Pockets are the most popular choice by far among cloth diapering families. But have you ever wondered what the lifespan is of those fluffy white microfiber inserts that work in tandem with the diapers? When is it time to replace your pocket diaper inserts?
I was curious so I did some research.
My friends Julie (the Cloth Diaper Geek) and Heather (at Knickernappies) had this to share about the industry’s recommendations: “The inserts themselves will hold up and absorb practically forever, but peak absorbency most likely is a couple of years.” They also mentioned that no one has done an official longevity study, but my anecdotal research with other cloth diapering mothers bears out their statement.
Many of the moms I talked to said their inserts were still absorbing after two or even three years. That’s really good news if you’re planning to re-sell the diapers, or pass them on to another child.
Basically, your inserts won’t look as pretty after a few years (because the polyester fibers “flatten out” and get kind of dingy), but they will still work. However, after their absorbency level peaks, it would be wise to consider replacing them. Simply put, your diapers will work better, and that’s especially important for naps and nighttime. Or to paraphrase what Julie told me “If you bought used diapers and have never tried a brand new microfiber insert, you may not know what you’ve been missing!”
Fortunately, if it’s time to replace inserts, microfiber is cheap and easy to find. Prices range from $1.50 to $3.00 each, depending on where you buy (there are 9 different brands/types of inserts available at Kelly’s Closet). There isn’t too much of a difference from one brand of insert to the next, so most will work with whatever pockets you are currently using.
If are wondering what to do with really old inserts that are past their peak absorbency, cut the serging off the edges and the insert will come apart into three separate layers. These small and thin microfiber cloths are perfect for cleaning computer screens and eye glasses. If you’re handy with a needle, you might even be able to turn them into washable mop pads.
One last note: if you are buying used pocket diapers, be sure to ask detailed questions about the condition. Many sellers use terms like “good” or “gently used” to describe their diapers, but that doesn’t give you the full picture. Ask how long they were used; a one year old insert is going to absorb differently than a three year old insert. On the flip side, when selling pockets it’s always a good idea to disclose this type of information in your listing. Or you can just say “please message me if you need more details about condition or usage.”
So how are your microfiber inserts holding up?
