How thick should insert be?

[kbstanley3]

This probably sounds like a stupid question, but how thick should a pocket insert be? I made some pocket diapers (outer layer of no pill fleece and inner layer of velour), and also made inserts for them. I took a flatfold and folded it to size and then sewed a layer of polar fleece on the back of the folded flatfold (away from baby) to help keep moisture from going through the diaper. I also made 3 layer cotton terry cloth doublers (out of old towels and washcloths) to lay on top of this, since I've heard that most of the time 1 insert is not enough. But now that I have this all inside the diaper, it looks rather thick! BUT I've never seen a pocket diaper in person so I have no idea just how thick it's supposed to be. : Does this sound like too many layers inside to you? TIA!

[kbstanley3]

Just wanted to add that the flatfolds are birdseye, so the material is not that thick, however, folded up it's about 10-12 layers of birdseye cotton.

[kbstanley3]

anyone?

[Mel L]

I think it kind of depends on how big the diaper you are making is. That does sound like a lot of bulk. I know a lot of moms use microfiber towels (like the ones in the automotive department), and they worked well for us. You usually want to pair them with something else. I've been using hemp lately, and I like the absorbtion of it. I do reasearch online to see what stores are selling as inserts to know what kind of layers to use.

Birdseye is super absorbent! My mom's favorite cloth diaper that she pulled out for me the other day was only birdseye.

I can't really think this morning, but I wanted to give you something to think about.

[kbstanley3]

The diapers are a size S/M Wee Weka pocket dipe. Do you think the flats would be enough? Should I maybe add a folded micro terry towel (instead of the 3 layer towel terry doubler)? How much bulk would that add (is microterry thin)? I've never seen the towels before, so I have no idea! : Thanks for you help.

[Equuskia]

Originally Posted by kbstanley3

The diapers are a size S/M Wee Weka pocket dipe. Do you think the flats would be enough? Should I maybe add a folded micro terry towel (instead of the 3 layer towel terry doubler)? How much bulk would that add (is microterry thin)? I've never seen the towels before, so I have no idea! : Thanks for you help.

microfiber towel is quite thin. It's like flannel with loops. Thin. I got the ones in sams that are 16x16. You could probably make 2 inserts out of one towel if they are going to be for a small baby.

[CJ 5]

I would just start with a trifolded microfiber towel. If you find that doesn't work then you could get some hemp and since it comes in a tube you could just cut a strip of it and trifold it and that would be some major absorbancy. Newborn prefolds also work well so I hear.

[kbstanley3]

So a folded microfiber towel paired with the flat? I'm going to use the flat regardless, because I sewed an extra layer of polar fleece on the back (away from baby) to help prevent leaks since my pockets are made out of fleece instead of PUL. I just was wondering whether or not the flat by itself would be enough (for daytime anyways) since paired with the doubler it was sooo thick. But if the flat is not enough by itself, I guess the microfiber towel folded w/ it wouldn't add too much bulk since it's so thin, would it? Sorry if it sounds dense to think the flat would be enough, but I've never diapered a baby before so I have no idea!

[mama3x's]

I think it might be one of those things that you just might wait and see. Try the one you made along and if you need more absorbancy then fold the microfiber towel like ppl said. The terry is probably what is causing most of you bulk. Next time maybe just one layer of terry next time if any.