How to Prevent Cloth Diaper Leaks
Check the fit of your diaper cover. Proper fit goes a long way!
First
Spot check your diaper changes! Make sure all cloth (prefolds, inserts, & doublers) is tucked into your waterproof diaper cover after each change. If you’ve got bits of cloth sticking out the back, waist, or leg gussets now – you will experience leaking later!
Second
Make sure your diaper cover is fitting properly and is the right match for your baby’s weight. Diaper covers that are too loose or too tight can cause leaking.
Inspect the waist and leg gusset areas for holes or gaps. Make sure waist gussets are resting on your baby’s tummy. If you can see your cloth diaper bulging up and creating a gap at the waist, your waist gusset may be secured too tightly, or it may need to be pulled up higher on your baby’s waist, or the leg rise snaps may need to be re-adjusted to allow more room for the cloth diaper inside. If leg gussets are too loose, adjust the diaper cover leg rise snaps and waist settings to a smaller size. If setting adjustments do not remove leg gusset gaps, your baby may need a smaller sized cover.
Third
Check the positioning of your prefold and/or insert within the cover. Boys tend to pee in the front or towards the top of the diaper, while girls tend to pee in the middle of the diaper. You may need to adjust where the absorbent layers are or add an extra prefold and/or insert where it’s needed most.
Finally
If you are using prefolds and are experiencing blow-out issues consider using a Snappi. Snappis are amazing little cloth diapering tools that fasten prefold diapers snuggly around a baby’s waist. Learn how to use a Snappi with prefold diapers.
Change your baby’s diaper frequently enough. Diapers leak when they exceed their absorbent capacity.
Babies urinate a lot especially after feeding time. With cloth diapers, plan to change your baby soon after she wets or soils – that’s about every 2-3 hours.
If your baby soaks through diapers in that amount of time, it may be time to move into a larger size prefold or insert OR double-up and add an extra layer of absorbency with an additional prefold, insert and/or doubler.
For tips on doubling up, click here.
Use cloth diaper safe diaper rash products. Petroleum-based products are a no-no!
When deciding on a diaper rash cream, be sure to choose a product that won’t block the absorbency of your cloth diaper. That means avoiding products like Desitin and A+D Original Ointment! They are petroleum-based and designed to repel water. Once petroleum-based products rub on the fibers of your cloth diaper, a water-proof barrier will form in compromised areas and cause it to leak.
Use diaper rash products that are considered cloth diaper safe, like coconut oil or LuSa Organics Booty Balm. These products are made with natural and/or organic ingredients that breathe and can be easily washed out of cloth diaper fibers.