How to Fix Cloth Nappy Leaks: A Simple Troubleshooting Guide

How to Fix Cloth Nappy Leaks: A Simple Troubleshooting Guide

Leaks... they happen to every cloth nappy user at some point. The good news? Most cloth nappy leaks are easy to fix once you identify the cause.

Follow these simple steps to troubleshoot and prevent cloth nappy leaks effectively.

1. Is the Nappy Wet or Dry After a Leak?

This is the first and most important question to ask.

  • Soaked Nappy:
    If the nappy is saturated, it means the absorbency has been exceeded. You may need to:
  1. Add more absorbent layers (boosters or inserts).
  2. Change nappies more frequently.
  • Dry Nappy (but still leaking):
    A dry nappy with leaks indicates a fit issue. This means the nappy isn’t sitting correctly on your baby’s body, allowing moisture to escape.
2. Common Causes of Cloth Nappy Leaks & How to Fix Them

Here are a few things to check and adjust:

Do You Have a "Flooding" Baby?

Some babies release large amounts of urine at once, faster than the nappy can absorb. This is called flooding.

Solutions:

  • Use a microfibre insert for quick absorption.
  • Or, place bamboo directly against the skin (without a stay-dry layer), as the stay-dry fabric can slow initial absorption.

Check for Gaps Around the Legs or Waist

Leaks often happen when there's a gap in the nappy fit.

Tip: The nappy should be snug (not tight) against your baby's skin with no visible gaps.

Adjust the Rise Setting

Incorrect rise settings can lead to leaks.

  • Too tight? This can compress the nappy, forcing urine out the sides.
  • Too loose? The nappy won’t fit flush to the body, allowing leaks.

Make sure the nappy looks firm and smooth on your baby. If you're unsure about how to fold the excess rise fabric under the snaps, check out our guide here.

Leaks at the Front? Try Targeted Boosting

If the front of the nappy is wet but the back is dry:

  • Fold one of your boosters in half and place it at the front.
    This gives extra absorbency where it's most needed—without adding bulk everywhere.
Final Thoughts

Cloth nappy leaks are common, but usually easy to fix with a few adjustments to fit or absorbency. By identifying the cause—whether it's flooding, poor fit, or insufficient absorbency—you can keep your baby dry and comfortable.

Need more help? Browse our cloth nappy resources or contact us for personalised support!