How to Prevent Diaper Blowouts

Almost every new parent -- and plenty of experienced parents -- has been subject to the diaper blowout. It's that event where your baby has such a large and messy bowel movement that the diaper leaks and makes a mess all over clothes, the stroller, your shirt -- you get the picture. The best way to deal with diaper blowouts is to stop them from happening in the first place. By planning ahead, you can capture a blowout before it threatens to ruin your new clothes.

Things You'll Need

  • Diapers
  • Cloth diaper or liner

Instructions

    • 1

      Check the weight restrictions on your package of diapers to make sure your little one is wearing the right size. If the diapers are too big, they could leave gaps where leakage can occur. If they're two small, there may not be enough protection. The Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona website offers a general guide for diaper sizing: Newborn goes up to 10 lbs, size 1 is for 8-14 lbs, size 2 works for 12-18 lbs, size 2-3 goes from 14-22 lbs, size 3 is for 16-28 lbs, size 4 is best for 22-37 lbs, size 5 is for 27+ lbs and size 6 is mainly for 35+ lbs.

    • 2

      Place your finger between your child's leg and the diaper. You should be able to fit a finger in between the diaper and your baby's skin, but no more and no less. This is especially important if you choose to cloth diaper, since some cloth diapers are one-size-fits-all. Make sure the diapers fit snugly, regardless of what the package or cloth says.

    • 3

      Try another brand if diaper if your child has constant blowouts, suggests the book "Pregnancy Planner: Essential Advice for Moms-to-Be." Different diapers offer different fits, so what works for one baby may make a mess with another. You can snag diaper samples to try through manufacturer websites so you're not stuck with a whole box of unusable diapers.

    • 4

      Place a cloth diaper or liner in your child's disposable diaper if he's prone to blowouts or you'll be away from home -- and your diapering supplies -- for a while. An extra layer of protection can help stop leakage and blowouts until you can get to a changing station.

    • 5

      Talk to your child's pediatrician if your little one constantly has runny bowel movements that leak out of his diaper. Your child could have a sensitivity to formula or even to something you may be eating if you're breastfeeding, warns the Medline Plus website. Frequent diarrhea could cause dehydration, diaper rash and irritability, so talk to your doctor about dietary changes and other potential causes of diarrhea to help reduce blowouts and improve your baby's health.

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