Back in February, I wrote: Curious about Microfiber, Hemp, and Bamboo inserts? Is there a RIGHT way to use them in a cloth diaper? I refer people to it alot! As a spin off, it seems appropriate to include a post comparing a number of different hemp and bamboo doublers. If you said to me, “I need more absorbency but I still want it to be trim, what should I get?” My answer would be, hands down, hemp or bamboo! Besides being super absorbers, they don’t hold onto stink and wash easily as well.
Itsy Bitsy Bums, a cloth diaper and natural parenting store, was kind enough to provide me with a few different brands of doublers to test out and review. While I was given these doublers I am still giving you my sincere honest opinion here.
I added two of my own inserts (Ragababe and Thirsties) to the bunch just to include as much information as possible. As it turned out, I found a new front runner in my night diapering system, which I was surprised about because I already really liked what we were using. I tested these in our night and naptime diapers and have used and washed about 25 times. This list is organized in order of my preference and recommendation. Ok, so what are we looking at here…
This is my new favorite. I cannot get over how trim they are (thinnest most effective doubler I have ever used). I was a staunch supporter of Thirsties Hemp Inserts and while they are still awesome, Peachy Baby’s are thinner! These are made in Canada of 70% Bamboo Rayon/ 30% Organic Cotton and come in a two pack of one small and one large. Even after approximately 25 washes, these have remained so soft that my husband actually caught me rubbing it on my cheek after I took it out of the dryer! All inserts have some shrinkage after washing. These started out 5”x14” for the small and 5”x16” for the large. They now measure 4.5”x11.75 for the small and 4.25”x 13.75” for the large. The quality of construction is very high. They still look like new. I will be buying more of these. Because these are made of bamboo, the inserts are very versatile. They can be used by themselves, together, or added to another insert to make the ultimate cloth diaper. These can also be used from birth till potty training! Check out Autumn’s review of the Peachy Baby inserts and diaper! I LOVE these!!!
These were part of my personal stash already. You can find my full review of them HERE. They have been my go to add on’s for our bullet proof night time diapers. In case you are wondering, that is a Kawaii Goodnight Heavy Wetter with both microfiber inserts and two large Thirsties Hemp Inserts. Yes, big butt, but totally dry in the morning. I now wish I had more of the Peachy Baby Bamboo Inserts as they made the fluffy butt slightly less fluffy. Thirsties is still a great option though! Thirsties Hemp Inserts are made in the USA of 55% hemp/ 45% cotton. They measured 5.5”x 14.5” new, now almost a year later they measure 5”x13”. Easy to add to any diaper that needs a boost, washes well and are also very reasonably priced for a two pack.
3. Babykicks Joeybunz Hemp Doublers
I received one Premium Medium Babykicks Joeybunz Hemp Doubler and one One Size doubler. The premium is like two inserts in one because it’s sewn together at one end and open at the other for faster drying. These are made in the USA of Hemp/Cotton (I was unable to find exact blend). Starting dimensions are 15.25″ long (6″ at the widest part and 4.5″ at the center). They currently measure 14.5” and 5.75” at widest and 4.25 at center. Super trim at only 1/8”. Babykicks recommends these as replacement inserts for any cloth diaper. They are contoured to provide a better fit around the legs. There are a lot of glowing reviews on these. I needed to use all three layers, (they were still trim) in our night diapers. Having to use more would raise purchase price because you would need to buy more. I did have a few loose threads around the edge serging, nothing major. I just snipped off, no problem. These are also just slightly rough feeling to me. Because of these reasons, these were pretty middle of the road for me.
4. Ragababe Organic Cotton Sherpa Inserts and Doublers
These were part of my personal stash and I have been using them for most of Sophia’s life (19 months). Ragababe in general are my favorite diapers. These are made in the USA of a 100% organic cotton outer and 90% Bamboo Rayon/ 10% polyester inner. I was unable to find starting measurements, but they currently measure 10”x4” for the doubler and 11.75”x4” for the medium insert. There are a couple of reasons I didn’t rank them higher: The actual doubler is kind of small, so I actually use their medium sized inserts to double up during the day. And secondly, they are slightly thicker than the other inserts mentioned above. So in order to get enough absorbency for night, we would end up with a pretty bulky diaper. Finally, they are on the spendy side. On the plus side: they are very absorbent, well made and remain soft even after years of use.
