend of polyester and spandex. Microsuede is commonly used as a stay-dry lining in AIOs or pocket diapers. Like microfleece, its primary function is to wick moisture away from baby's skin to keep it dry. Microsuede provides a soft and comfortable surface against baby's bottom, allowing liquid to pass through the absorbent layers. It is also known for its stain resistance and quick-drying properties, making it a popular choice in cloth diapering.