Do I Need A Cloth Diaper Fit Check?

Many cloth diapers are One Size meaning one-size-fits-all. Therefore, executing a cloth diaper fit check is essential. Here, we look at how to do one so you can get the best fit and function out of your diapers providing comfort for you baby and avoiding leaks.

The Problems Of Poorly Fitting Cloth Diapers

As you can imagine, if any diapers are put on poorly, they will probably not live up to their full potential. Without a proper fit, there's likely to be leakage and mess to contend with, which isn't something anyone enjoys! Not only that, but your little one may experience discomfort and chafing. That's certainly something you'll want to avoid. Therefore, getting the right fit is vital.

Familiarize Yourself With Diaper Snaps

Before you can get the right fit for your baby's diaper, you need to familiarize yourself with diaper snaps. Cloth diapers come with waist and rise snaps to adjust the sizing of the diaper.

Waist snaps are, as you might imagine, for securing your baby's diaper at their waist.

Rise snaps allow cloth diapers to fit all sizes of babies. They allow you to adjust the diaper lengthwise to fit a newborn or toddler.

Also Read: Are Reusable Diapers for Babies Best for Environment

Adjusting Diaper Length

You can adjust the length of your baby's diaper by choosing the correct set of rise snaps, commonly done by little one's weight. Once you have the length of the diaper set, you would then add the insert of choice into the pocket, to create the absorbency. (we have a chart that shows the 6 different insert settings for various diaper sizes/ages/weights/genders).

Getting The Perfect Fit

• When fitting a diaper onto a baby, you should align the back of the diaper directly level with their belly button, as if you could draw and invisible line around their tummy.
• The wings of the diaper should always wrap around their waist, never crossing over their thighs.
• After the diaper is under the baby, lined up with their belly button, hold it in place and give it a little stretch. It should stretch forward about an inch or two – pocket diapers, like the Rumaprooz, are very stretchy.
• Next you will pull the diaper up through baby's legs. When the front of the diaper is pulled up through their legs, fold it together like a hotdog. The elastic should follow along the "underwear crease"; (imagine if they had on a pair of underwear) in baby's legs.
• Once the diaper has been brought all the way to the front, fan it out. The front panel should lay flat across their tummy.
• The tabs on the right and left wings will reach around from each side and snap to the front panel.
• If the front panel or the wing tabs are crossing over the thighs instead of wrapping around the waist – this is an indicator that baby might be ready to go up to the next size!

If you choose a one-size reusable, it will fit your baby right through from birth to toddler-size. Rumparooz fit babies between 6lbs and 40lbs thanks to the rows of snaps.

• For newborns (babies between 6 and 10 lbs (pounds), use the extra-small setting. That is the bottom row of snaps.
• For babies weighing 10 lbs to 15 lbs, use the small setting and fasten to the second bottom row of snaps.
• For crawling babies weighing 15 lbs – 25 lbs, use the medium setting and fasten to the third from the bottom row of snaps.
• For toddlers weighing over 35 lbs, leave all the snaps undone to achieve the largest size.

Checking The Fit

Once you put the diaper on your baby, you should ensure the fit is correct. You may need to use some trial and error here. Remember, too, that the sizing will change as your baby grows and gets more active.

A balance is needed when putting on a cloth diaper. You do not want it to be too tight because this can cause leaking, same with a diaper too loose. A tummy gap between the diaper and your little one is completely normal and does not mean the diaper is too loose. Tips to look for when doing a fit check:

• The snaps are not pulling the fabric
• The diaper fits nicely into the underwear line
• The extra fabric under the rise snaps is pushed up
• The tabs lay flat against the baby's skin and are not hanging out the top of the diaper.

Here is an image of a good fit on a Rumparooz:

What Should Inserts Be Made From?

Kanga Care has three options available when choosing an insert for your cloth diapers. Microfiber comes standard and is the quickest to absorb - a great option for newborns. Another two natural fiber options are Bamboo and Hemp 6r Soakers are not as quick to absorb but are both more absorbent than Microfiber. See how they compare below:

Why Are My Cloth Diapers Leaking?

If you discover you're having leaks with your cloth diapers, don't panic. Follow the steps below to try to resolve the issue:

• Check the fit is snug but not too tight where the diaper is compressed and cannot absorb.
• Making sure the double gussets fit nicely inside the underwear line.
• Check the insert isn't bunched between the legs and is lying flat in the pocket
• Consider adding absorbency with a second insert. Boys may need more absorbency in the front of the diaper. Make sure your diaper is on the boy doubler as shown below
• Girls may need more absorbency in the middle and back of the diaper. Make sure your diaper is on the girl diapers as shown below.
• Our Facebook Community is a great resource for a fit check. Join Here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rumparoozchat
• As always you can reach out to our customer care team and hello@kangacare.com for a quick fit check to help with any concerns.

You may find that you need to increase the cloth diaper absorbency overnight.This may be done with more absorbent inserts such as Bamboo/Hemp or more absorbent diapers such as Rumparooz OBV and Ecoposh OBV.

Also, newborns may need more frequent checks for diaper changes as they pass more bowel movements. You should change soiled diapers as quickly as possible. You don't want your little one's delicate skin to become sore from contact with moisture and feces.

If after a fit check with a Kanga Care team member, leaks are still occurring after taking these steps, you may carry out an absorbency test. Lay the clean diapers flat, then pour a little water onto them and apply some pressure. If the inserts absorb the water, that is good. If they don't, there could be a residue build-up issue. You may need to strip the diapers.

How Do I Find Well-Fitting Cloth Diapers For My Baby?

Kanga Care has high-quality cloth diapers that fit babies of all sizes and ages. Look at our range, and you're sure to find just what you're looking for. You'll enjoy leak-free diapering, and your little one will look stylish too!