My cloth nappies are leaking

If you have a leak here or there this happens. But if it`s happening every single day there is either

  1. An absorbency issue (add boosters) or
  2. A fit issue meaning a gap somewhere (close all gaps by making the nappy snug).
  3. The cover itself has been damaged (in this case you usually see wetness on the outside of the cover). It only needs 1 wash warmer than 30`C for this to occur. 

A cover itself does not leak, unless it`s damaged. The nappy is the foundation of the system and determines whether or not leaks occur. When a nappy gets too wet, it finds a way out! 

Checklist

1. Dawn patrol mini`s and flats have 1 booster added from three weeks old. Add a 2nd booster if needed. 
2. A flat can take up to three boosters. Add another booster.
3. No nappy sticking out of the cover. The clothes will suck out the moisture.
4. Cover and nappy are on snug- no gaps around the legs or waist.
5. No clothes tucked into nappy or cover.
6. Siesta night nappies- long insert is folded in 3. Inserts are pulled a bit forward for boys and directly under his bits. Add a booster or 2 if no dry patches. You will have to boost during winter. 
7. Flats - using 2 , not 1 , for a night stretch of 5 - 12 hours. Add a booster if very saturated. 
8. No baby grows over the crotch of fleece covers.
9. Nappies must be washed once before use.
10. Snappit Pro nappies: If the leak happens within an hour/when sleeping on a side, there is probably just a gap. Close the gap by pushing the nappy into the panty line. Boys - physically point the boys bits vertically downs with the back of your hand when putting it on. This is very important with the snap in style nappy.

Solutions

Leaking day nappies

If leaking is an issue after 2 - 3 hours day time, then the nappy usually does not have enough absorbency and extra layers need to be added to distribute the wetness. Boosters are the answer. Add 1 - 2 in the nappy cover. Babies wee more in Winter. The first morning nappy under 6 months old needs another booster.

Leaking night nappies

Expect a damp nappy in the morning (all layers will be soaked through to the cover) however if it is soaking wet or leaking, with no dry patches, add another one to three boosters in the cover. You do not need to be changing the nappy at night from 3 months old. Note babies wee more in Winter.

Bottle fed older toddlers:  Input = output. Regardless of the type of nappy, it can only handle so much. If nappies are leaking and there are still many bottles / a lot being taken in at night, consider dropping the volume in the bottle by 10ml per bottle, per night until baby can manage a smaller amount. This method works very well if done over a few weeks.

Heavier wetter solution

For the Siesta, place a padfolded flat between the cover and the nappy like this. This works for babies that drink a lot at night. 


Tummy/side sleepers

If the front of the nappy is very wet/leaking, add a booster lengthways at the top of the night nappy (see below) to give extra layers upfront.

If boosting does not help get hold of us so we can help you.