5. Sloomb Organic Bamboo Doubler
I received a large doubler to test. Most people usually receive this doubler inside one of Sustainablebabyish’s organic bamboo fitteds or OBF’s. You can also buy these separately though. This is a decent day time doubler. These are made in the USA from 70% viscose from bamboo and 30% organic cotton. Starting measurements are 13”x4” and currently measure 13”x3.75” (very little shrinkage). The biggest drawback is that after a while, these start to feel stiff. Like when you dry clothes outside in the winter. They can be softened up with a little Mrs. Meyers Fabric softener if you need to.
6. Hemp Babies Hemp Doubler
The one I received to review oddly enough measures bigger than the listed dimensions on the website. The fully prepped dimensions are listed as 14.5 in. x 4 in. Mine currently measures 15.5”x4.5”. ??? These are actually made by Cotton Babies here in the USA of 55% Hemp and 45% Organic Cotton. Truth be told, these are the thinnest doublers on the list. But also not one of the most absorbent because of that. I would say this one is probably the most versatile because you literally fold into any size you want and it still razor thin. I’m kind of lazy, so I didn’t reach for these because I had to fold it (otherwise it wouldn’t even fit into the diaper). Obviously it is easy to fold, but like I said, lazy is my reason. This was just my personal preference to rank this one lower I think many would find it higher on their own list.
**Wrap-up** I reviewed the larger sizes of all inserts and doublers because that is what my 21 month old needed. However, most of these come in sized options and some in one size. They can all be used interchangeably in any cloth diaper. And whether you choose hemp or bamboo you will be making a good choice.
Please click this link in case you missed it posted above: Curious about Microfiber, Hemp, and Bamboo inserts? Is there a RIGHT way to use them in a cloth diaper? It will explain a lot about hemp and bamboo including how to prep for use!
Alright! Any other hemp or bamboo inserts or doublers you would like to see reviewed? Do you have a favorite?
I have noticed that most bamboo inserts have layers of microfiber inside. I’m concerned about compression leaks. Can you recommend a brand of inserts that are only bamboo or bamboo with cotton inside?
Hey Laura, Generally if you aren’t buying from a co-op, custom group or something only available on Amazon it will not have the microfiber. That layer makes it less expensive to produce and is often lower quality itself. Petite crown has great bamboo hemp blends that I really like. Little Fanny Pants also has great bamboo options.
Hi, my lo is a very heavy wetter. Right now to avoid leaks we are changing her every hour. She wears a motherease cotton fitted and small bummis prefold as the insert. Pretty fluffy bum. I’m looking to slim this down and add absorbency. I am having a hard time finding information about the absorbency of inserts though. So, here’s my questions for you…
I’m looking into thirsties hemp prefolds or inserts or Joey bunz. What’s the best for absorbency and the minimum bulk? She’s 15 months old.
Thanks so much!
Thirsties hemp inserts and also Geffen Baby hemp. Here’s a good link for absorbency. https://www.allaboutclothdiapers.com/how-much-liquid-do-cloth-diapers-really-hold/
Hi Jenn! I am trying to develop a “bulletproof diaper” for our very heavy wetter to start making it through the night. You mentioned your method before discovering the Peachy Baby Bamboo inserts of the Kawaii Heavy Wetter + 2 microfiber + 2 thirsties hemp. I am wondering if you still think this is the best option??
We have Kawaiis and cotton prefolds, so I am looking for the best option to add to some combination of those. I’ve read a lot of great reviews on adding Thirsties hemp, but it seems from this article that maybe you’ve found something better?
Your article was helpful!! Thank you for your advice!
Thanks for the kind words!
How old is your LO? And what cover are you planning on using?
