Liners? Purpose and what kind?

[organicmom3]

So is the primary purpose of using liners in a cloth diaper simply for less staining on the diaper?

Also, what kind do people feel are the easiest and most cost effective? I've spent enough on the diapers themselves (a combination of prefolds, bg fitteds and bg pocket)...I don't want to spend a lot on liners. Would using cut up strips of fleece or cotton fabric from unused receiving blankets or just from the fabric store work? Is there really sense in buying something made for that purpose or just make my own?

[Lynda&Jenna]

The use of a liner is to add absorbancy to the diaper. Thirsties has 3 packs of them that are not too expensive. There are others or you could make your own.
Lynd

[organicmom3]

I thought it was the inserts that added absorbancy...there's no difference between an insert and a liner?

[cristeen]

There definitely is a difference between an insert/doubler and a liner.

Depending on the type, the liner might be to make poo removal easier or it may be a stay dry surface... those are the only two types I've seen. Doublers or inserts are for adding absorbency.

[hildare]

You aren't supposed to use diaper rash cream or ointment with many diaps, so we use disposable liners if dd has diaper rash (hasn't happened in a long time). It keeps the goo from "messing up" your absorbency.
And, if that's what you're going for, there is no reason not to make them yourself...
If you are trying to add an absorbent layer to the diaper, you can still make an insert. There are lots of tutorials on the interwebs, but if you've ever made a cloth pad for yourself, then you have the basic idea. (I made a couple and layered a somewhat water resistant bottom with terry cloth and an inner made of quadrupled organic cotton quilting fabric. You could probably use old diaps and those flannel receiving blankets as well).

[My3guys]

Liners are not for absorbency. They are to make laundry easier or to help when your child might need a diaper cream or some other type of salve. Creams and salves can mess up diaper's by leaving residue that makes them less absorbent.

I like the disposable liners from Imse Vimse when traveling. It makes laundry so much easier if you can just lift out the poop.