Liners for Adult Cloth Diapers

Using liners for adult cloth diapers and reusable leakproof underwear can come in handy for many reasons and work well for most types of cloth incontinence products. Unfortunately, they can be hard to find, but there are options that are available from purchasing to making your own.

Why Use Liners?

Liners for cloth are notorious for the helpful removal of solids, but that’s not their only purpose. People who don’t deal with fecal incontinence and can still benefit from using liners. 

For example, liners can help protect cloth from rash ointment. Rash ointment, especially types that aren’t labeled as safe for use on cloth, can leave residue on the fabric which in turn can cause repelling issues and buildup down the line. Using a liner offers a protective barrier between the ointment and the surface of the cloth diaper.

Moreover, cloth liners made from wicking fabric like microfleece can help keep the skin dry. These types of liners wick moisture away from the skin and help to prevent skin irritation and rash. If that’s something you struggle with, using a microfleece liner is a simple and cheap way to address rash.

Disposable Liners

Disposable liners are made from a thin layer of viscose fibers that’s meant to be disposed of after use. They most often come in a roll that’s looks like a small version of a paper towel roll and you tear them off as you go. The liners allow moisture to pass through rather than absorbing them.

Disposable. Flushable. Biodegradable. You may run across these terms when looking at different brands of liners, but they don’t all mean the same thing. 

Flushable and biodegradable are different claims. Not all disposable liners can be flushed. In fact, even the flushable ones should be thrown away instead of flushed if you have a septic or plumbing issues. Basically, if you shouldn’t put tampons or flushable wipes down the toilet, avoid flushing disposable liners.

As for biodegradable…let’s just be honest. Nothing really breaks down in a landfill as the conditions there are not conducive for trash to break down – biodegradable or not. 

Disposable liners work best for easier removal of solids or as a barrier for rash ointment that is not cloth diaper friendly. 

Where to Buy Disposable Liners

You can buy disposable liners anywhere you can buy baby cloth diaper products. Major outlets like Target and Walmart, as well as Amazon carry many options.

There are minor differences in the fibers different brands use in their disposable liners, but not enough to make a huge difference. When choosing which one to buy, consider what size you need, as well as whether you want a flushable version or not.

Washable Diaper Liners

Washable diaper liners are a single layer of fabric and most frequently made from microfleece. Again, like disposable liners, washable liners are not available in adult sizes, with the exception of the occasional Etsy seller. I have some in my shop.

However, this does not mean you’re out of luck. Making your own is super easy and requires NO sewing.

All you need is microfleece and scissors. For an in-depth guide to creating your own, check out my post on Sew and No-Sew Options for Making Cloth Liners.

What about inserts with stay-dry tops?

When searching for diaper liners, inserts often come up. Inserts are NOT the same thing as liners. Inserts are made from multiple layers of fabric and meant to absorb moisture, whereas liners are made from a single layer of fabric and meant to let moisture pass through.

However, if you find that you don’t want to have to layer a bunch of things in your cloth product and only need the stay dry layer for skin protection, and insert with a stay dry top is a great option.

Choosing a Liner

When deciding if liners are right for you and which type to use, ask yourself the following questions.

• What do you need the liner for?

Solid removal – disposable or cloth

Protect against rash cream – disposable or cloth

Stay dry layer against skin – cloth liner or insert with stay dry top

• How much do you want to spend?

Budget doesn’t matter – disposable or cloth

Cheap as possible – make your own cloth

Even though using liners for your adult cloth diapers and other incontinence products is not necessary, the benefits of liners should not be overlooked. Easy to use, they can help you manage rash, solid removal adn protect your cloth underwear from rash ointment.