Geffens not included here?
I need to add them for sure! They are my favorite :) Either the Geffen Baby Jersey Hemp prefolds or the super absorber plus.
I forgot to add that I didn’t own any at the time I did this.
I would love the A&A cotton daydream blanket (at least till my kids stole it from me!)
I’d love to try the ring sling or sloob diaper :)
I want to try them all! Especially the glass water bottle. I have wanted one for a long time but I haven’t yet gotten around to buy one.
I’d like to try the Sakura bloom essential silk sling. I would love to wear my baby in one of their slings. They are attractive and practical.
The bamboo inserts that I LOVE are by Lalabye Baby. They are ultra thin and super absorbent. Definitely recommend adding these to the comparison.
I love the idea of ring slings but haven’t had a chance to try one yet. Would love to try the Sakura Bloom Ring Sling – Essential Silk
I would love the Chewbeads – Essex Necklace!
I would love to try a ring sling. I am enjoying exploring different babywearing options.
I’d like the Ergo Winter because I live in Alaska!
I would get the Sloomb happy little clouds!
LOVE this post!
I’d like to try the sloomb diapers because they look really soft and super absorbent.
I would like to try have been making my own diapers!
I’d like to try a Sloomb HLC diaper because they look sooooo soft!
Wow, this was just the information I was looking for! Thanks!
Comfy Joey Ring Sling – Two-tone Linen Collection – I have a mobi and a Chicco carrier, but I would like another wrap one and one that is easier than the mobi.
I would love to try anything by Sloomb, especially the jade velour, but what really appeals to me right now is the Aden and Anais day dream blanket! Looks so cozy :)
i’d love to try the peachy green….
we are using flip night-time inserts with thirsties,
but I am open to something new!
ps: love ibb! the first place I bought diapers ;)
aden & anais daydream blanket because I’ve always been jealous of my kiddos’ blankets!
Happy little clouds! I love sloomb
I love my thirsties hemp inserts bout would love to try other brands! Always looking for night time solutions!
I would love to try Kissaluvs Kissa’s Premium Designer Wipes – 12pk. I’ve really been thinking about buying some and making some solution to go with my cloth dipes! :)
I would love anything cloth diaper related. We are expecting our 3rd in 7 or less weeks. This is our 3rd child but first time cloth diapering. Our stash is small as we are just beginning. Anything would be a blessing to us.
I would love any of the ring slings. We have an Ergo and Moby but no ring sling and I would love one!
Definitely would love to try a Sakura Bloom Ring Sling in Pure Linen!
I would love to try a ring sling or amber necklace!
Yes!!!!! Love to try the inserts!
The teething necklaces, Aden & anais anything…love them!!
I would love to try Sakura Bloom Ring Sling – Essential Silk because I don’t have a ring sling and I love natural fibers for my baby.
I would love to try Tiny Tush!
I really want a Lifefactory bottle
The obf – I hear they’re great at night.
I would get the Adian & Anias dream blanket.. Big people like cozy blankets too! And I would get the Toki Doki Diaper bag, because I’ve loved that artist since before I was a mom!
I would love to try the Happy Little Clouds jade velour diapers. They look very cozy
I’d like the linen ring sling for Summer. It’s hot already!!
I’d love to try a Lifefactory glass bottle. I’m slowly trying to move away from plastic & toward glass and stainless, so this would help me out with that!
Chew beads Greenwich necklace would be amazing for my teething nursling.
I would love to try the chew bead necklaces!!!
What a great giveaway! I have heard these are great for night time and have always wanted to try doing cloth at night.
I’m loving my hemp inserts so far!
The Applecheeks starter kit. I’ve heard lots of great things about applecheeks but haven’t been able to try.
I’d love to try Sakura Bloom Ring Sling – Pure Linen! :)
I would like to try the sustainablebabyish
sustainablebabyish | sloomb Happy Little Clouds – Silver Velour in Jackie.
Excited to try some new inserts!
Comfy joey ring sling in limeberry!!
