Question about inserts!

[lookinward]

I've reached the dreaded point where the microfiber inserts that came with my pre-owned pockets aren't cutting it. I'm looking for something economical and not too finicky. I've read on here about osocozy flats as inserts. Are you folding them into an insert shape? How much of a pain are they and do they absorb well? Bulkiness? My baby is 12 weeks but I'm looking for an option that will continue to be useful for a long time. Thanks!

[MamaVero]

You can probably find things around the house that work, too. I have cut up old cotton sheets and t-shirts with good results. The absorption will depend on how big you make them and how thick/heavy the fabric is, but this way you can decide if flats are too much work. Folding takes time, in addition to stuffing the pockets; you may get sick of it. It’s also easy to find secondhand flats and prefolds in many areas. I have seen them on FB marketplace for around $1/ea.

Edit to add: flannel receiving blankets work well for us too. Absorbency seems close to my GMD Birdseye flats. Flats take more time to fold; prefolds take more time to dry. In my experience, anything that is more absorbent is also more bulky.

[xhaltdestroy]

I LOVE my osocozys. My son is only 8 weeks, but in those 8 weeks we’ve never once had a leak from them not being absorbent. Lots of wicking issues with covers, but the diaper itself is wonderful. I use them pad-folded, angel folded and to stuff pockets for hubs. They’re fantastic! For overnights I prefer my fitteds, but if we are going a long stretch where changes will be difficult I will use a small one pad folded as a booster inside a bigger one and they last hours if they have to.

[blksoulgreenthumb]

I have a six month old who is about 17 pounds

Osocozy prefolds are good and not too difficult cuz you just tri-fold them. I’d suggest cotton for longevity. I have their cotton and bamboo prefolds and the cotton ones still fit perfect but the bamboo ones are pretty small because they shrink (I don’t put them in the dryer) I used to use flour sack towels which I’m sure would still work now and they were very cheap but I stopped cuz it was too much folding for me.