The Cloth Nappy Leak Doctor

Things you should know before we start getting to the bottom (pun intended!) of your leak issues:

• Cloth Nappies do not always last as long between changes as Disposable Nappies. Cloth Nappies use physical absorption to soak up the liquid, and disposable nappies use a chemical gelling agent, so if you compare the difference in the amount of liquid that a single nappy can hold, Cloth Nappies are usually slightly less. Never fear though, this just mens you need to change every 2-3 hours instead of every 3-4.
• It is realllllly important to make sure when fitting each Cloth Nappy you start up nice and high on bubs back. You can adjust once the nappy is fitted, but this just ensures that the crotch area (where the inserts sit), is pulled close to bubs crotch. For efficient absorbency, the inserts need to be sitting nice and close to bub. If the back of the nappy is sitting too low, this will make the crotch sag, and bub will have a big gap between them and the inserts, leaving room for leaks.
• As with the above point, for a nice snug and comfy fit, make sure the elastics are tucked up into bubs 'undie lines'. If you are not sure what we mean here, head back over to our demo videos on the Cloth Nappy Experts page, and take a look.
•  Ensure that the inserts are fitted nice and flat - any folded edges could create a non-absorbing gap and lead to leaks

How to diagnose your Cloth Nappy Leaks:

ISSUE 1: Wee leaking from legs or front

After a leak, check your inserts. Are they Saturated? Are they Damp? Are they dry at one end?

If they are saturated: this means your Cloth Nappy does not have enough absorption to keep up with how much bub wets. 

To fix it: Either change your nappy more frequently, try adding in some extra absorption. Check out our Bamboo Boosting Kits here for some different boosting options.

If your inserts are damp or dry at one end: This then looks like you may have a fitting issue.

To fix it: Check out our Demo Videos in the Cloth Nappy Experts section to ensure you are fitting your nappies correctly.

Check the elastics on the legs are snug. You don't want them to have any gaps. 

If you have a little boy, ensure you have his penis pointing down, when fitting the nappy.

Ensure that your inserts are fitted nice and flat, without any gaps, or folded sections.

If you are using your nappy as a Pocket Nappy you could also try changing your nappy setting to an All-in-2, so the inserts sit right next to bub, for faster absorption.

ISSUE #2: Newborn #2's Leaking from leg elastic seams

Cause: The stitching seams in all Modern Cloth Nappy types are a bit of a weak spot when it comes to the Nappy Waterproofing. When the stitching seam is created, the sewing needle needs to pierce small holes for the thread to run through along the seam. This is usually not an issue as these holes are absolutely minute, and the TPU / PUL laminate around the holes is quite firm.

With this being said, however, if liquid (most often newborn poos) are allowed too pool around these holes, it can begin to wick through the cotton thread and into the outer cover.

To fix it: The easiest way to fix this issue is to ensure that you have plenty of absorption, and a nice snug fit, so that when bub does a poo or wee, it is absorbed nice and quick, and not allowed to pool around the stitching areas.

Try adding in additional absorption, either by using both Bamboo Inserts (if you are currently only using one), or by adding a Bamboo Booster to your Cloth Nappy. You can view our different Bamboo Boosting Kits available here.

Ensure that your inserts are fitted nice and flat, without any gaps, or folded sections.

If you are using your nappy as a Pocket Nappy you could also try changing your nappy setting to an All-in-2, so the inserts sit right next to bub, for faster absorption.