Day and night diaper leaks: say no to minor accidents!
Every young parent experiences the problem of an overflowing diaper at least once. In the morning, when you're finally ready to leave for work, your baby gets all wet and you have to completely change the cute outfit you had chosen for him. In the evening, after a bath, or even worse, at night, when you are enjoying a well-deserved rest, your child wakes up crying because of a leaking diaper. Do you want to understand the causes of these little accidents so you can avoid them? Here's a look at some of our experiences.
Why does the baby's diaper overflow ?
Changing baby's diaper is a daily task that every young parent must master from birth. However, a diaper overflow can happen quickly. But why does my child's diaper leak? Here are the 3 main reasons for this unexpected event.
1. The size of the diaper is not adapted to the age or weight of your baby
Does your baby's diaper overflow several times a day? It could be a size problem. If the diaper is too big, it will leakurine into the tummy, back and thighs. If it's too small, the materials in it won't be absorbent enough.
To find out if your child's diaper is the right size, we recommend that you check:
- That the adhesives used to close the diaper are easily positioned in the center of the diaper and that they are neither too tight nor too loose;
- That baby's bottom is well covered by the diaper;
- That your baby weighs the recommended weight for this category of diapers.
2. The diaper is too compressed or not absorbent enough
A diaper works like a sponge. If it is too compressed, it cannot absorb any liquid and it overflows. We therefore recommend that youdress your baby in clothes that are adapted to his size so that they do not compress his diaper too much. A bodysuit that is too tight can cause unwanted leaks during the day or night.
In addition, a diaper that doesn't absorb enough also encourages spills. Some brands of eco-friendly disposable or cloth diapers use natural materials that hold urine and stool much better. It's up to you to test them to find the type of diaper that's best for your baby!
3. The diaper doesn't fit properly
Likewise, a diaper that doesn 't fit snugly enough can lead to spills. After changing your child, make sure that :
- The diaper is properly positioned and reaches just below his belly button;
- The elastic wings on the legs are out;
- The adhesives are stuck on the colored area at the top of the diaper.
Granted, these checks can be a little tricky if your baby is fidgeting too much on the changing table. But rest assured, with a little practice (and a few acrobatics), you'll get the hang of it!
Diaper leakage at night: what are the reasons?
The causes of a diaper leakage during the night remain more or less the same as those occurring during the day: unsuitable size, diaper too compressed, not sufficiently absorbent or badly adjusted.
Baby's position and movements during sleep can also cause nighttime spills, not to mention if your child suffers from bedwetting. To prevent leaks as much as possible, try to have your child sleep on his or her back. In any case, if your child moves around a lot or urinates too much during the night, you'll probably have to get up to change him.
How do I choose the right diaper to avoid leaks?
To avoid leaks, remember first of all to choose a diaper size adapted to your child and to adjust it well. Indeed, we have seen that these little tricks can quickly stop the overflow of urine and stool.
You can also use disposable products with an absorption capacity of at least 12 hours. In order to reduce the risk of diaper leakage during the night, we also advise you to change your baby's diaper just before putting him to bed.
Finally, if you are looking for a more natural solution for changing your baby, opt for a cloth diaper made from vegetable fibers. You also have the alternative of training pants which are recommended from the age of 2 or 3, when potty training begins.
Some materials, such as bamboo viscose or hemp, are up to 6 times more absorbent than cotton! With this type of diaper, you will have the possibility of adding inserts and additional protective covers. Your newborn's bottom will be dry day and night.
When should I change my baby's diaper?
For the first few months after your baby is born, be prepared to change his diaper 6 to 10 times a day. Spills, and especially backward stooling, are still common in infants up to 6 months. Since they are exclusively fed milk, their stools are naturally more liquid. However, the frequency of diaper changes will start to decrease once the diversification of food has begun.
But how do you know when to change a diaper? Generally speaking, you should change your newborn as soon as his diaper is soiled by stools or urine. This operation often corresponds with the time of the meals. If your baby cries to let you know that his diaper is dirty, put a new one on him right away. If your baby is not uncomfortable, check the diaper every 3 hours or so. Regular diapering will helpprevent an overflowing diaper, but it will also help prevent the development of diaper rash.
Finally, it is not necessary to change your baby's diaper at night if he is sleeping soundly. You can wait until he wakes up for his nightly feed or bottle to inspect his diaper and replace it if necessary.
FAQ's of the overflowing diaper
When to stop changing the diaper at night?
During the first few months of your baby's life, you will be changing his diaper very often, including at night. You can stop changing him when he sleeps through the night and starts to diversify his diet, between 4 and 6 months. However, some children will still need a clean diaper in the middle of the night beyond this age range.
How do I know if my baby's diaper is too big?
If your baby's diaper is too big, you'll notice frequent leaks from the back, tummy and thighs. If it's not the right size, it will be too loose and won't cover your baby's bottom properly.
How do I know if my baby's diaper is too small?
If your baby's diaper is too small, you'll quickly notice urine or stool spills around the waist and legs. Other clues: your newborn's bottom won't be completely covered by the diaper, and he may have red marks on his tummy and thighs.