The Comfy Joey Ring Sling in Linen would be wonderful in this hot summer weather! I love that it is so adjustable and could be used on all 3 of my boys!
I’d love the Aden & Anais – Cotton Daydream Blankets, because I wanted them since they came out! I would love a nice blanket for me to curl up under :)
Blueberry Bamboo Flats. I’ve been using flour sack towels as flats and would like to try some more options.
I love the Sophie keychain.
Momma Goose – Specialty Amber – Leaf Tri-Color Necklace so I can match my little one.
I would love the JuJuBe Legacy Hobo or the game day Chew Beads – GO ROYALS!!
I’d like the Ergo carrier!
7 I’d love one of the Aden & Anais blankets. All of their stuff of is SO soft!
I would love to try the chew beads and the Aden & Anais daydream blanket!
I would love to try one of the jujube diaper bags!!
Not for right now as summer is just starting… :) But I would love to try to Ergo winter carrier… We walk a lot and keeping baby covered and warm is so important!
I would love to try sloomb HLC. I tried sloomb snapless before but got lazy to pin/snappi it so i sold them but now i would like to try the one with snaps
I’d like to try the gen-y go bag! It looks super nice for outings
I’d love a Gen-Y GO Bag for an easy way to carry my diapers and other necessities when I go out.
I would love to try one of the daydream blankets by A&A! They look like such a soft cozy blanket that would be used all the time!
I love the Ergo carrier! I really need one :)
That cotton daydream blanket from Aden & Anais would be awesome!
Chewbeads Stanton Bracelet because my teething child keeps trying to chew on my watch!
Sloomb, but I always want new diapers! I also want to try the glass bottle, I have a friend who uses a glass water bottle and LOVES it. :)
I would love to try an A & A daydream blanket because it looks so cozy!
I would like to try the sustainablebabyish diapers
i would love a Gen-Y GO Bags in the sucka punch print so awesome!!
Would love to wrap myself up in the Aden and Anais Cotton Dream Blanket, but the practical side of me knows I should be looking at the ring slngs
April! Right! I want to try one myself. I have heard they are amazing! :)
I’d love the sakura bloom linen ring sling! we love babywearing and that would be awesome for quick up and downs!
I would like to try the Sustainablebabyish happy little clouds fitted, I have read great reviews on them and have been searching for a nighttime solution that works for us!
Totally unrelated, but my name was Jenn Smith before I got married and changed it.
I would like to try an Ergo carrier as I have always wanted to try a soft structured carrier as I only have a wrap otherwise. And the chewbeads necklaces for obvious reasons, lol.
I would love to have the Comfy Joey Ring Sling in Two-tone Linen Collection!
Would love to try the Aden & Anais Dream Blanket! Gorgeous!
I would love to try the Aden & Anais Dream Blanket! Beautiful!
The body butter looks heavenly!!
I’d love a Ju-Ju-Be Be Prepared – great for my baby in cloth and my other two potty-trained kids!
I would like to try the Sustainablebabyish happy little clouds velour. I’ve never seen a velour diaper but then again I am a newbie at all this cloth diaper stuff. Happy to learn though!!
I wanna try the Happy Little Clouds – Jade Velour!! http://itsybitsybums.3dcartstores.com//sustainablebabyish-sloomb-Happy-Little-Clouds–Jade-Velour_p_878.html
I’d love to try sustainablebabyish.
Chewbeads- Hudson Necklace looks real Cute!
Sustainablebabyish happy little clouds, jade velour look amazing. Or the Ju Ju Bee legacy bag (polka dot print) Be Prepared!
I’d love to try the Momma Goose – Specialty Amber – Chunky Tri-Color Necklace. it’s funky looking and fun!
I would love to try these out.
Would love to try one of the Ergo carriers–I have my 6 month old hanging on me most of the time and would love to try a different carrier. And I’d also like the Peachy Baby bamboo inserts, I have some that work great and would love to find more!
I’d love to try the happy clouds fitteds. Everyone raves about fitted diapers so if like to see if they would work for us.
