Every parent knows the feeling. You reach into the cot at 3am and your hand lands on a wet sheet. Or you pull your toddler out of the car seat and find a soaked onesie, damp trousers and a pram liner that needs rinsing. Leaking nappies are frustrating, messy and exhausting, especially when you are already running on very little sleep. But here is the thing: leaks are rarely random. Most nappy leaks come back to a small handful of causes, and once you understand what those causes are, the fixes are usually simple.
The most common causes of nappy leaks
Parents often assume a leak means the nappy brand is wrong, but more often it comes down to how the nappy fits and when it was last changed. The main culprits fall into four categories: sizing, fit, absorbency and, for cloth nappy families, the laundry routine.
The nappy is the wrong size
Size is the number one culprit behind a leaky nappy. If the nappy is too big or too small, you are likely to experience problems. A nappy that is too small is prone to leaking because there is not enough absorbent material to cope with the volume of pee. The fabric is stretched tight, which means liquid gets pushed out before it can be absorbed. A nappy that is too big is just as problematic, because gaps around the legs and waist give liquid an easy escape route. If you have been in the same size for a while, sizing up or down is usually the ticket.
The nappy has reached its absorption limit
Every nappy, disposable or reusable, has a maximum amount of liquid it can hold. Once the nappy reaches that limit, the next wee has nowhere to go and simply leaks out. Over saturation is one of the most common causes of leaks, and it tends to happen at night or on long outings when a change is not possible. The fix is straightforward: change the nappy more often during the day, and for overnight, choose a nappy with higher absorbency that is designed to last a full night’s sleep.
The nappy is not fitted correctly
An ill-fitting nappy is one of the most common reasons for leaks, even when the size is right. The nappy should sit snugly around the waist and legs with no gaps and no digging in. Check that the tabs are pulled out and fastened evenly instead of twisted or bunched. For baby boys, make sure the penis is pointing down before you fasten the nappy, otherwise urine can escape through the top. A nappy that sits too high at the back, or too loose around the thighs, will leak no matter how absorbent it is.
Compression leaks
Compression leaks happen when pressure is applied to a nappy that is already full. When your baby rolls onto a full nappy during sleep, their body weight can force liquid out of the fabric before it has a chance to absorb. This is a very common cause of night-time wetness and can leave bub soaked even when the nappy seemed fine at bedtime. The easiest way to manage compression leaks is to give the nappy more absorbency and to change your baby as close to bedtime as possible.
Detergent residue and fabric softeners in cloth nappies
For families using reusable nappies, leaks are often a washing problem rather than a nappy problem. Using too much detergent can leave residues on the fabric, or zinc based rash creams if not washed properly can also leave a film on the fabric and those residues interfere with the nappy’s ability to absorb liquid. Traditional fabric softeners can do the same, coating the fibres and repelling moisture. If your cloth nappies have started leaking and the fit is fine, take a close look at your wash routine. Cutting back on detergent and skipping the fabric softener can restore absorbency quickly.
Why do leaks happen more at night?
Night-time leaks are one of the biggest frustrations for tired parents, and they are also the most common reason parents search for answers. When a baby sleeps through the night, they can be in the same nappy for ten or twelve hours, which is a very long time for any nappy to hold up. The most common causes of night-time leaks are poor fit, insufficient absorbency for a full night’s sleep and compression leaks when your baby rolls onto a full nappy. If your baby is a heavy wetter, a standard nappy may simply not be enough. Many families find that a nappy with extra absorbency, or a booster, makes the difference between wet sheets and a dry night. For cloth nappy users, nappies made from natural fibres such as hemp, bamboo and organic cotton are popular choices for overnight because they offer high absorbency.
How to fix a leaking nappy step by step
Most nappy leaks can be fixed with a few simple changes. Work through these steps in order and you will usually find the culprit quickly.
- Check the size. Size is the number one culprit, so if your nappy is too big or too small, change it first.
- Check the fit. The nappy should be snug around the waist and legs, with the tabs pulled out and fastened evenly.
- Point the penis down for baby boys. This small step directs urine into the absorbent core and stops leaks through the top.
- Change more often. Over saturation is a common cause, so do not wait until the nappy is heavy and bulging.
- Add absorbency for overnight. If your baby is a heavy wetter, use a nappy designed for night time or add a booster.
- Review your cloth nappy wash routine. Excess detergent, zinc based creams and fabric softener both reduce absorbency.
Once you have worked through this list, the leaks will usually stop. If they are still happening, go back to the fit. Sometimes the right nappy style for your baby’s body shape takes a little trial and error, and that is completely normal.
Choosing the right size and fit
Getting the size right is the single most important step in preventing leaks. All it takes is selecting the right size, fitting the nappy snugly and choosing an absorbent nappy to put an end to the problem. If you have been in a particular size of a specific nappy and leaks have started, sizing up or down is usually the answer. Babies grow quickly, and their shape changes too. A nappy that fitted perfectly last month may sit differently this month, so check the way the nappy sits around the legs and waist at every change, especially during growth spurts.
What if your baby keeps leaking through every nappy?
If you have checked the size, adjusted the fit and increased absorbency and the leaks are still happening, do not assume it is your fault. Babies come in different shapes and sizes, and a nappy that works for one child may not work for another. Try a different style of nappy and give it a few days. Leaks are almost always a fixable problem, even if it takes a little trial and error to find the right combination for your little one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I stop my baby’s nappy leaking?
Start by checking the size, because an ill-fitting nappy is the most common cause of leaks. Make sure the nappy is snug around the waist and legs, with the tabs pulled out evenly. For baby boys, point the penis down. Choose a nappy with enough absorbency for your baby’s needs and change it before it becomes over saturated. These simple steps resolve most leaks.
Do nappies leak if they are too small?
Yes. A nappy that is too small is prone to leaking because there is not enough absorbent material to cope with the volume of pee. The tighter fit can also force liquid out around the edges. If you have been in one size for a while and leaks have started, moving up a size is usually the fix.
Why is my baby’s nappy leaking pee overnight?
Night-time leaks are most commonly caused by poor fit, not enough absorbency to last a full night’s sleep, or compression leaks when your baby rolls onto a full nappy. A baby who sleeps long stretches puts a lot of demand on one nappy. For heavy wetters, consider a nappy with higher absorbency or a booster to get through the night.
How do I avoid leaks with cloth nappies?
With cloth nappies, check both the fit and your wash routine. Too much detergent can leave residues that stop nappies from absorbing properly, and fabric softener can cause the same issue. Make sure the nappy fits snugly with no gaps, change it before it is over saturated and increase absorbency for heavy wetters. A clean, well-washed nappy absorbs far better than one coated in residue.
What is the best remedy if all else fails?
Sometimes you still need a solution (and sleep) – so our Leaking Nappies Kit is designed to fix it in a heartbeat. A waterproof nappy cover + absorbent bamboo/orgnaic cotton inner over the top of your disposable will do the trick in a night. Honestly – read the reviews – its a total game changer.
