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Before you break out the hazmat suit, here are some helpful tips
Quick notes
When poop isn’t firmed up quite yet, you’re more likely to get some leakage out of a diaper
The best way to prevent leaks is to make sure you’re using the correct size diaper
When you notice diaper blowouts happening more frequently, it is probably time to go up a size in a diaper
If you’ve ever changed a baby, you’ve likely encountered the dreaded baby blowout. You start to smell that haunting aroma, and you quickly see some leakage out of the diaper.
Before you panic, there are some ways you can prevent diaper blowouts from happening. Here’s a guide to everything to everything you need to know about reducing your chances of a diaper blow out and what to do when they happen.
Why do diaper blowouts happen?
Diaper blowouts can happen for several reasons. They can also occur anytime from birth until around age two and a half.
A diaper blowout most commonly occurs in the first year of life, however. This is because a baby is primarily drinking breastmilk or formula, and their solid food intake is still pretty small. When poop isn’t firmed up quite yet, you’re more likely to get some leakage out of a diaper.
Diaper blowouts usually happen when a diaper either isn’t on correctly or when it doesn’t fit properly. Little ones move and wiggle quite often. It’s easy for a diaper to slip out of place from time to time. When a diaper shifts to one side or another, you might see some leaks out of that side.
How to prevent leaks
The best way to avoid leaks is to make sure you’re using the correct size diaper. Check the weight and size guide on the diapers you’re using. Stick to the recommended size for the best fit.
When you notice diaper blowouts happening more frequently, it is probably time to go up a size in a diaper. By going up to the next size, you’ll likely see a reduction in the number of blowouts.
If a diaper is too small, there might not be enough room for the diaper to contain everything properly. If a diaper is too big, you might see the diaper shifting more frequently.
Cleanup tips
While there is no magic button to exchange your dirty little cutie for a new one, there are a few easy to make clean up less gross.
First, if you’re at home, head straight to the bathroom. Remove the dirty diaper, clothes, and anything else that got soiled. Set it aside for spot removal later. Start a bath for your baby in the bathtub or sink. While the tub is getting warm, take some baby wipes and remove a large amount of poop before the bath. Once they are semi-cleaned up, hit the tub for a good cleaning.
Remember to put a little detergent on your baby’s clothes before putting them in the washer. You’ll need to pre-treat them a little bit, so the stains don’t stay.
For diaper blowouts on the go, keep a stash of plastic baggies handy to keep dirty clothes in. You can also use a bag to dispose of your baby’s diaper bomb.
Properly cleaning your baby’s bum will help prevent diaper rash. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a few tips for treating diaper rash, which is common with blowouts.
Most importantly, remember to hang in there. The diaper blowouts will end eventually.
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