How To Get A Good Fit

Fit check! Cloth diaper is on baby. Great! Now how do you know if it's fitting correctly and how do you make sure that the fit is right to prevent leaks.

There's just a few things to check to make sure your cloth diaper is on baby properly and these are the things you want to look out for every time you change a diaper.

First, if you are using a 'one size' adjustable diaper and you have any of the rise snaps in front snapped down to adjust the size, it's very important to make sure that the extra fabric is tucked UP underneath the row of rise snaps and that it isn't drooping down. Tucking the extra fabric up creates a neater appearance, but also ensures the diaper fits properly at the legs. This is a common mistake and an easy one to fix.

*Note: once you snap your diapers down to the right size for your baby there is no need to unsnap them to wash. They can remain snapped in the position you need until baby needs a change in size.

Second, when you put the diaper on baby and go to fasten the tabs, pull the tab out at a 45 degree angle, stretch those elastics as you do, and then bring the tab over baby's hip and fasten in the front. This makes sure that you get a good seal on the legs and a nice snug fit.

Third, check the legs. Once the diaper is on, check that the elastics fit flush against the skin and that they lay in the underwear line (not on top of leg rolls) and see that there are no gaps. Move the legs around a bit if you need to to check all around. If you have a gap, you may need to make the diaper smaller by going up another rise snap row in front. At the back, if the elastic is too low and you see any baby bum crack, it might be time to make the diaper larger by letting out a rise snap row.

Lastly, check for any fabric sticking out. This is most important with flats, prefolds or fitteds. If any fabric is sticking out of the cover, that can cause moisture to wick onto clothing so just tuck it in and see that the cover contains everything and that elastics all around are flat against the skin for the best containment.

There you have it. A few quick tips that will become second nature for you at change time as you go along your cloth diapering journey. And if you prefer visuals, here's a fit tip video on our YouTube that shows it in action too.