Cloth Diapers 101: Why Are My Cloth Diapers Leaking?

We've had many customers asking about leaks recently. Jenn wrote this article more than a year ago. Since many have asked and we know we have new customers, we decided to bring it out again to share with you, in case you missed it the first time.

There can be many causes of leaks… I get phone calls all the time from mommies who are frustrated because of this issue. It can be hard to troubleshoot a leak, especially when you are new to cloth diapering. So here are a few tips from a momma who has been there, done that and was awarded the wet t-shirt to prove it.

First of all, make sure that you washed everything before using. There can be residue left on the fabric from the production process that can cause leakage. Also, if you choose to use diaper creams or lotions be sure to use a barrier like a stay-dry liner or a piece of fleece between the baby's bottom and the diaper. Wash the liners or fleece separately from your diapers so that the oils do not transfer to the diapers in the wash. Diaper creams directly on the diapers will cause them to leak.

Then, figure out where the leak is coming from.

If the diaper is leaking out the top, make sure that the insert isn’t pushing the lining fabric up against your baby’s clothing. That will cause the diaper to wick moisture up and out of the top. The top edge of the diaper should be flat against your baby with the soft fabric against your baby’s skin.

If the diaper is leaking out the side of the legs, change the diaper and remove the insert. If it is saturated then your baby just pee’d alot and either needs something more absorbent or a more frequent diaper change. If it isn’t saturated, then you either have a fit issue or a repelling issue.

To observe fit, pick up your baby’s legs after putting the diaper on and observe how it fits around the bottom of their bottom. Is it snug? If so, good. However, if you can see “air” between the diaper and their skin, then you need to refine the fit somehow. With bumGenius that might mean trying a different snap setting or fastening the tabs tighter.

If the diaper is leaking out the back, make sure that the insert is tucked in completely. If the insert is sticking out the top of the diaper, it will wick moisture onto your baby’s clothing. We also occasionally see leaks up the back with little girls who are pee’ing buckets at a time and with little boys who are aimed off to the side of the insert.

Finally, remember to be patient.

Good luck with your diapers!! If you have further questions, you can always call 1-888-33-BABIES (1-888-332-2243) and we’ll be glad to help.