Cloth diapers and leaks, WHAT TO DO?

#1 - Find the cause

There can be different reasons why you might have this problem. But don’t be discouraged, there is always a solution! Just put your finger on it.

We have compiled a list for you. Take a few minutes to check each of them. When you have found the one that is causing you problems, it will be easier to adapt the right solution…

And you will finally be able to enjoy your cloth diaper experience!!!

1. Does the diaper fit baby well?

One of the first things to check is if the diaper fits baby well. For example, OS diapers (one size) do not fit from birth. You will be able to find the size information of the diapers in approximate weight. It may be indicated from 10 to 35 lbs, but this is only a guideline. Each child has a different morphology. Some children have small thighs and some have larger ones. Your child may weigh 10-12 lbs, but the diapers are still too big for them.

Sometimes waiting 2 or 3 more weeks can make a difference. It is certain that if the diaper is too large, you will have leaks.

Does the diaper fit well?

Height

The adjustment is an essential part to eliminate any risk of leakage. When baby is very small you will have to adjust the snaps on the height of the diaper. Make sure the diaper is below baby’s navel and covers the bottom well.

If you shorten the diaper in height, make sure when placing it on baby that the excess fabric is pushed up.

Waist and thigh

The first row of buttons will allow you to adjust the size of the child and the row below will help you adjust the thighs. It could be that the perfect fit is not equal (one above the other) and the waist ends up being a button tighter than the thighs. It does not matter, the important thing is that the baby is well and that the rubber bands are well supported in the fold of the thighs at the level of the groin. This way you will avoid unpleasant surprises.

3. INSERTS

Are your inserts new?

A new insert, such as bamboo for example, must be washed several times to reach its maximum absorption capacity. You can wash the insert 2 or 3 times before the first use and start using it with baby, keeping in mind that it is normal at the beginning to change it more often. Until your inserts reach nearly 10 washes. You can also double the inserts in the diaper until it is at full potential to space out diaper changes.

4. Is your absorption level adequate?

Is your insert saturated?

You might find that the insert is completely wet. If this is the case and you are using only one insert in the diaper, a second insert might just solve your problem. You already have 2 inserts? Shorten the spacing between baby diaper changes. (If you usually change it after 3h30, shorten it to 3h)

Insert type

What type of insert do you use? The inserts you use will greatly influence the level of absorption and retention of liquids in your diaper. You use microfiber inserts, be careful there could be compression leaks. Microfiber inserts have the advantage of absorbing very quickly, but have less good retention of liquids than natural fibres. If the diaper starts to get saturated and baby sits up, you have a good chance of leaking.

You could accompany it with a natural fiber insert which would allow you to have a better retention of liquids while maintaining the speed of absorption. For more information on insert types, see our article right here.

5. Do you leak quickly after a diaper change?

Does water bead inside the diaper?

Run water directly from the faucet inside your diaper. Use your finger to apply light pressure and check if the water passes quickly through the fabric. If this is not the case and the water tends to bead up, the liquid will not be able to reach the insert to be absorbed. Leaks will be inevitable.

Which will mean that your diapers have been waterproofed. You will need to soak your diapers in oxiclean to thoroughly clean them. See the maintenance section for more details on how to do it.

Do the inserts absorb well?

We tested our diaper under the tap, do the same with your inserts. If the inserts take a long time to absorb, chances are that is the reason for your problems.

Clean them at the same time as your diapers. Then, recheck your routine, because if your inserts have waterproofed, there is something you need to improve.

6. Do you use liners?

In some cases, we notice that the liner comes out slightly from the diaper, which allows the liquid to pass through the diaper and wet the baby’s clothes.

Solution: Check after diaper change. If the liner sticks out, tuck it inside the diaper.

Still need help with leaks?