Diaper liners are a helpful, yet oft-overlooked, cloth diapering accessory. Unlike boosters, diaper liners don’t absorb fluids. Instead, they act as a barrier between the diaper and your baby’s bum. This not only makes it easier to remove solid messes but also helps prevent stubborn stains.

Diaper liners come in both disposable and reusable forms. If your top priority is to avoid handling solid waste, disposables are your best bet. For a more eco-friendly approach, consider biodegradable disposable liners, like Wegreeco 100% Bamboo Diaper Liners. These all-natural disposable liners deliver a fantastic blend of softness and strength in a biodegradable package.

Disposable diaper liners are designed to be thrown away or flushed after use. Lightweight and thin, these liners aren't intended to boost absorbency. They do, however, make it a breeze to remove solid waste — no scraping or spraying required. Disposable liners can also help reduce serious staining and prevent build-up caused by diaper rash creams.

Reusable diaper liners are made of fabrics, such as cotton or fleece, and can be washed and reused as needed. Most reusable liners are too thin to significantly increase absorbency, but they can still help keep your baby's bum dry by wicking away moisture. These diaper liners also do an excellent job of preventing stains. However, you'll still need to spray or scrape away solid messes before adding them to the wash.

Reusable diaper liners are hands-down the most eco-friendly choice, but that doesn't mean you should write off disposables altogether. Most disposable diaper liners are made from biodegradable plant fibers and break down fairly quickly. Fast to grow, easy to replace and fully biodegradable, bamboo is one of the most popular choices for eco-conscious parents who still desire the convenience of disposable liners.

While most diaper liners offer a universal fit for all diapers, this isn't always the case. To ensure a proper fit, take note of the dimensions of the diaper liners you're considering and compare these measurements to the size and shape of your cloth diapers.

Disposable diaper liners that are labeled as being "flushable" can seem like a godsend. After all, what could be easier than simply tipping the contents of a soiled diaper into the toilet? However, you might want to think twice before dropping these into your toilet bowl. Flushable liners do eventually break down, but this doesn't happen nearly as quickly as it does with toilet paper. To avoid unnecessary plumbing problems, it's best to simply toss all disposable diaper liners straight into the trash.

A large number of disposable liners are biodegradable and can even be composted. If you don't have the equipment, know-how or stomach to turn your little one's biodegradable diaper liners into fertilizer, don't despair — they'll still break down if you send them off to a landfill along with the rest of your non-recyclable trash.

Fragrances and scents can irritate your baby's sensitive skin and are best avoided. Although most modern diaper liners are fragrance-free, there are some exceptions so don't forget to scan the packaging before you buy.

For between $10 and $25, you can purchase mid-sized packages containing 200 to 400 disposable liners or 5 to 10 reusable liners. Bulk packs that offer between 500 to 1,500 disposable liners or more than 10 reusable liners can cost anywhere from $25 to $55.

A. For the most part, no. Adding a liner to your baby's diaper is highly unlikely to cause discomfort. With that in mind, extra-thin disposables can be more prone to bunching, especially if your little one is active. If you're concerned about bunching or discomfort, consider using reusable liners instead. These tend to be larger, thicker and heavier than disposables and are less likely to twist or bunch.

A. When it comes to disposable diaper liners, you want something that's soft, stretchy and strong enough to contain solid waste while still allowing urine to pass through. Bamboo is a particularly popular option, not only for its softness and strength but also because it's natural, sustainable and biodegradable. Interested in reusable liners? Cotton, bamboo and coral fleece microfiber are all excellent choices, with the last two generally delivering the best moisture-wicking performance.

Wegreeco 100% Bamboo Diaper Liners: available at Amazon 

Our take: Ultra-soft and fully biodegradable, these bamboo liners are easy on sensitive skin and kind to the planet as well.

What we like: Soft and thick for superior comfort. Contains no harsh chemicals, chlorine or fragrance. Fully biodegradable and compostable, with a structure that breaks down within 20 to 45 days. Large enough to be cut in half or folded.

What we dislike: Has a tendency to stick to skin when completely soaked through.

Dandelion Diapers Natural Diaper Liners: available at Amazon 

Our take: These affordable diaper liners are generously sized and are available in two different biodegradable materials.

What we like: Available in both bamboo and ingeo. Bamboo liners are soft and breathable. Extra large size makes it easier to remove solid waste. Free of chemicals and other common irritants. Costs less than other liners, without sacrificing quality or size.

What we dislike: Lint can end up sticking to skin when the liner is heavily soaked.

Bumkins Flushable Diaper Liners: available at Amazon 

Our take: Not only are these natural diaper liners soft and stretchy, but they also come in tissue box-style packaging for fuss-free dispensing.

What we like: Flexible construction stretches to fit any diaper. Bamboo-derived material is eco-friendly and flushable (if you're willing to risk it). Ideal for sensitive skin. Box makes for easy one-handed dispensing.

What we dislike: Some instances of bunching and tearing with prolonged exposure to moisture.

Erica van Blommestein is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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