Even if you and your little explorer are already a well-practiced team during diaper changes, chances are a diaper has leaked once or twice. That’s completely normal in everyday baby life and can’t always be avoided. However, there are a few simple things you can check to help your baby’s diaper fit as perfectly as possible. The right size, a proper fit and the correct changing routine can make a big difference when it comes to preventing leaks.

Incorrect Diaper Size

One of the most common reasons for leaking diapers—from newborns to toddlers—is choosing the wrong diaper size. If a diaper is too small, it won’t properly cover your baby’s bottom and may sit too low on the body. This can cause gaps where moisture can escape. A helpful rule of thumb: once your baby weighs around 4 kilograms, it’s usually time to move up from size 1 to the next diaper size. 

The weight ranges on the packaging of LILLYDOO diapers can guide you when deciding when to size up. If you’re unsure, you can also check our guide on how to find the right diaper size. If your baby’s diaper frequently leaks, switching to the next size is often the quickest solution.

Incorrect Diaper Fit

Besides the right size, the fit of the diaper is just as important for preventing leaks. This becomes especially noticeable at night, when babies move a lot in their sleep or lie on their side. If the diaper is fastened too loosely, leaks can happen easily. But fastening it too tightly can also cause problems. When the diaper cuts into your baby’s legs, the leak protection barriers may not work properly.

A good fit usually looks like this:

• You can slide two fingers between the waistband and your baby’s tummy
• The leg cuffs sit gently around the legs
• The leak guards are not folded inward

When the diaper sits comfortably and securely, it can absorb reliably—even when your baby is lying on their side.

Changing Too Infrequently

Even the most absorbent diaper has its limits. If your baby wears a diaper for too long, it can eventually leak. That’s why it helps to pay attention to your baby’s individual rhythm and change the diaper regularly throughout the day. Tip: All LILLYDOO diapers come with a urine indicator - when it turns from yellow to blue, it's time to change the diaper. ;)

Before bedtime, it’s often a good idea to put on a fresh diaper so your baby can sleep comfortably and stay dry longer during the night.

Leak Guards Are Not Positioned Correctly

Every diaper has small leak guards along the leg cuffs. These barriers are designed to prevent moisture from escaping. After putting on the diaper, check that the leak guards are unfolded and sitting outward like a small ruffle along your baby’s legs. If they are tucked inward or twisted, leaks can happen more easily. Taking a quick second to adjust them during each diaper change can make a big difference.

A Simple Way to Reduce Leaks

In most cases, diaper leaks can be minimized by focusing on two things: the correct diaper size and a proper fit.

As your baby grows, their diaper needs will change. Adjusting the size early often helps prevent leaks before they become frequent. If you use a diaper subscription, you can easily switch to the next size and keep everything perfectly tailored to your baby’s needs with LILLYDOO+.

Relax — It Happens to Every Parent

Even with the perfect diaper, small accidents can still happen. That’s simply part of life with a baby. Try to stay relaxed and remember: almost every parent deals with leaking diapers at some point. With the right diaper size, a comfortable fit and regular changes, you’re already doing everything you can to keep your little explorer dry and happy.