Daytime and nighttime 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'd chosen for him. In the evening, after a bath, or worse, at night, when you're enjoying a well-deserved rest, your child wakes up crying because of a leaking diaper. Would you like to understand the causes of these little accidents so you can avoid them? Here's our experience.
Why does baby's diaper overflow?
Changing a baby's diaper is a daily task that every young parent must master from birth. But it's easy to let a diaper overflow. But why does my child's diaper leak? Here are the 3 main reasons behind this unexpected event.
1. The size of the diaper is unsuitable for baby's age or weight.
Does your baby's diaper overflow several times a day? It could be a problem of size. If the diaper is too large, it will allowurine to pass over the tummy, back and thighs. If it's too small, the materials it contains won't be sufficiently absorbent.
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, so that they are neither too tight nor too loose;
- Your baby's bottom is well covered by the diaper;
- Your baby weighs the recommended weight for this category of diaper.
2. The diaper is too compressed or not absorbent enough
A diaper works like a sponge. If it's too compressed, it can't absorb any liquids, and overflows. We therefore recommend that youdress your baby in clothes adapted to his size, so that they don't compress the diaper too much. A bodysuit that's too tight can lead to unwanted leaks during the day or night.
What's more, a diaper that doesn't absorb enough also encourages overflow. Some brands of ecological or washable disposable diapers use natural materials that retain urine and stool much better. It's up to you to test them out and find the type of diaper best suited to your baby!
3. The diaper doesn't fit properly
In the same way, a diaper that doesn 't fit snugly enough encourages overflow. After changing your child, make sure that :
- The diaper is correctly positioned and reaches just below the navel;
- The elasticated leg wings are fully extended;
- The adhesives are stuck to the colored area at the top of the diaper.
Admittedly, these checks can be a little tricky if your baby is wriggling 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 night-time diaper leaks are much the same as those of daytime leaks: unsuitable size, overly compressed, insufficiently absorbent or poorly fitted diapers.
Baby's position and movements during sleep can also cause night-time overflows, not to mention if your child suffers from nocturnal enuresis. To prevent leaks as much as possible, try to have him sleep on his back. In any case, if he moves around a lot or urinates too much during the night, you'll probably have to get up to change him.
How to choose the right diaper to avoid leaks?
To avoid leaks, the first thing to remember is to choose the right diaper size for your child, and make sure it fits properly. As we've seen, these little tricks can quickly stop urine and stool overflow.
You can also use disposable products with an absorption capacity of at least 12 hours. 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're 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 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'll be able to add extra inserts and protective veils. 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's birth, be prepared to change his or her diaper 6 to 10 times a day. Overflowing, and especially backward bowel movements, are common in infants up to 6 months. As their diet remains exclusively milk-based, their stools are naturally more liquid. However, the frequency of diaper changes will begin to diminish once the baby starts to diversify.
But how do you know when to change a diaper? Generally speaking, you should change your newborn's diaper as soon as it becomes soiled with stool or urine. This often coincides with feeding time. If baby cries to let you know that his diaper is dirty, put a new one on him right away. If no discomfort is felt, check the condition of the diaper every 3 hours or so. Regular diaper changesnot only prevent overflowing diapers, but also the appearance of diaper rash.
Finally, it's not essential to change your baby's diaper at night if he's a sound sleeper. You can wait until he wakes up for his nightly feedings to inspect his diaper and replace it if necessary.
FAQs on overflowing diapers
When should I stop changing the diaper at night?
In the first few months of your baby's life, you'll be changing his diaper very often, including at night. You can stop changing your baby's diaper once he's slept through the night and started 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 overflowing around the waist and legs. Other clues: your newborn's bottom will not be completely covered by the diaper, and he may show red marks on his tummy and thighs.
