Update: While this solution worked wonders on my son all the way until potty training, I have since had to find something even more intense for Little Miss Cub. You can find my Extreme Super Soaker Solution here. (1/1/2017)
Overnight cloth diapering is very possible, and at least for me, more successful than using disposables overnight.
I started using what I refer to as my “overnight insert sandwich” when Cub was a toddler, and Litte Miss Cub has been using it since about 15 lbs. I put her in it around 6 or 7 PM, and she nurses (sometimes endlessly) multiple times before morning. I don’t change her for 12-13 hours, and, as with Cub, this is a leak-proof solution for us!
Our current favourite covers are our Flip one-size cover and our Size 1 TotsBots Stretchy Wrap. You choose the cover that fits your baby best: this combo works with anything!
I use: {affiliate links}
- a Flip Organic Cotton Overnight Insert (Alternatively a Thirsties Size 2 hemp prefold or a Geffen baby.);
- a GroVia Organic Cotton Booster (Alternatively a newborn cotton prefold does the trick!)
- an AMP 3-ply hemp booster (any hemp booster will do, I also use Geffen and Funky Fluff)
Place the GroVia booster in the center of the Flip insert, and fold it around, creating an absorbent core. Place the hemp booster on top, against baby’s skin.
I love using hemp directly against baby’s bum because it has a more stay-dry feel to it than cotton. I do not typically add a synthetic, stay-dry liner to this combo, but if your child is very sensitive to wetness, you can definitely top with a fleece liner.
The Flip Organic Overnight Insert can be folded one of two ways, depending on baby’s size. It still fits well on Cub (3.5 years old) folded at its longest. On Little Miss, it’s perfect folded shorter.
Cloth diapering overnight with an insert combination like this means easier laundering, both in terms of dry time and in terms of the wash water being able to penetrate the layers of the various components thoroughly. (Your overnight diapers absorb the most urine, so they can pose the biggest laundry challenge.)
I prefer using inserts over fitted diapers and wool for two reasons. One being that it’s easier to care for waterproof PUL covers compared to wool, the other being that fitted diapers distribute moisture all over baby while inserts do not.
Since we’re co-sleepers, waking up to soaked sheets is not my idea of a good time. I’m very happy to report that the solution that worked on Cub (who is now waking up dry most mornings) also works on his baby sister!
Sweet dreams, everyone!
You can find everything you need for this solution at many cloth diapering shops. You can shop via my affiliate links to Lagoon Baby (Canada) or Nicki’s Diapers (US).
Find all my Overnight Cloth Diapering Posts here.
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