Leaking? Let troubleshoot!

Diapers that are put on incorrectly can leave mom with telltale spots!

Damp pants, damp shirts, crying baby, sad mama, and frustrated daddy.

These are the downsides of cloth diapering with a bad fit.  Leaking can plague even the most experienced of cloth diapering families.  I personally struggled with leaking issues for months before I figured out what the problem.

What was my problem you ask?  I had a heavy wetter and my absorbency wasn't up to the challenge. I was using the microfiber inserts and they were not up to the task.  Once I put hemp and bamboo inserts into my pockets my leaks stopped.  Then Homeboy outgrew the diapers.  I was thrilled.  I got to buy more!!  Shhhhh....it was my first....don't judge.

So if you are struggling with dampness try these tips before you give up!

Is your diaper or insert completely saturated when you change the diaper?

• This means you probably need more absorbency.  Try a natural fiber such as hemp or bamboo or try adding a doubler to your diaper.
• If you waited longer than three hours to change the diaper, try changing every two hours.  Babies need to be kept dry so most diaper experts advice changing every two hours.

Leg gap on a Diaper Rite Bamboo Pocket

Are there gaps around the leg when you hold the leg up?

• Try tightening the leg by snapping the leg snap tighter or decreasing the elastic size in diapers like Fuzzibunz.

Is the dampness happening on the front of a stomach sleeper?

• Try using a diaper with a PUL front flap with your insert tucked underneath the flap.

Is the outside of the PUL completely wet and the inner not saturated?

• Did you prep the diper completely?  If not, keep washing.  The diaper might not be ready to use yet.
• Are there cracks in your PUL?  Does it look like a peeling sunburnn? If so, this diaper is your new swim diaper unless you can figure out how to rewaterproof your diper.  This can be caused by bleaching or harsh wash routines or just age.  If the diaper is relatively new this may be covered under your manufacturer warranty.  Be sure to call and ask.    

  

  Incorrectly fastened Thirsties Cover.  Tuck it back in!

• Did you make sure that the lining of the diaper is not showing when you put it on?  If you can see any of the diaper liner it can allow moisture to get around the PUL.

Do your diapers smell like ammonia?

• Try stripping your diapers.  Build up can cause your diapers to repel water.  This also means that you need to alter your wash routine.  Try adding more soap and an extra rinse.

Have you used diaper rash cream?

• Most diaper rash creams are not cloth diaper safe and since they are designed to prevent urine from sitting on skin, they can actually waterproof your diaper causing it to repel liquid instead of absorb.  Look for cream or yellow streaks on the diaper.  Use Dawn dishwashing detergent and scrub stains with soap and a toothbrush.

Are the diapers repelling liquid?

• You may have detergent build up from using too much soap.  Try washing several times with no detergent.  You will see soap suds during these washes due to the excess washing out.  Use less detergent in your wash routine to fix this issue.