How to Prep Cloth Diaper Inserts + Choosing the Best 6r Soaker for Your Baby
How to Prep Cloth Diaper Inserts: A Complete Guide to Natural Fiber 6r Soakers
If you’re new to cloth diapering, one of the most confusing parts can be hearing that your natural fiber inserts need to be “prepped” before use. You open the package, the inserts look soft and absorbent already… so why can’t you just use them immediately?
The answer comes down to how natural fibers work.
Natural fiber cloth diaper inserts are designed to become more absorbent over time, but they need a little preparation first to reach their full performance potential. Proper prepping helps unlock the absorbency hidden within the fibers so your diapers can perform the way they were designed to.
Quick Answer: How Do You Prep Natural Fiber Cloth Diaper Inserts?
Natural fiber cloth diaper inserts such as bamboo, hemp, and cotton need multiple wash and dry cycles before first use to reach their best absorbency. Most natural fiber inserts become usable after 3–5 washes and reach maximum absorbency after approximately 8–10 washes.
Microfiber inserts do not need a full prep process. They only need to be washed once before use.
In this guide, we’ll walk through:
- What “prepping” means
- Why prepping natural fiber inserts is important
- How to prep your 6r Soakers correctly
- The differences between each 6r Soaker material
- Which insert type may work best for your baby and lifestyle
What Does “Prepping” Cloth Diaper Inserts Mean?
“Prepping” refers to the process of washing natural fiber inserts multiple times before their first use.
Natural fibers such as bamboo, cotton, and hemp contain natural oils and tightly compressed fibers. These oils can temporarily repel liquid and prevent the insert from absorbing efficiently until they are washed out.
With each wash:
- The fibers shrink and twist together, creating plush layers
- The fabric “blooms” and fiber porosity expands
- Natural oils break down
- Absorbency increases
Natural fiber inserts will shrink up to 10% of their new, un-prepped size. This is expected with premium natural fiber textiles because they are designed to function this way.
Unlike synthetic materials such as microfiber, natural fibers are designed to improve with use and washing over time.
Also read: Cloth Diaper Wash & Care Guide
Why Is Prepping Important?
Using natural fiber inserts before they are properly prepped can lead to:
- Reduced absorbency
- Compression leaks
- Flooding or pooling
- Frustration with performance
Many parents think something is wrong with their diapers when really the inserts simply haven’t reached full absorbency yet.
Proper prepping helps ensure:
- Maximum absorbency performance
- Better leak protection
- Faster absorption
- More even moisture distribution
- Improved long-term durability
Natural fiber inserts are an investment in long-term performance, comfort, and sustainability. A little prep work upfront makes a huge difference.
Discover: Take the Absorbency Quiz and find your ideal soaker set-up
How to Prep Natural Fiber 6r Soakers
Prepping is simple. You do not need bleach, vinegar, stripping agents, or special additives for routine insert prep.
Step 1: Wash Before First Use
Wash your inserts in hot water with a cloth diaper safe detergent.
Discover: Find an approved cloth diaper detergent using our Detergent Finder tool
Step 2: Dry Completely
Tumble dry on medium or high heat, according to your care preferences and dryer settings.
Drying helps the fibers open, shrink, twist, fluff, and soften between washes.
Step 3: Repeat
Most natural fiber inserts require approximately:
- 3–5 washes for usable absorbency
- 8–10 washes for maximum absorbency
The inserts can be used before full prep is complete, but performance will continue improving over time.
Important Tip: Prep Natural Fibers Separately
Natural fiber inserts should ideally be prepped separately from other cloth diaper laundry during the first few washes.
This prevents the natural oils released during prep from temporarily coating other diaper fibers and reducing performance.
6r Soaker Comparison Chart
Each 6r Soaker insert has a different absorbency personality. Some absorb quickly, some hold more liquid, and some are best when layered together.
| Insert Type | Absorption Speed | Capacity | Prep Needed? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Microfiber | Fastest | Moderate | No, wash once | Daytime, fast wetters, newborns |
| Bamboo Cotton Fleece | Fast | High | Yes | Everyday softness and absorbency |
| Bamboo Terry | Medium-fast | Very high | Yes | Heavy wetters, boosting, overnight |
| Raw Hemp Cotton Fleece | Slow | Highest | Yes | Overnight, toddlers, long wear times |
| Cotton Waffle | Medium | High | Yes | Breathability, pure cotton, everyday use |
Not sure which insert to choose? Take the Cloth Diaper Absorbency Finder Quiz.
Understanding the Different 6r Soaker Types
One of the best things about the Kanga Care 6r Soaker system is that every family can customize absorbency to fit their baby’s needs.
Each material performs differently and has unique strengths. Scroll through the cards below to compare the five 6r Soaker insert types.
Microfiber 6r Soaker
80% Polyester / 20% Polyamide
The fastest absorbing insert in the lineup and one of the most popular options for everyday diapering.
Benefits
- Fastest absorption
- Great for newborns and young infants
- Lightweight and budget-friendly
- No full prep required
Best For
Fast wetters, daytime use, and pairing as a top layer over higher-capacity inserts.
Shop MicrofiberBamboo Cotton Fleece 6r Soaker
50% Bamboo Viscose / 20% Organic Cotton / 30% Polyester
A soft, trim natural fiber option that balances comfort, absorbency, and everyday performance.
