Cloth Nappy Fit Guide
A good nappy fit is really important, it prevents leaks and keeps baby comfortable. You should check the fit each time you put a nappy on your baby.
You may know what rise setting your baby is on and what waist fixture they'll have but this will change as baby grows and as you need more or less absorbent layers in the nappy. If you find a nappy leaks, is rubbing against baby/leaving marks or you're finding it's too loose or tight when it wasn't before, it's more than likely due to the nappy fit because baby has grown or become mobile so not as chunky anymore.
Here are a few easy steps on how to get a good fit:
It may seem like a lot if you're new to cloth but it really does become second nature.
We've made an image as a helpful quick check guide.
Naughty Elephants Squirt Water
N - point fingers NORTH to check rise is neatly in place. You can also think you 'rise up' not down.
E - ensure leg ELASTICS are tucked into the knicker line.
S - the fit around the legs should be SNUG - not too tight and no gaps
W - make sure baby has room to breathe and WIGGLE
You may know what rise setting your baby is on and what waist fixture they'll have but this will change as baby grows and as you need more or less absorbent layers in the nappy. If you find a nappy leaks, is rubbing against baby/leaving marks or you're finding it's too loose or tight when it wasn't before, it's more than likely due to the nappy fit because baby has grown or become mobile so not as chunky anymore.
Here are a few easy steps on how to get a good fit:
- Have the correct nappy size (There are adjustable one-size nappies available) Get in touch if you need help deciding on a size.
- Prepare the nappy correctly. Screwed up inserts are going to make it hard to put a nappy on and be uncomfortable. Front rise snaps can be prepared now but may need adjustment when the nappy is being put on.
- Place the nappy under baby with the waistband level with baby's hips. Unlike disposables, cloth nappies have to be low at the back.
- Bring the front of the nappy through the legs slightly folding it so it brings the leg elastics into the knicker line. Making sure the nappy is snug in the knicker line is really important, the nappy will leak and baby will become sore if it's not correct.
- Place the front of the nappy flat against baby's tummy and around the sides. This will be as high as the belly button.
- While holding the front of the nappy in place pull each waist tab upwards and across to fix it in place. Not straight across, you want it to curve up and around baby's thigh. Ensure you can comfortably slide a finger around the waistband to give baby room. A small gap is fine.
- If you have a sized nappy like Real Easy, you may have more than one row of snaps around the waist or aplix above snaps. You will need to snap the bottom ones in place first because these will be the ones adjusting the tightness around baby's legs.
- This is a great time to check the rise of the nappy if it has rise snaps. The rise snaps are what makes the nappy bigger and smaller; it adjusts the length of the nappy and how tight is it around the legs. If the nappy looks too tight or you can't comfortably run a finger all around the leg elastic, then the rise is too small. If there are gaps or you find leaks around the leg then the nappy needs to go smaller. Try to keep the rise poppers neatly snapped without bulging or bunching in the knicker line.
- If you're using a two part system, you follow the same steps where applicable with the outer wrap. The rise and waist fastenings may be on a larger setting if you have a fitted nappy rather than inserts as the absorbent layer.
- Once everything is in place check there is no inner fabric showing, this will cause wicking if there is.
It may seem like a lot if you're new to cloth but it really does become second nature.
We've made an image as a helpful quick check guide.
Naughty Elephants Squirt Water
N - point fingers NORTH to check rise is neatly in place. You can also think you 'rise up' not down.
E - ensure leg ELASTICS are tucked into the knicker line.
S - the fit around the legs should be SNUG - not too tight and no gaps
W - make sure baby has room to breathe and WIGGLE