I would like to try the Sustainablebabyish sloomb velor because I have not tried a fitted diaper before but I have heard lots of great things about them.
Love the ergo carrier.
Sustainablebabyish sloom Happy Little Clouds because I have seen them all over and feel like I need to try them :)
After battling recurring stink issues with our microfiber inserts for six months, I am seriously considering replacing them with cotton, bamboo, and/or hemp. Are the inserts you reviewed in this article good for DAYTIME diapers? Would a GMD prefold be a good (less expensive) alternative or would it be too bulky? A lot of the bamboo and hemp inserts I have seen online are very pricey and geared towards nighttime (super-absorbancy) needs.
Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated!
Hi Candice, Yes any of these inserts can be used during the day. They are all interchangeable in pretty much any diaper. A GMD prefold would be fine. But the bamboo version will be more absorbent than any cotton one. Yes it will be more bulky than these reviewed.
Love the amber necklaces!!!!
I JUST posted on my facebook page for suggestions about leaking cloth diapers! This is perfect timing!
I’d like to try sloomb happy little clouds.
I would love to try one of the sustainablebabyish sloomb diapers. I would be ecstatic if I could find a cloth nighttime solution and I’ve heard this is the diaper to try!
Comfy Joey Ring Sling – Two-tone Linen Collection… So pretty!
I would love to try the silk ring sling!
I would Loooove love to try and def. Own an aden and anais blanket!!! I love my baby’s blanket and I always tell people how I wished they made them for adults!! So excited to find out they actually do!!
The A&A Daydream blankets look delicious
I absolutely LOVE Abby and the team at Itsy Bitsy Bums! Amazing staff, Amazing Store! I’m so lucky to live 30min away :)
I would love to try chewbeads because my 5 month old is always looking for something to grab or chew on these days
I would like the sustainablebabyish | sloomb Happy Little Clouds – Silver Velour because they are gorgeous, and I have heard great things about them.
I would LOVE one of the sustainablebabyish fitted diapers! We just switched to fitteds with wool covers at night and have loved it so far. :)
I’m a new fan of best bottoms hemp inserts and overnight doublers. I also have a nicki’s diapers bamboo AIO. How do those stack up?
Ann, I haven’t tried the best bottoms. But here is my review of the nickies diaper:https://www.allaboutclothdiapers.com/my-new-favorite-mid-priced-all-in-one-imagine-bamboo-aio-review-and-giveaway/
I would like to try the Ju-Ju Be Legacy Be Light, it is super cute.
Peachy Baby inserts – I don’t love the inserts I am using right now
I would love to try a sustainablebabyish fitted because we are still trying to find a good nighttime solution and I think they could be a good solution.:)
I would like to have My Homegrown Baby Book since I am hoping to have my first home birth this fall with baby #3.
i like the amber necklaces!
The Lifefactory glass water bottle!
I would love to try the sustainablebabyish products and amber teething necklaces.
the comfy joey ring sling would be so handy to use since it’s adjustable!
I love the mommy necklaces (I already have a few!), but the Sloomb HLCs look so fluffy and sound so nice that I want to reach out and feel them!
Thanks for the great info! I have learned so much about cloth diapering during my pregnancy and soon will be able to put my new knowledge to the test!
I haven’t tried the peachy baby inserts but I do have one peachy baby cover that I bought from itsy bitsy bums. It fits my newborn and my large toddler I love it! I will have to get the inserts when I can buy another cover. I have a few pictures of my nb in the diaper on Instagram @amkempflo.
For the moms delight item I can’t decided between a momma goose amber necklace or the arm woolies. I’m always cold! They would be a great way to
Stay warm with out adding bulky clothes when running around after 4 children.
Great informative post as I’ve been wanting to try out some hemp for my 6 month old’s overnight dipes but can’t spend the money to try them all.. and what an amazing giveaway to be able to do just that!