Benefits
- Soft fleece finish
- Excellent everyday absorbency
- Trimmer natural fiber option
- Becomes more absorbent over time
Best For
Everyday use, sensitive skin, and families wanting softness with reliable absorbency.
Shop Bamboo FleeceBamboo Terry 6r Soaker
85% Bamboo Viscose / 15% Polyester
A high-capacity, flexible insert with a strong balance of absorption speed and long-term holding power.
Benefits
- High absorbency capacity
- Faster absorption than hemp
- Soft and flexible
- Excellent overnight booster
Best For
Heavy wetters, overnight use, boosting, and babies beginning to out-pee microfiber alone.
Shop Bamboo TerryRaw Hemp Cotton Fleece 6r Soaker
55% Raw Hemp / 45% Organic Cotton Fleece
A dense, high-capacity insert known for long wear times, trim absorbency, and leak protection.
Benefits
- Extremely high absorbency
- Excellent compression resistance
- Very trim for the amount absorbed
- Outstanding overnight performance
Best For
Overnight cloth diapering, toddlers, heavy wetters, naps, and long car rides.
Shop HempCotton Waffle 6r Soaker
100% Pure Cotton
A breathable, pure cotton insert with a textured waffle weave for reliable everyday absorbency.
Benefits
- Pure natural fiber
- Soft and breathable
- Durable and easy to wash
- Absorbs faster than hemp
Best For
Pure cotton families, sensitive skin, everyday diapering, and simple wash routines.
Shop Cotton WaffleMixing and Matching Inserts for Customized Absorbency
One of the unique features of the 6r Soaker system is that the inserts are designed to snap together and layer in different combinations.
This allows families to create customized absorbency setups for:
- Daytime
- Overnight
- Heavy wetters
- Newborns
- Toddlers
- Long outings
Some popular combinations include:
- Microfiber + Bamboo Terry
- Microfiber + Hemp
- Bamboo Terry + Hemp
- Two Bamboo Fleece inserts stacked together
There are over 170 possible absorbency configurations within the 6r Soaker system.
Common Mistakes When Prepping Cloth Diaper Inserts
Using inserts too early and expecting full absorbency
Natural fiber inserts may be usable after a few washes, but they usually do not reach maximum absorbency until closer to 8–10 washes.
Assuming microfiber needs full prepping
Microfiber does not need the same prep process as bamboo, cotton, or hemp. It only needs to be washed once before use.
Using fabric softeners
Fabric softeners can coat fibers and reduce absorbency. Avoid fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and softening additives in your cloth diaper laundry.
Skipping the dryer during prep
Drying helps natural fibers shrink, twist, fluff, and open. This is an important part of helping inserts reach their best texture and absorbency.
Overstuffing diapers too early
Adding too much absorbency in a small diaper setting can create leg gaps and leaks. Absorbency matters, but so does fit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prepping Cloth Diaper Inserts
How many times do bamboo inserts need to be washed before use?
Most bamboo inserts are usable after approximately 3–5 washes, but they usually reach maximum absorbency after about 8–10 washes.
Do hemp cloth diaper inserts need to be prepped?
Yes. Hemp inserts need to be prepped because hemp is a natural fiber. Hemp becomes softer, denser, and more absorbent with repeated washing and drying.
Do microfiber inserts need prepping?
No. Microfiber inserts only need to be washed once before use. They do not contain the same natural oils as bamboo, cotton, or hemp inserts.
Can I use natural fiber inserts before they are fully prepped?
Yes, but expect performance to keep improving. If you use natural fiber inserts before full prep is complete, you may need to change more frequently until they reach maximum absorbency.
Can I prep cloth diaper inserts with regular laundry?
You can prep inserts with other laundry as long as you avoid fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and unsafe additives. For the first few washes, natural fibers are best prepped separately from other cloth diaper laundry.
Why are my cloth diaper inserts leaking after prep?
Leaks can be caused by several factors including insufficient prep, poor fit, overstuffing, detergent buildup, or an absorbency mismatch. If the inserts are fully saturated, your baby may simply need more absorbency.
What is the best 6r Soaker for overnight cloth diapering?
For overnight cloth diapering, many families choose higher capacity options such as Bamboo Terry, Raw Hemp Cotton Fleece, Cotton Waffle, or layered combinations with microfiber on top for faster absorption.
Ready to Build Your Perfect Absorbency Setup?
Explore the full lineup of Kanga Care 6r Soakers and create a customized absorbency system tailored to your baby’s needs, from daytime diapering to heavy wetters and overnight solutions.
To Wrap It All Up
Natural fiber inserts are one of the biggest reasons cloth diapers can be so customizable, reusable, and effective.
While prepping may seem intimidating at first, it’s actually a simple process that helps your inserts reach their full potential.
The reward is worth it:
- Better absorbency
- Fewer leaks
- Longer-lasting performance
- More comfortable diapering
- A more sustainable diapering journey
Whether you prefer bamboo, hemp, cotton, or microfiber, the Kanga Care 6r Soaker system gives families the flexibility to build a diaper setup tailored perfectly to their baby’s needs.
Happy cloth diapering!
