Quick Tips for Preventing Baby Diaper Leaks

Diaper leaks are inclusive of parenthood challenges. As you tuck your baby in at 3 AM, you will hear him crying and whining only to discover a pool of messy poop. It’s a common situation that can lead to messes, discomfort, and frustration for both the baby and the parents. Fortunately, there are effective ways to prevent diaper leaks and ensure a more comfortable and hassle-free experience for both you and your little one. We have come across some effective practical strategies to help you prevent diaper leaking. All you have to do is read. Wait, there’s more – we’ll also be answering some questions parents commonly ask.

Why Does a Baby’s Diaper Leak?

If your baby’s diaper leaks usually happen during the night (and not daytime), here is why that might be happening.

1. Potty Newbie

A baby is too young to be potty trained and does not have control over his reflexes so he might poop anytime during the day and night. During the night, your baby’s diaper may leak; however, if you see your baby’s poop leaking out of his diaper during the day, you will need to give him potty training lessons.

2. Compression Leaks

If your baby’s inserts are damp and fit too snugly, you’ll notice your baby’s diaper leaking when you carry him snugly around the hips. If your baby’s onesies are too small, it could also lead to compression leaks. Hence, when making your baby wear a diaper, make sure it snugs around his waist and is not overly tight.

3. Diaper Material

The material of the diaper may also be the reason why your baby’s diaper might be leaking. Some diapers are made from natural fibres like cotton and hemp, while others aren’t. The lower the absorbency limit, the higher the leakage and vice versa. Hence, if your baby is wearing a poor-quality diaper, it might leak.

4. Bad Fit

If the diaper size is too small or if it fights too tightly, has loose elasticity and doesn’t wrap around the legs and bottom properly, then expect some leakage.

5. Synthetic Washing

If you wash your baby’s diapers using synthetic or chemical-based detergents, it will cause diaper leaks. So, it is best to avoid diaper rash creams and use plant-based detergents for washing since they are water-soluble.

How to Prevent Your Baby’s Diaper Leakage?

There are various reasons for a baby’s diaper leaks, but knowing isn’t enough; it’s the prevention that counts. Here are a few tips to prevent baby diaper leakage during the night and make your baby sleep peacefully.

1. Get Diapers in the Right Size

If you notice runny diapers of your baby often, then maybe it’s time to go up a size (or two). For example, if your baby’s diapers are a size 2, just before bedtime, make sure to put on a size four. This will absorb the poop and prevent any leaks at night.

2. Maintain a Proper Schedule

If your newborn diaper leaks is increasing day by day, then it may be because of your feeding schedule. Take careful note of lunchtimes, meals before and after naps, and just before going to bed. Avoid giving your toddler any drinks or juices before bedtime to prevent leaks. Don’t eliminate baby formula, though, since that’s a necessity. We’re talking about anything besides baby formula here. Another handy tip is to let your toddler drink the beverage (or juice) at least an hour before bedtime.

3. Change the Diapers Often

To prevent infections and diaper rash in your baby, it is recommended that you change his diapers often, especially before bedtime. Don’t leave on the daytime diaper when your baby is about to call it a night. That way, his bottom will feel comfy, he will sleep well and won’t cry at 2 a.m. while you are fast asleep.

4. Use Overnight Diapers

If regular diapers are not giving your baby any relief, it’s time to change the strategy. Instead of opting for diapers in the bigger size, choose overnight diapers for him. Overnight diapers are more absorbent, last longer, and work throughout the night. Buy a box, and your baby will be set for a month of leak-less nights.

5. Think Booster Diapers

What if the overnight diapers don’t work either? Your baby might be an exception, but with a little boost, those diapers will do the job. You can invest in diaper booster pads. Diaper booster pads serve as an extra layer of defence and absorb up to 8 ounces of fluid before letting the diaper below take charge.

6. Put on the Diaper Correctly

“My newborn’s diaper keeps leaking.” – Is this the problem that you keep telling your neighbours and relatives, thinking someone will have a solution? The problem may be in his diapers getting packaged with folded backs. Besides folded backs, another reason might be not putting on the diaper correctly. This may mean a loose fit or a diaper having elasticity. Regardless, the way you prep your baby up during the night makes a huge difference.

Here are a few tips on how to make sure that the diaper is put on correctly

• Wrap the diaper well around his waist and legs, ensuring that it fits snugly to prevent diaper leakage on the side. The waist area should be below the baby’s belly button.

• Check the edges of the diaper cuffs to make sure that the diaper is wrapped neatly and not tucked inside.

• Make the diaper look a bit bigger by making the tabs overlap a little by positioning them downward.

• Use diapers made from natural fibres like cotton, hemp, and bamboo. Make sure the diaper material is high-absorbent, and use plant-based detergents to make them last longer.

• For cloth-based diapers, invest in diaper inserts for an extra layer of absorption.

7. Double the Inserts

Since baby boys pee upfront and baby girls pee downward, it is best to double-up inserts on these areas to avoid blowouts and diaper leaks at night.

8. Prepare for the Unexpected

Be ready for the moments when you don’t expect your baby’s diaper to leak, but it happens anyway. Make sure to stock up on extra clothes and a diaper bag dispenser (which is used to collect and dispose of poop). Invest in baby wipes and overnight diapers, and don’t forget to get inserts/booster pads to prepare for baby diaper leaks overnight.

FAQs

1. How Many Diapers Do I Need to Use Per Day for My Baby?

For newborn babies in the first four months, you may require 8–12 diapers per day. As your baby grows older (3-8 months old), they may reduce their diaper consumption to 8-9 diapers per day. Babies above six months generally require 6-7 diapers in a day.

2. How Long Should a Baby Wear Diaper?

The baby diaper should be changed every 2-3 hours to let the air circulate. It is necessary not to let the baby wear the same diaper if they haven’t soiled it.

These are your answers to why baby diaper leaks happen and how to prevent them. If your baby’s diaper leaks every night, these tips will go a long way in helping you get sound sleep and make sure your baby naps comfortably and fuss-free.

References/Resources:

1. Buying Diapers; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/Buying-Diapers.aspx

2. Avoiding Diaper Leaks: Tips And Tricks To Keep Your Baby Dry And Your House Clean; SNC; https://www.southernearlychildhood.org/avoiding-diaper-leaks-tips-and-tricks-to-keep-your-baby-dry-and-your-house-clean/

3. How to Stop Cloth Diapers from Leaking; WikiHow; https://www.wikihow.life/Stop-Cloth-Diapers-from-Leaking

Also Read:

Diaper Size Chart By Weight
Using Diapers Safely for Newborns and Babies
How Many Diapers Does a Baby Needs Per Day?