I love the Mama amber, especially the Leaf tri color but we would also love the Sloomb Happy Little clouds, an amazing dipe from what I hear but again above our budget :)
I would love to try the Ergo winter edition carrier. Not that I need the winter stuff, but I don’t have a carrier for my 3year old, because he weighs 40lbs…
I want to try out the amber necklaces.
I love the sloomb Happy Little Clouds – Silver Velour, I don’t have any of the sloomb products.
I would love to have a Aden & Anais – Cotton Daydream Blanket! They look so comfy!
I like the Aden & Anais Cotton Daydream Blankets
Thanks for this informative post! I’m currently trying a standard BumGenius microfiber insert with a charcoal bamboo insert underneath, hoping it works!
As for the products I so want to try a Sakura Bloom in silk!
The surprise and delight momma item I would like to try and why: Oh my goodness that whole pages speaks to me… calls to me! I think the Aden + Anais daydream blanket because I love, love the burp rag I have by them as well as the muslin swaddle blanket I have. I think a big blanket from A+A would be like wrapping up in a bit of Heaven. Also, would love to try a sbish as I have heard so many good things about them and they are too expensive for me to splurge on at this point.
I would like to try the Ergo Carrier – Designer Collection – Winter Edition, because I’ve heard that Ergo carriers are very nice.
There’s an insert that could be better than Thirsties?! This I’ve got to try!
I know Mariah! I was surprised too!
I love my thirsties!! I hope to replace all my MF with them.
Would love the sustainablebabyish sloomb Happy Little Clouds – Silver Velour. Haven’t tried these yet, so they would delight this Momma for sure.
Toss up between apple cheeks starter & little Joey ring sling
Need more thirsties inserts!!!
I love bamboo/hemp inserts, and I LOVE Itsy Bitsy Bums! They’re my new go-to cloth diapering store! :)
Happy Little Clouds diaper!
I would love the sloomb diapers from sbish or any of the amber teething necklaces!
I would love to try the Boba Air carrier, as well as any of the chewable jewelry.
Love the Ergo Carrier – Designer Collection – Winter Edition
Chew beads!
I’d like to try everything on that page! I’d like to try the Little Clouds because I’ve heard do much about three sloomb company. They sound ecoconcious and everyone raves about the diapers!
I’d like the.Aden & Anais – Cotton Daydream Blankets
I’d love any of the Happy Little Cloud diapers or the Ergo!
Sophie Keychain! Super cute and who doesn’t need a cute Keychain!?
I would love to try the thiristes hemp insert because I havr a big night time/heavy wetter!!!!
I would love to try a Sakura Bloom ring sling!
We LOVE Itsy Bitsy Bums! We used their trial package when starting out and just received the rest of our stash today! I love their bags and chew beads are a fave!
I would love to try the Aden & Anais day dream blanket because I can only imagine how soft and cozy it would be,
Thanks for this review! I’m still experimenting with doublers and liners. I thinkI finally have a system for night (sustainablebabyish at night with fleece liner) but still trying to figure out my daytime routine. This helped!
I would like to try the Aden + anais blanket because I love the swaddlers, washcloths and bibs we have for my daughter. The more you wash them, the softer they get!
Thank you for posting this! It’s super helpful to me as I am very interested in getting more bamboo inserts but didn’t know where to start or which ones were good quality. I’ve bookmarked this page now for future reference!
Love these comparisons, since I’m in the market to add to my bamboo and hemp stash;)
I would love to try the sloomb Happy Little Clouds – Silver Velour
I would love to try the peachy baby inserts. Perfect timing for this post as I was just thinking about buying doublers & starting to research them.
I would like to try the jujube bag!
I need all the natural fiber inserts I can get
I’d love to try a Sakura Bloom ring sling.
I would love one of Aden + Anais’ adult daydream blankets for myself! My son has both the muslin and bamboo dream blankets, and a full size one would be awesome! I would also love to try any of the sustainablebabyish fitteds. We have a small stash of kiwi pie fitteds, and I would love to add some of these to the mix!
I would love to try a Ju Ju Be bag from IBB! Or a sbish fitted diaper. They have so many great products!
I love the Aden&Anais dream blankets!