🚫 Why Microfiber Shouldn’t Go Against Baby’s Skin

Microfiber is a popular material in cloth diapering—for good reason. It’s fast-absorbing, budget-friendly, and easy to clean. But while it works great inside a diaper, microfiber should never go directly against your baby’s skin.

Here’s why:

1. Microfiber is Too Absorbent

Microfiber is made from ultra-fine synthetic fibers that are designed to soak up moisture quickly—sometimes up to 8 times their weight. While this makes it a powerful absorber inside a diaper, it can also pull moisture from your baby’s skin, leading to dryness, irritation, or even chafing.

2. It Can Cause Rashes

When microfiber touches the skin, especially when wet or compressed, it can create friction and strip the skin of natural oils. This can lead to redness, rashes, or a sandpaper-like texture on delicate areas. Babies with sensitive skin may react even more strongly.

3. It’s Not Meant to Be a Stay-Dry Layer

Unlike athletic wicking jersey (AWJ), microfleece, or suedecloth—which are designed to pull moisture away while staying soft—microfiber is designed to trap and hold moisture. That’s why it’s best used as a hidden insert, underneath a protective lining.

How to Use Microfiber Safely

Always layer it under a stay-dry liner (like AWJ or microfleece).

Never use microfiber inserts directly in pocketless covers or all-in-twos without a barrier.

If you're unsure, touch it—if it feels grippy or dry to the touch, it shouldn’t touch baby skin.

The Bottom Line

Microfiber is a great tool in your cloth diaper setup—but only when used properly. At Cloth Joy, we design our diapers to keep absorbent materials where they belong—away from baby’s skin and inside layers that are breathable, safe, and gentle.

Because comfort matters just as much as absorbency.