Why am I getting leaks?
While cloth nappies are fabulous, sometimes leaks happen. Below we will look at the possible reasons and how to help reduce them. As with disposables, leaks can happen as babies wiggle, move and grow very quickly but we can minimise these and reduce the need for baby clothes changes.
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If the following guide does not help, we recommend joining Bellz Bumz Parenting and Cloth Nappy Chat or Bottomz Up - Wasbare Luiers for direct advice and fit checks.
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This guide is assuming correct washing practices are being followed and the nappy PUL has not been damaged.
Is the nappy correctly fitted? Check via the Fit Check Guide
Yes
No
Are the inserts fully saturated?
Yes
Increase absorbency by switching to high absorbency inserts or adding another insert such as bamboo or hemp
No
Is the clothing on top tight over the nappy?
Yes
No
Switch to a larger size, use romper extenders to loosen rompers and sleepsuits, or leave poppers undone. Tight clothes can cause compression leaks in any material
Is the front of the nappy soaked but the back dry?
Yes
Add a cotton insert on top of the inserts. This is usually caused by flooding and the quick absorbency of the cotton allows large and quick wees to be absorbed quickly and spread out into the other inserts. this can be experimented with by placing a cotton flannel or face wipe on top.
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Another option is to fold an insert in half to double the layers in the wet zone. If it is heavy wetting rather than flooding, this can help by upping the absorbency where it is needed.
No
Join Bellz Bumz Parenting and Cloth Nappy Chat or Bottomz Up - Wasbare Luiers and post for direct advice and fit checks.