How Do I Stop Diaper Blowouts?
2 min read
Most diaper blowouts happen because the diaper is the wrong size or fit, so the fix is to get the size right, pull the leg cuffs out, and change more often.
Why do blowouts happen?
A blowout is a containment failure, and it almost always comes down to fit. A diaper that is too small cannot hold the volume and leaks up the back. A diaper that is too big leaves gaps at the legs and waist. Either way, the mess finds the gap.
Check the size first
Diaper size runs on weight, not age (American Academy of Pediatrics). If your baby is near the top of a size's weight range, or you see red marks at the thighs or waist, size up. See what size diaper your child wears. A diaper one size up often stops blowouts on its own.
Pull the leg cuffs out
Most diapers have a ruffled inner cuff at each leg. If it gets tucked inward, it funnels everything straight out the leg hole. After you fasten the diaper, run a finger around each leg and pull the cuffs out so they stand up. This one step catches more leaks than anything else.
Cover the back
Newborn and infant blowouts tend to go up the back. Make sure the diaper sits high enough in back, above the waistband, and fasten it snug across the waist so there is no gap at the spine. For heavy poopers, a diaper with a higher back panel helps.
Change more often
A diaper at capacity has no room left for the next event, so it leaks. Change frequently and the moment it is soiled, and for a newborn plan on about every 2 to 3 hours (American Academy of Pediatrics). A full diaper is a blowout waiting to happen.
When to size up for good
If you are fighting blowouts every day at the current size, stop patching and move up a size, even if the package weight range says your baby still fits. Fit on your baby beats the number on the box. See how to stock up without wasting money on the wrong size before you buy a case of the new size.
Sources
American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org, Diapers and Clothing (sizing by weight, change frequency): https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/diapers-clothing/Pages/default.aspx
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