How to get the perfect fit with cloth nappies

Getting the fit right is the single most important thing you can do to prevent leaks with cloth nappies. A well-fitted nappy keeps everything where it should be — and once you’ve done it a few times, it becomes second nature. Here’s exactly how to do it.

Step-by-step: how to fit a cloth nappy

1. Open the nappy and lay it out on your changing table. Position baby on the nappy with the back elastic just above the bum crack.
2. Pinch the middle of the nappy as you pull it between the legs to make sure the elastics are snug against the panty line.
3. Pull the nappy up and over baby’s tummy.
4. Hold the front tab snug against baby’s hip, above the thigh.
5. Pull the wing from the back of the nappy over to the front and secure the tabs.
6. Repeat on the other side.
7. There should be enough of a gap for 2 fingers between baby and the nappy.
8. Check that the leg elastic is still sitting in the panty line.
9. The front of the nappy will sit quite high on baby’s tummy — close to but under the navel.
10. If necessary, adjust the rise snaps and tack the extra fabric upwards between the snaps.
11. If there is still a gap in the leg area, gently tug the front tabs until the gap closes. This is the Bunny Ear Hack — the tabs stick out at the waist.
12. Check that the back of the nappy is just above the bum crack.

How to check the fit is right

A correctly fitted cloth nappy should feel snug but never tight. Run through this quick checklist after every change until it becomes habit:

• Two-finger gap at the waist — if you can’t fit two fingers between the nappy and baby’s tummy, it’s too tight
• Leg elastics in the panty line — not digging in, not gaping out
• Back elastic just above the bum crack — not sitting too low
• No red marks after removal — some light marks are normal (same as sock marks), but deep red lines mean the fit needs adjusting
• No gaps at the legs — if you see a gap, try the Bunny Ear Hack (step 11 above)

What if it’s still leaking?

Most cloth nappy leaks come down to fit, not absorbency. If you’re getting leaks, work through this before assuming the nappy needs boosting:

• Check the leg elastics are in the panty line — this is the most common culprit
• Check the rise snaps — if the nappy is too long in the body, the leg elastics can’t sit correctly
• Check the nappy is absorbent enough for your baby’s output — some babies are heavy wetters and need a booster insert
• Check your wash routine — build-up on inserts reduces absorbency over time

Still struggling? Get in touch with us — we’ve been fitting cloth nappies for 17+ years and we’re happy to help troubleshoot.

It gets easier

The first few times you fit a cloth nappy it might feel fiddly. That’s completely normal. By the end of the first week most parents can fit a cloth nappy faster than a disposable — and without the guilt of another one going to landfill. Stick with it. You’ve got this.