Like many new moms, I was initially drawn to cloth diapering for the environmental and cost-saving benefits. But I’ll be honest, when my sweet baby girl was just a few weeks old and I was already dealing with frequent leaks and blowouts, I seriously questioned whether this “eco-friendly” choice was worth the hassle.
Waking up to a soaked baby and wet sheets multiple times a night was incredibly frustrating. I vividly remember one 3am changeover where tears were shed – and they weren’t just my daughter’s!
If this sounds like your experience, you’re definitely not alone. Leaks are probably the biggest challenge facing cloth diapering parents. However, I can vouch that with some troubleshooting and adjustments, leaks really are preventable and manageable.
This guide contains all the tips and troubleshooting advice I wish I had known earlier in my cloth diapering journey. Stay persistent, and the rewards make it all worthwhile!
Common Causes of Cloth Diaper Leaks
- Improper fit (too loose or too tight): Achieving the perfect fit is crucial for preventing leaks. A diaper that is too loose will allow for gaps and sagging, while one that is too tight can cause compression leaks.
- Not changing frequently enough: Cloth diapers have a limited capacity for absorption, and leaving them on for too long increases the risk of leaks.
- Using incorrect inserts/absorbency: Different babies have different absorbency needs, and using the wrong inserts or not enough absorbency can lead to leaks.
- Repelling issues due to build-up or detergent problems: Over time, cloth diapers can develop build-up from minerals, detergents, or creams, causing them to repel moisture and leak.
- Gaps around legs/waist: Even with a proper fit, gaps around the legs or waist can allow for leaks to occur.
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Tips for Preventing Leaks
- Proper prepping of new diapers When my first cloth diaper stash arrived, I naively thought I could just start using them right away. Big mistake! I learned the hard way that properly prepping new diapers by washing them multiple times is absolutely essential to remove any residues and prep the fabrics for maximum absorbency.
- Choosing the right size and fit.
- Using correct inserts and doublers
- Changing diapers frequently
- Ensuring a good seal around legs/waist
- Stripping diapers regularly
I can’t emphasize enough the importance of that last tip about stripping diapers! After months of leaks, I finally did a hot strip soak with a stripping detergent and it was like night and day. My diapers had developed buildup over time that was causing major repelling and leaking issues. Stripping is now a regular part of my diaper routine.
Troubleshooting Leaks
Even with the best preventative measures, leaks can still occur. Here’s a comprehensive checklist of potential issues and a step-by-step process for identifying and resolving the cause:
- Check the fit: Ensure the diaper is not too loose or too tight, and adjust as needed.
- Evaluate absorbency: Are you using the correct inserts and doublers for your baby’s needs? Try adding more absorbency if necessary.
- Inspect for gaps: Look for gaps around the legs or waist that could be allowing leaks and adjust the diaper accordingly.
- Consider repelling issues: If the diapers seem to be repelling moisture, try stripping them to remove build-up.
- Examine washing routine: Improper washing can cause issues with absorbency and repelling, leading to leaks.
If you’re still getting leaks after going through this checklist, don’t lose hope! I had to try so many adjustments and experiments to find the right solutions for my heavy wetter. Sometimes it’s just a process of elimination.
For example, I initially blamed the leaks on my cute printed diapers not having enough absorbency in the inserts. So I bought a stash of premium bamboo inserts – expensive but worth it, right? Nope, turned out the cute printed diapers just had a bad fit on my long, lean baby no matter how many inserts I used! Switching to diapers with more adjustability like pockets and covers finally solved our leak woes.
Handling Nighttime/Heavy Wetter Leaks
For nighttime protection, I eventually settled on a system of using ultra-thirsty hemp inserts layered with a micro-fiber insert, plus a fleece liner to help wick moisture. We also do “double-stuffing” by putting the whole works inside a pocket diaper covered with a PUL cover. With this maxed-out absorbency, leaks are much rarer.
That said, I’ve also just had to accept that some overnight leaks are inevitable, no matter how well-stuffed the diaper is. Having a portable cloth diaper wet bag and extra sheets on hand makes middle-of-the-night changeovers a bit smoother.
Maintaining Cloth Diapers
(Routine for washing, stripping, caring for diapers same as previous)
One tip I’ve learned through experience – always check pockets and inserts after washing to make sure nothing is stuck inside! I’ve had to re-wash my entire diaper stash multiple times because of compressions leaks caused by a missed insert.
Believe me, I understand how discouraging cloth diaper leaks can be, especially when you’re already feeling overwhelmed and sleep-deprived in those newborn days. But with troubleshooting and adjustments, leaks really are manageable. Sticking with cloth despite the leaks has been one of my biggest commitments as a new parent – and one of the most rewarding.
If you ever need advice or moral support, don’t hesitate to reach out to other cloth diapering moms through online forums or local groups. We’ve all been there with the 3am blowouts! The diapering community is super supportive, and troubleshooting leaks together makes a world of difference.
Michaelle Barbor
