Diaper blowouts are something that every parent has to deal with at some point. This is something that can quickly turn into a nightmare if you do not know what to do. In this article, we are going to talk about how to prevent diaper blowouts up the back and the necessary precautions for it.
Although you cannot prevent this completely, there are some hacks and tricks that can help you deal with this situation. These blowouts happen when the diaper cannot handle any more poop or pee inside. Today, we are going to break down everything you need to know related to this subject and explain in several steps how you can make the whole situation a lot more comfortable and easier. We have a lot to cover, so read on if you want to find out more.
What Is Diaper Blowout, and What Causes It?
Diaper blowout is the situation when your baby’s poop starts leaking out of the diaper around the legs, up the back, or up the front of your baby. It is something that every parent wants to avoid, but it is a normal part of life with a baby.
The most common cause of these blowouts is that the diaper does not fit your baby just right, which is why you should pay closer attention when choosing the proper size. Another reason for this may be that you are not putting the diaper correctly. The tabs of the diaper need to be fastened comfortably around your baby’s waist.
Not all diapers are the same, and it is likely that you will have to switch more than several brands before finding the ideal one that will keep your baby comfy. Regardless of the cause of diaper blowouts, it is important to know that there are solutions for this and ways to prevent it.
How to Prevent Diaper Blowouts
Once you experience the first diaper blowout, it is likely that you will do everything that is in your power to prevent it from happening ever again. In the section below, we have listed some practical methods you can try.
1. Pick the Appropriate Size of the Diapers
Checking the diaper size closely is the first step every parent should take in diaper blowout prevention. Babies grow, sometimes too fast for a parent to notice, which is why this is a very important step.
A diaper that is too small will not provide sufficient absorbency, which will eventually lead to leaks and blowouts up the back and around the legs. You should start by choosing the diaper size based on your baby’s weight, and if your baby is on the upper weight limit, you should go up a size.
When we talk about diaper size based on weight, it is much better to be in the lower weight range than the upper.
2. Put the Diaper on Correctly
Once you choose the correct diaper size, the next important step is to secure it properly. If you fail to do so, the diaper can still leak. The back of the diaper should be at level with your baby’s belly button. You should be able to fit 1-2 fingers into the waistband easily, but the diaper still should not be too loose.
3. Leg Cuffs Need to Be Untucked
Before you complete the diaper changing, make sure to run a finger through the leg cuffs. They need to be pulled gently outwards, and this is a simple solution that many diaper manufacturers offer, as it protects from leaks and catches the diaper’s content before coming out of it.
4. Look for Diapers That Have Quality Waistbands
Not all diapers are the same, and not all babies are the same. Different manufacturers make diapers based on what babies need around the waist or legs, so it is safe to say that you will likely switch numerous brands before finding the ideal product for your little one.
The size of the diaper will not always determine the right fit, which is why you should explore the options until you find the one that your baby will feel most comfortable in. Some diapers have better waistbands than others. Look for the type that is a bit more elastic or has some pockets on the back or waistband to catch the poop that might come up the back.
5. Avoid Using Tight Clothing
Tight clothing on your baby can increase the risk of diaper blowout as it puts more pressure on the diaper. When such pressure is applied, the content of the diaper will come out rushing, which is why you should opt for looser types of clothing.
You can also opt for size up in clothing, especially for onesies and pants, whenever you notice that your baby is getting to the end of the size range.
6. You Can Use Diaper Blowout Blockers
A blowout blocker is a piece of washable and reusable fabric that you can attach to your baby’s diaper. It has a velcro that is used to attach this fabric around your baby’s waist, and it extends along the baby’s back.
It is usually made of polyester, and it is waterproof. The inner layer is very soft, and the fabric can wick the moisture from your baby’s skin into the blocker’s absorbent layer. These blockers are also fairly cheap, so they are a worthy consideration in diaper blowout prevention.
7. Use Overnight Diapers
Overnight diapers are an excellent choice for preventing blowouts and leaks, as they are designed to hold extra wetness, and they might be one of the best in the market for this purpose due to their ultra-absorbency.
Aside from being a fantastic choice for heavy wetters and babies that poop a lot, overnight diapers are also great to use when your baby is sick and has diarrhea. Although these diapers are more expensive than regular ones, they are worth every penny.
8. Change Your Baby on a Regular Basis
Changing your baby’s diaper on a regular basis dramatically decreases the risk of blowouts and leaks. In general, infants should be changed every two or three hours, while older infants require a change every three to four hours. It will also help to check if your baby’s diaper is wet every once in a while.
9. Give Cloth Diapers a Chance
Switching to cloth diapers may drastically reduce the number of diaper blowouts and leaks. Cloth diapers are more elastic around your baby’s legs and waists and are more likely to keep the poop explosions at bay.
10. Figure Out Your Baby’s Poop Schedule
Most babies have their own poop schedule, which is no different than adults. Knowing when your baby will poop will drastically increase your chances of preventing the blowouts. It would be wise to change the diaper right beforehand, so it is not full during the act.
Final Words
Diaper blowouts are a regular part of a baby’s life, and it is something that you cannot always prevent. However, there are multiple methods you can use to prevent this from happening, which will make your and your baby’s life a lot easier.
If your baby has frequent blowouts, make sure to try some of the tricks we have listed in this article, and we guarantee they will save you some time in washing the baby’s clothing and the time you spend changing your little one.