How to fit cloth nappies

Cloth nappies are designed to fit snug and low, like underwear. Getting the right fit can take a little practice. Use our guide to help prevent leaks, ensure your child is comfortable, and prevent clothing and linen changes.

The most common causes of leaks in modern cloth nappies are a lack of absorption, incorrect fit and not changing frequently enough. Other causes include compression leaks, and delaminated or damaged polyurethane laminate (PUL) covers. Detergent buildup does not cause nappies to leak.

Fitting a modern cloth nappy, step-by-step

Many modern cloth nappies (MCNs) have rise snaps to adjust as the baby grows. With front rise snaps (which make leg holes smaller) it helps to have the extra fabric pushed up. Focus on the leg seal, as this prevent leaks.

• Check that the nappy covers the bum crack to stop poo from escaping at the back, and the nappy is high enough at the front, this is especially important for boys.
• Squeeze the nappy, so it sits in the creases and underwear line.
• Check that the elastics sit in the leg creases without gaps.
• Check that the nappy isn’t too tight around the legs and the waist.
• For boys, ensure the penis is pointed down, and add more absorbency at the front.
• For girls, add more absorbency to the crutch of the nappy.

Red marks

Gentle pink marks, like sock marks, are fine. Anything darker or marks that do not disappear within a reasonable time means the nappy is too tight.

Using rise snaps on a one-sized-fits-most (OSFM) nappy

One-size-fits-most (OSFM) nappies have rise snaps. Rise snaps enable you to adjust the nappy fit as your baby grows.

Leaving rise snaps undone on a small baby results in a loose and bulky fit and can cause leaks.

If there isn’t enough room to add more inserts into the nappy when using a low-rise* snapped OSFM nappy, undo the rise snaps and add more absorbency. The additional room created will accommodate the added absorbency.

*low rise means the nappies is made to be smaller

Leaks happen with insufficient absorbency

Insufficient absorbency is one of the main causes of leaks. When a saturated insert is compressed (squished) it often causes the liquid to seep out. This commonly happens with microfiber inserts because the material works like a sponge; however, it can also happen with saturated bamboo, cotton and hemp inserts.

Wee leaks are usually due to not enough absorption, rather than a fit issue.

Alison, Australia

Most cloth nappies (excluding night nappies) last for two to three hours before needing to be changed. If your child’s nappies leak within two hours the best solution is to increase the absorbency.

Adding absorbency to cloth nappies

The good news is there are many options to add absorbency to your nappies, and you don’t need expensive or nappy-specific products.

Look for natural fibre options (cotton, bamboo and hemp) for inserts and boosters. These natural fibres absorb more liquid than microfiber and can be composted at end of life. Cotton face washes, tea towels, muslin cloth and terry towels are all cheap, easy to wash, and dry quickly.

Do not place microfiber inserts directly against the skin, as it can irritate the skin.

The speed and volume of absorption of different natural fibres inserts vary based on the weave, blend and the material’s previous usage. No natural fibre has definitively faster absorption or greater capacity than another.

The surface area of natural fibres increases with washing. During the friction of the wash cycle, the fibres become looser and micro-piling occurs. This increases the material’s surface area, increasing the absorbency potential. Wash new inserts once before using them, and change them more frequently as they build absorbency.

Video fit guides from retailers