Cloth Diapers: Common Reasons for Leaks

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Cloth Diaper or Diaper Cover Leaks

Some common reasons for leaking diapers or covers:

Improper fit

Cloth diapers or covers leaking around the leg is frequently a result of an improper fit because of diaper size or brand. Each baby's body is different and cloth diaper fit changes with product and the development stage of your baby.

As a rule of thumb, you should not be able to fit more than two fingers between the baby’s thigh and the diaper cover for a good fit.

A newborn grows rapidly and often diaper fit improves with the added weight.

Inadequate absorbency of the diapering system

As a baby goes from the newborn to toddler stage the amount and frequency of baby’s wetting changes. Typically, as a baby grows she will wet less often but with a larger quantity. Adding diaper doublers for extra absorbency is very helpful in preventing or managing “leakage”.

Diaper is not tucked all the way under the diaper cover

Make sure that the diaper is tucked completely under the diaper cover. If a part of the diaper is outside of the cover, wetness can “wick” up the diaper fabric and out of the cover.

Baby needs to be changed more frequently

The baby’s diaper needs to be changed when it is wet. Not only will this prevent the diaper from being overloaded with wetness, but it will aid in keeping the baby’s skin healthy.

Loose stool leaks outside the cover

As a newborn baby becomes adjusted to its diet and surroundings, the stool should become more firm and less likely to leak out of the diaper.

Nighttime leaking

Toddlers often require a wool cover at night to help absorb the increased amount of wetness that comes as baby gets older and larger.

Examine the amount of fluids that the toddler takes in right before bedtime and during the night to see if fluid intake can be managed to reduce excessive wetting.