Nothing is quite as frustrating as a cloth diaper that leaks. Diapers should be changed every 2-3 hours, but if you're getting leaks in less than two hours, that's likely a problem which can be fixed. Read on to see common causes, and what you can do to keep them from happening.
Thigh Leaks
Thigh leaks are the most common type of leak, and can be caused by:
· Poor fit
- Check that diaper is sitting in the underwear lines on not on top of the thighs
· Diaper flooding (baby peeing a lot all at once)
- Add a quick absorbing insert like microfiber or organic cotton
· Not enough absorption
- Add an insert, a more absorbent insert, or strip diapers for better absorbency
· Leaking stitches
- A new diaper may need sealed (dry on high heat)
- PUL may be cracked or delaminated
· Compression leaks (microfiber insert wicking moisture onto clothes)
- Snap only center snap on onesie
-Switch to double gusset cover or different insert type
Waist Leaks
Waist leaks are more common at night and with boys and may be caused by:
· Poor fit
- Check that diaper rise is high enough on waist and covering bum
(if not, unsnap to a larger rise)
- Make sure extra rise fabric is pointed up, not down
· Penis direction
- Point penis down when changing diaper
· Insufficient absorbancy at night
- Add additional absorbancy
Other Leaks
Leaks from other places on the diaper are usually caused by damage to the diaper itself. The PUL may be cracked or delaminated, there may be stitching piercing both layers of the diaper, or the snaps may be damaged.
In general, if your inserts are not full, you most likely have a problem with fit, mineral buildup in inserts, diaper damage, or compression leaks. If your inserts are saturated, your problem is likely insufficient absorbency or not changing frequently enough.
