One of the most common questions we get from parents new to cloth nappies is: "How do I handle urine? Will cloth nappies leak more than disposables?" The good news is, with the right fit, absorbency, and care routine, managing wee in cloth nappies is easy—and just as effective as disposables.
Here’s everything you need to know to keep your baby dry, comfortable, and rash-free.
How Often Should You Change a Cloth Nappy?
⏰ To keep your baby comfortable and prevent leaks or nappy rash, we recommend changing cloth nappies every 2–3 hours during the day. This is similar to how often you’d change a disposable. However, some factors—like your baby’s age, feeding habits, and bladder capacity—can affect this.
Top tip: Newborns may need changing more frequently (every 1.5–2 hours), while older babies can go a bit longer, especially if you're using higher-absorbency inserts.
Do Cloth Nappies Leak More Than Disposables?
💧 Not when they’re used correctly! Modern cloth nappies are highly effective at containing both wee and poo—sometimes better than disposables when fitted well.
Leaks usually happen due to:
- Inadequate absorbency (e.g., not enough inserts)
- A poor fit around the legs or waist
- Compression leaks from tight clothing (like car seats or onesies)
- Waiting too long between changes
To prevent leaks, make sure:
- You’ve prepped your nappies properly (especially with natural fibres like hemp or bamboo, which reach full absorbency after a few washes)
- You’re using the right insert combination for your baby’s needs
- The nappy sits snugly with no leg gaps
What About Overnight? Extra Absorbency Is Key
🌙 Overnight is when many parents worry about leaks the most—but cloth nappies can absolutely handle a full night’s sleep with the right setup.
Nighttime Solutions:
- Boost with extra inserts: Add a hemp booster or bamboo insert under your regular insert for longer-lasting absorbency.
- Use a fitted nappy + cover combo: Fitted nappies are super absorbent and paired with a waterproof cover, they make a bulletproof overnight option. Shop our famous honey pot night nappy here.
- Avoid compression leaks: Use well-fitted pyjamas and avoid overly tight onesies that can press urine out of soaked inserts.
Pro tip: Trial a few combinations to see what works best for your baby’s output—some little ones wee more than others at night!
Avoiding Nappy Rash from Wet Nappies
🧼 One myth is that cloth nappies cause more nappy rash. In reality, they can help reduce it because they’re breathable and free from harsh chemicals found in some disposables.
To prevent rash:
- Change nappies regularly (especially when wet)
- Use stay-dry liners (like microfleece) to wick moisture away from baby’s skin
- Let baby have some nappy-free time daily
- Treat any redness early with a cloth-safe rash cream
Remember, prolonged exposure to urine—not the nappy type—is usually the culprit behind nappy rash.
Final Thoughts: Cloth Nappies & Wee—It’s Totally Doable
Managing urine in cloth nappies is all about the right routine and setup. With regular changes, well-chosen inserts, and good fit, you’ll find leaks and rash are no more common than with disposables—and often less.
Need help choosing the best inserts for heavy wetters or overnight use? We’re always here to help you build the perfect nappy system.