If you’re a parent dealing with a heavy wetter, you know the struggle is real. You finally get your baby all cozy for the night, only to wake up a few hours later to a soaked diaper, wet pajamas, and sometimes even damp sheets. It can sometimes feel absolutely exhausting—both for you and your little one. The right cloth diaper insert can be a game-changer, helping to prevent leaks, reduce nighttime changes, and keep your baby feeling dry and comfortable. Cloth diaper inserts help to soak up the extra mess so that means less cleaning up for you. 

I remember when my son went through a phase where no diaper seemed to hold up. I tried layering inserts, changing him multiple times a night, and even resorted to disposables out of frustration. But once I found the right combination of absorbent inserts, it was like a miracle—no more leaks, no more midnight pajama changes, and much better sleep for both of us!

If you’re in the same boat, let’s dive into the best cloth diaper inserts for heavy wetters, how they compare, and what makes them so effective.

What Makes a Great Cloth Diaper Insert for Heavy Wetters?

Not all cloth diaper inserts are created equal. When dealing with a heavy wetter, you need inserts that:

• Have high absorbency – They should be able to hold a large volume of liquid without leaking.
• Lock in moisture – The insert should wick moisture away from your baby’s skin to prevent rashes.
• Fit well – Bulky inserts can cause gaps around the legs, leading to leaks.
• Are durable – Some inserts lose absorbency over time; good ones last through multiple washes.

With those factors in mind, let’s break down the best cloth diaper inserts for heavy wetters.

Best Cloth Diaper Inserts for Heavy Wetters

Here’s a comparison of the top-performing inserts for heavy wetters, along with their strengths:

Let’s take a deeper look at why these inserts work so well.

Bamboo Inserts – Soft and Super Absorbent

Bamboo inserts are one of the best choices for heavy wetters. They are highly absorbent, soft, and naturally antimicrobial. They also wick moisture away from your baby’s skin, keeping them feeling dry.

Why parents love them:
✔ Holds more liquid than microfiber
✔ Less bulky compared to hemp
✔ Works well for both day and night

Downside: Bamboo absorbs a bit slower than microfiber, so pairing it with a fast-absorbing layer (like microfiber) can be a great solution.

Hemp Inserts – The Overnight Hero

Hemp is known for being one of the most absorbent fabrics you can use in cloth diapers. If your baby is soaking through their diaper at night, a hemp insert is your best bet.

Why parents love them:
✔ Holds up to 2.5x more liquid than cotton
✔ Great for overnight or long naps
✔ Doesn’t get stiff after washing

Downside: Hemp absorbs liquid slowly, so it’s best used with a faster-absorbing layer like microfiber or bamboo.

Personal Tip: When my daughter started sleeping longer stretches at night, we struggled with leaks. Switching to a bamboo + hemp combo completely fixed the problem. I’d use a bamboo insert on top (for quick absorption) and a hemp insert underneath (to hold a ton of liquid).

Microfiber Inserts – Quick Absorption, But Needs Backup

Microfiber is super common in cloth diapers because it absorbs liquid very quickly. However, it doesn’t hold as much as bamboo or hemp, and it can’t be placed directly against your baby’s skin (it can cause dryness and irritation).

Why parents use them:
✔ Absorbs fast, preventing leaks
✔ Budget-friendly and widely available
✔ Dries quickly after washing

Downside: Microfiber compresses easily, meaning when it gets full, it leaks under pressure (like when your baby sits or moves around). It works best layered with other inserts.

Cotton Prefolds – Old-School But Reliable

Cotton prefolds are affordable, easy to find, and very absorbent. They’re great for daytime use and can be boosted with additional layers for nighttime. Many parents love them for their natural fiber feel and ability to be folded in different ways for a custom fit.

Why parents love them:
✔ Absorbent and durable
✔ Affordable option for heavy wetters
✔ Can be doubled up for nighttime

Downside: Bulkier than inserts like bamboo or hemp.

Zorb Inserts – Ultimate Absorbency for Super Heavy Wetters

Zorb is a specialty fabric designed to absorb quickly and hold a ton of liquid. If you’ve tried everything and your baby is still leaking, Zorb inserts might be the solution. They’re thin but incredibly powerful when it comes to absorption.

Why parents love them:
✔ Absorbs liquid super fast
✔ Holds a lot without being bulky
✔ Great for overnight and toddlers

Downside: More expensive than other inserts and harder to find.

How to Boost Absorbency for Heavy Wetters

If your baby is still soaking through their diaper, try these tricks:

• Layering inserts – Use a fast-absorbing insert (like microfiber or bamboo) on top and a high-capacity insert (like hemp or Zorb) underneath.
• Double up at night – Use two inserts instead of one for overnight protection.
• Use a fleece liner – It wicks moisture away, keeping your baby’s skin dry.
• Check for a snug fit – Gaps around the legs or waist can cause leaks, even with the best inserts.

Finding the Best Cloth Diaper Insert for Your Baby

If you’re dealing with a heavy wetter, don’t lose hope—there is a solution! Finding the right cloth diaper inserts can be a bit of trial and error, but once you get the right combination, you’ll have fewer leaks, happier nights, and less laundry stress.

• For daytime: Bamboo inserts work great. 
• For overnight: Hemp or Zorb inserts are the best choice.
• For a budget-friendly fix: Cotton prefolds are reliable and affordable.
• For a quick absorption boost: Layer microfiber with another insert.

Every baby is different, but with the right insert, you’ll be able to keep your little one dry and comfortable—giving you more peace of mind (and more sleep!).

What’s been your experience with cloth diapering a heavy wetter? Let me know—I’d love to hear what worked for you!