Tips for Dealing with Leaks in Cloth Diapers

Cloth diapering can be a great eco-friendly and cost effective alternative for parents with babies and toddlers, but they have a bit of a learning curve. Most modern disposable diapers can hold a lot more urine than a toddler can put out in one two hour stretch, so they tend to be more forgiving when it comes to moisture leaks. In contrast, reusable diapers require a bit more finessing in order to ensure that you have a good fit, and the right absorbency for your baby or toddler's unique needs.

Dealing with leaks in cloth diapers can be frustrating. Fortunately, most leaks are preventable when you know what to watch out for. This guide will help you troubleshoot and prevent leaks in cloth diapers, ensuring a positive cloth diapering experience for everyone that cares for your child. 

Understanding why Leaks in Cloth Diapers Happen:

Before diving into prevention strategies, it's essential to understand why leaks in cloth diapers occur.

Common causes of leaks in cloth diapers include:

• Poor fit
• Insufficient absorbency
• Repelling issues
• Compression leaks
• Improper insert placement
• Worn-out elastics or materials

Ensuring a Proper Fit

A well-fitting cloth diaper is crucial for preventing leaks in cloth diapers.

Here are some tips for achieving the right fit:

• Adjust the rise: For one-size diapers, be sure the rise setting is appropriate for your baby's size and shape. One of the most common fit mistakes we see from new to cloth diapering families is that they are not utilizing the rows of snaps along the front of the diaper. 
  The snaps along the front of the cloth diaper are called the rise. Snapping these adjusts the overall length of the diaper and in turn, makes the leg openings smaller and more suitable for smaller babies. 
  Failing to adjust the rise setting will lead to frequent and recurring leg leaks in cloth diapers. 
• Check the waist: The diaper should be snug around the waist, with no gaps, and sit just below the belly button.
  You should also be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the diaper and your baby's skin. If the diaper is too tight, it may cause some discomfort for baby. 
• Examine the leg openings: Ensure there are no gaps around the legs. You can do this by lifting baby's leg following the diaper change. If you can see inside the diaper when you lift the leg, the diaper is not properly adjusted. 
  The elastics should sit in the crease where the leg meets the body — we call this the underwear line. If the diaper is sitting lower on baby's thigh, simple use your fingers to push the elastics into the underwear line. 
• Avoid over-tightening: While a snug fit is important, over-tightening can cause discomfort and lead to leaks. A cloth diaper that is fit too tightly may lead to compression leaks. 

Optimizing Absorbency

Insufficient absorbency, or not enough absorbency, is a common cause of leaks in cloth diapers.

How do you know if you need more absorbency?

When changing the cloth diaper after a leak, immediately check to see if the absorbency is fully saturated or if there are large remaining dry areas. If there are large dry areas, you are likely experiencing a fit issue or another common leak cause. If the insert is fully saturated, use the tips below to ensure you have enough absorbency in the next diaper. 

Here's how to address and prevent this issue: 

• Choose the right inserts: Different materials have varying levels of absorbency. Hemp and bamboo viscose are highly absorbent, while microfiber absorbs quickly but can compress easily.
  Beware of inserts marketed as Bamboo that contain microfiber inner layers. Most affordable bamboo and charcoal bamboo are actually polyester in disguise. 
• Layer inserts: Consider combining different materials for more absorbency. For example, use a bamboo viscose insert on top for quick absorption and a hemp insert underneath for increased capacity.
• Change frequently: Even the most absorbent diaper will leak if left on too long. Be sure to change your child's cloth diaper every 2-3 hours or as often as needed. 
  Older toddlers may require more frequent diaper checks as they may have larger urine output at one time. 
• Consider a different style of diaper: Every child is different, and some may need to switch to a different style of absorbency in order to remedy leaks in cloth diapers. 
  Pre-flat and fitted style cloth diapers are great for side sleepers and children that have faster urine streams that my be prone to flooding that causes leaks in cloth diapers. 

Addressing Repelling Issues

Repelling occurs when the diaper's materials don't absorb liquid effectively. Repelling in cloth diapers can be caused by a number of different things including build up caused by diaper ointment, fabric softeners and detergents. 

To prevent this: 

• Use cloth diaper-safe products: Avoid diaper creams, lotions, or detergents that contain Petroleum and Zinc as these ingredients can leave residues on the fibers of cloth diaper. 
• Strip your diapers: If you suspect repelling, strip your diapers to remove buildup. Use a cloth diaper-safe stripping agent like RLR or Grovia Mighty Bubbles. 
• Adjust your wash routine: Ensure you're using enough detergent and the right water temperature to clean your diapers thoroughly. Need additional help with your wash routine? Message our website chat to speak to our customer care team. 

Preventing Compression Leaks

Compression leaks happen when pressure is applied to a wet diaper, forcing liquid out.

To avoid this:

• Choose the right absorbent materials: Some materials, like microfiber, are more prone to compression leaks. Opt for natural fibers like hemp or bamboo for better resistance to compression.
• Avoid over-stuffing: While it might seem counterintuitive, overstuffing a pocket diaper can lead to compression leaks. Find the right balance of absorbency without making the diaper too bulky.
• Consider fitted diapers for nighttime: Fitted diapers with a separate cover can provide better protection against compression leaks during long sleep stretches.

Proper Insert Placement

Incorrect insert placement can lead to leaks, especially with pocket style cloth diapers. 

Follow these tips to avoid leaks in cloth diapers:

• Ensure full coverage: Make sure the insert covers the entire inner area of the diaper, from front to back.
• Avoid bunching: Smooth out the insert to prevent channels where liquid can escape.
• Consider insert direction: For boys, place more absorbency towards the front. For girls, ensure even distribution or slightly more towards the middle.

Maintaining Your Cloth Diapers

Regular maintenance can prevent leaks in cloth diapers caused by wear and tear:

• Check elastics: Inspect the leg and waist elastics regularly. Replace them if they've lost their stretch.
  This is particularly important when purchasing used or secondhand cloth diapers. Elastic wear and tear is normal and expected in cloth diapers that have been used for multiple years. 
  In most cases, elastics can be easily replaced by someone that is familiar with cloth diaper construction. 
• Examine PUL: Look for signs of delamination or cracking in the waterproof layer, which can cause leaks.
  Delamination is what occurs when the waterproofing layer separates from the outer fabric of the diaper cover. This cannot be repaired. Diapers that have delaminated may be worn as swim diapers but can longer be worn as waterproof outers. 
• Rotate your stash: Using the same diapers repeatedly can lead to faster wear. Rotate your stash to extend the life of all your diapers.