Absorbency Test

Absorbency Test

monarch store cloth nappy absorbency test

To assist you in choosing the perfect nappy for your family's needs, we have tested the absorbency of our Classic, Ultimate and Pull-Up range of bamboo and hemp inserts. 

  • All inserts used in this test have been washed a minimum of 10 times (new inserts take 8-10 washes to reach maximum absorbency). 
  • If your baby or toddler is a super heavy wetter, we suggest boosting your nappy or changing the nappy more frequently until this max level is reached.

ABSORBENCY TEST

Aim:  To measure relative absorbency of current Monarch inserts.

Inserts Tested:

  • Classic - 5-layer bamboo insert 
  • Classic - 5-layer hemp insert 
  • Ultimate - 3-layer bamboo nap insert 
  • Ultimate - 5-layer bamboo insert
  • Ultimate - 5-layer hemp insert
  • Pull-Up - LOSFM Shell with absorbent core 
  • Pull-Up - 3-layer bamboo booster
  • Pull-Up - 4-layer hemp trifold

    Method:

    1. Weigh each dry insert individually, before immersing them in a sink of warm water for two minutes.
    2. Hang each insert out and waited until the inserts were no longer dripping wet and weighed them individually.
    3. Repeat this process twice times to allow for variation. We have included the median measurements.

    Results:

     Summary
    • Classic Nappy (10 layers): 415g
    • Pull-Up Nappy (14 layers, assuming hemp folded in half): 724g 
    • Ultimate Nappy (16 layers): 865g

     

    Classic Inserts  DRY WET Absorbs Total
    5-layer Bamboo

    97g

    317g

    		 220g

    415g
    5-layer Hemp

    78g

    273g

    		 195g

     

    Pull-Up Inserts DRY WET Absorbs Total
    LOSFM Shell

    123g

    363g

    		 240g

    742g*
    3-layer Bamboo

    42g

    164g

    		 122g
    4-layer Hemp

    147g

    527g

    		 380g
     *The 4-layer Hemp Trifold can be folded in thirds (recommended for smaller sizing) or halves (recommended for larger sizing)
    Ultimate Inserts DRY WET Absorbs Total
    3-layer Bamboo

    50g

    232g

    		 182g

    865g*
    5-layer Bamboo

    76g

    340g

    		 264g
    5-layer Hemp

    93g

    330g

    		 237g
    *Note that the Ultimate Nappy comes with 2x Bamboo Nap inserts.

     Comparison With Disposables

    As a comparison for relative absorbency of Cloth vs Disposable nappies, we also tested 3x Size 4 (10-15kg) Huggies Ultimate Disposable Nappies.

    Disposable DRY WET Absorbs
    Huggies Sz4 Nappy

    49g

    445g

    		 396g


    A Few Final Observations:

    All Monarch inserts are completely interchangeable and many families customise their insert set up based on their little ones changing output. The only rule is there are no rules! 

    Bamboo vs Hemp

    Bamboo
    Hemp
    • Absorbs quickly - fantastic for flooders*
    • Capacity to absorb 20% of its weight before feeling damp
    • Softer fabric
    • Tighter fibre, trimmer insert


    * A 'flooder' is the name associated with a child who holds his/her urine for a period of time and releases it in one go, thus flooding the inserts before they are able to absorb all of the urine.  This leads to leaks and is more common in boys and older toddlers who have more bladder control.

    If you have any questions or comments about this, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at support@monarchstore.com.au!

    Photo and Testing credit to: Nicky O'Brien and Lois Ismael