How to prevent nappy leaks

Nappy leaks happen all the time. But if they’re occurring more frequently than you’d expect, it’s a good idea to look at what’s causing them to ensure your baby stays as comfortable as possible. Read on to discover what causes nappy leaks and how you can prevent them. 

What causes nappy leaks?

Most leaks are caused by poor-fitting or incorrectly-sized nappies. For example, if your baby’s nappy is too small, it won’t be able to absorb the amount of pee your baby produces – which only increases as your baby grows. And while large nappies are capable of absorbing more pee, there will be gaps around the waist, thighs and sides if they’re too big for your baby, resulting in those pesky leakages.  

What causes leaking nappies at night? 

There’s nothing more frustrating than finding out your baby’s nappy has leaked through the night. There are many reasons for this, such as: 

• The nappy wasn’t fastened properly
• The nappy slipped because it’s too big  
• Your baby wriggled a lot in their sleep, causing the nappy to move 
• The nappy couldn’t absorb all the fluid. This could be because you didn’t change the nappy before bed, or your baby had a large drink without emptying their bladder 

How do I stop my nappies from leaking?

Choose the correct nappy size

The easiest way to prevent leaks is by making sure the nappy is the right size for your baby. Nappies should: 

• Fit snugly at the waist without being too tight 
• Be slightly higher at the front than the back 
• Fasten symmetrically around the waist 
• Have pulled-out cuffs that wrap gently around the legs and bottom 
• Completely cover your baby’s buttocks 

As a rule of thumb, if the fastening tapes don’t reach the centre of the waist or you can’t fit two fingers underneath the fastened waist, it’s time to size up. If the tapes overlap, the nappy’s too big. 

If you’re looking for a reliable nappy to get started with, Pampers New Born Nappies adapt to your baby’s shape and absorb liquid instantly, keeping sensitive skin dry and protected.  

Alternatively, if your child’s ready to move onto toilet training, beat irritating nappy leaks with Huggies® Pull-Ups® Trainers Day. They look like underwear and are designed to help children learn when they need to go to the toilet.  

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Change the nappy before bed

To stop your baby’s nappy from becoming oversaturated at night, change it right before bedtime. Fresh nappies take longer to fill up, reducing the chances of nighttime leaks. 

Use a bed mat for extra protection

Nappy leaks are bound to happen every now and then – especially at night. To keep your baby comfortable during sleep, place a bed mat on top of their bed sheet to capture spills and leaks.  

Nappy care ointments and lotions 

An unwelcome side effect of nappy leaks is skin irritation and nappy rash. To soothe soreness and protect your baby’s delicate skin, you can use barrier creams and ointments, such as Bepanthen. These gentle creams rub easily into the skin, relieving red and inflamed skin.