How to Prep and “Train” Your Inserts for Maximum Absorbency

When it comes to cloth diapering, the quality and performance of inserts play a crucial role in keeping your baby dry and comfortable. Our 6-layer bamboo terry and hemp cotton inserts are designed to offer superior absorbency, but like most natural fiber products, they need proper prepping to reach their full potential. Prepping includes multiple washes and a process called “training” the fabric to ensure the inserts maintain their shape and offer maximum absorbency. Follow this step-by-step guide to prepare your inserts the right way.

Why Prep Inserts?

Natural fibers like bamboo and hemp need to be prepped before they can absorb liquid effectively. Bamboo terry is known for its soft texture and quick absorbency, while hemp cotton provides excellent long-term absorption, though it tends to shrink slightly (up to 3%) even after being preshrunk. Prepping removes natural oils, boosts the fabric’s absorbency, and ensures the insert holds its shape, ready for long-term use.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Prep Your Bamboo Terry and Hemp Cotton Inserts

1. Wash the Inserts Multiple Times
To reach maximum absorbency, your inserts need to be washed 4 to 6 times before their first use. Here’s why:

• Washing helps break down the natural oils in the bamboo and hemp fibers, making the fabric more absorbent.
• Each wash cycle contributes to softening the fabric and loosening the weave slightly, allowing water to absorb more quickly during diaper changes.

How to Wash:

• Use hot water and a cloth diaper-friendly detergent. We use Tide powder, because it’s proven to clean effectively while removing oils from natural fibers.
• Avoid fabric softeners or any product that can leave a residue, as this reduces the insert’s absorbency.
• A hot wash with a cold rinse is ideal to get the fibers clean without causing damage.

2. “Train” the Fabric by Stretching
After each wash, it’s important to “train” the fabric. This is a process that involves gently stretching the insert to help the fibers relax and hold their shape for the long term.

• After each wash cycle, while the insert is still damp, stretch the fabric across the length and width.
• The purpose of this step is to ensure that the insert retains its rectangular shape as the fibers tighten. Hemp tends to shrink more than bamboo, so this stretching is crucial in preventing too much shrinkage.

Stretching the fabric between each wash allows the fibers to gradually adjust to their final form, reducing future shrinkage and keeping the inserts fitting perfectly in your diapers.

3. Dry the Inserts
After washing and stretching, dry your inserts using either a dryer or by hanging them to dry. If using a dryer, choose a low heat setting to minimize any additional shrinkage. While hemp cotton is more durable and less sensitive to heat, bamboo terry can lose its softness with prolonged exposure to high heat.

Hanging inserts to dry is an excellent option as it reduces wear and tear on the fabric and helps them last longer. Air drying also works well with natural fibers like bamboo and hemp, allowing them to maintain their absorbent properties.

4. Repeat the Process
For best results, repeat the washing, stretching, and drying process 4 to 6 times. After this initial prepping phase, your inserts will reach their full absorbency and shrink as much as they need to, meaning they’ll be ready to use without further shrinking or adjusting.

Why “Training” Your Inserts Is Important

Some cloth diaper companies recommend “training” fabric during the prepping process to prevent excessive shrinkage and help the material hold its shape. This is especially important for natural fibers like hemp cotton, which tend to shrink even if preshrunk. The goal of “training” is to:

• Maintain the Insert’s Shape: Stretching the fabric after washing helps the inserts retain their rectangular shape, which ensures they fit properly into your diaper covers or pockets.
• Reduce Long-Term Shrinkage: Regularly stretching the fibers during the prepping process means they’ll shrink less over time, extending the life of the insert.
• Maximize Absorbency: Well-trained fibers absorb better, making sure your baby stays dry longer between changes.

What to Expect After Prepping

Once you’ve completed the prepping and training process, you’ll notice that your bamboo terry and hemp cotton inserts will be softer and more absorbent. They’ll reach peak absorbency after 6 washes, but can be used after 3–4 washes if needed. Expect about a 3% shrinkage in the hemp cotton layers, which is normal and accounted for during the manufacturing process. The stretching during prepping will help ensure the inserts remain in shape, fit properly in your diapers, and perform at their best.

Ready to Start Using Your Inserts?

Once you’ve prepped and trained your inserts, they’re ready for everyday use. You’ll find that the combination of bamboo terry and hemp cotton provides fast absorbency, while also offering great long-term moisture retention—keeping your baby comfortable and dry for longer periods.

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By following these simple prepping and fabric training steps, you can be confident that your cloth diaper inserts will last for years to come, providing excellent absorbency and performance with every use.