We’ve all been there- you’re already 15 minutes late for your appointment, you pull sweet baby out of their car seat and then you wonder, “Hmm, why are you wet?” Oh no. The dreaded blow out! Pee (or worse- poo!) has oozed right out of your baby’s diaper all over their outfit and car seat. Once one blowout happens, usually several more follow over the next few days unless you can solve the issue.
I’ll share with you what I’ve found helps me avoid blowouts and a few items that can help survive one. As an Amazon Affiliate, I make a commission for qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting another Mama!
What Causes Diaper Blowouts
Diaper blowouts happen when a baby’s diaper fails, usually resulting in a messy situation. Several factors can contribute to this:
- Incorrect Size: Using a diaper that’s too small or too big can lead to leaks and blowouts. If the diaper doesn’t fit snugly around the legs and waist, there’s more room for leaks.
- Poor Fit: Sometimes, the way the diaper is put on can affect its effectiveness. If it’s not snugly fastened around the legs or if the leg cuffs aren’t properly positioned, leaks are more likely to occur.
- Absorbency: A diaper that isn’t absorbent enough might leak faster, especially if it’s overwhelmed by the baby’s output, leading to blowouts.
- Delayed Changing: If a baby stays in a wet or soiled diaper for too long, it can exceed the diaper’s capacity, leading to leaks and blowouts.
- Positioning: When babies move, crawl, or shift positions, it can cause the contents to move to areas where the diaper might not provide enough coverage, resulting in leaks.
- Type of Waste: The consistency of a baby’s stool can also play a role. Runnier stools are more likely to leak compared to thicker ones.
- Digestive Changes: Introducing new foods or changes in the baby’s diet can lead to changes in stool consistency, potentially causing leaks.
Preventing Diaper Blowouts
Ensure the diaper is the right size and properly fitted
First and foremost, your baby’s diaper needs to be the correct size to capture their waste and be properly fitted around their waist and legs. Ensure the diaper fits your baby correctly because diapers that are too small or too big increase the likelihood of leaks.
Make sure the diaper is snug around the legs and waist. Ensure the diaper is placed correctly. The leg cuffs and back band should be outwards and not tucked in. Adjust the leg cuffs and waistband to fit comfortably but securely as needed to get a good seal.
Pro Mama Tip: If your baby is a boy, they way they are pointing can actually cause them to leak! Make sure they are pointing down into their diaper when you change them to help avoid major leaks.
Change diapers frequently
Regularly check and change diapers, especially after feedings or when the baby wakes up. Avoid letting the diaper stay too full for too long. Check the diaper periodically to see if it’s reaching its absorbency limit. Change if needed, even if it hasn’t reached its recommended time.
It goes without saying diapers have their limits and some claim to be absorbent for 12 hours, but just won’t make it that long depending on your baby’s day. When my little guy drinks more than usual they fill up very quickly and you can’t exactly plan for it.
Pro Mama Tip: If you’re going for a car ride, consider changing them before you leave. The snugness of the car seat and the baby’s positioning seem to make blowout happen more frequently.
Choose the right diaper
Picking the right diaper is half the blowout battle. Some brands might fit your baby’s body shape better than others. Experiment with different brands to find the one that works best for your baby. If you’re still expecting, try putting a few brands you’d like to try on your registry so that you can try them out without committing.
Ensure you’re using a diaper with adequate absorbency for your baby’s needs. Consider using an overnight diaper for long sleep periods. They’re more absorbent for when you baby may go longer without a change.
Pro Mama Tip: When my baby starts having blow outs consistently (2 or 3 days in a row), I’ve notice that the weight range provided on the diaper package may not apply for my baby. You may need to size up your diaper even if your baby is well within their current diapers weight range! Don’t be afraid to try sizing up.
Blowout Clean Up
Blowouts are unavoidable- but they don’t have to be frustrating to handle if you’re prepared. Here are a few items I’ve found helpful and avoiding blowout panic.
Wet Bags
When a blowout happens, wet bags are an absolute lifesaver. They are reusable, waterproof bags that you can throw your baby’s soiled clothes right in. They save your diaper bag, car, stroller, etc. from becoming dirty and can be thrown right in the wash when you get home. I find they also help to contain the bad odors.
Car Diaper Station
Always be prepared on the go with a portable diaper station right in your car. Keep it stocked with extra diapers and one or two extra outfits. I recommend making the outfits footed pajamas so you don’t have to remember socks, pats, shirt, etc. every time you replace an outfit post blowout.
Pro Mama Tip: Don’t forget to periodically check your car station that your baby’s clothes and diapers don’t need to be changed if they’ve moved up a size. If you think you’re going to forget, consider setting a monthly reminder on your phone to take a look.
Waterproof Stroller Protector
Protect your stroller from blowouts with a waterproof stroller protector. I recommend getting a 2 pack so that you can easily just switch out to the second protector when your first becomes soiled.
It’s much easier to clean or replace a protector than your stroller!
Conclusion
Blowouts happen, Mama- but you’re officially one step closer to avoiding them and more prepared to handle them without breaking a sweat. When your little one has their next blowout, take a deep breath and remember that you’re amazing! Your little one may just need a bigger diaper and a whole lot of love.
What’s the craziest place you’ve ever had to deal with a blow out? Share in the comments so we know we’re not alone.
Baby Talk 