How do you know when it’s time to get a larger cloth diaper size? Typically the age of your baby is not a helpful indicator since each baby grows at their own pace. We have identified 4 signs that can tell you if it’s time to size up in cloth diaper, no matter what type of cloth diaper your baby is wearing.

  1. Leaks
  2. Saturated Diapers
  3. Too Tight
  4. Check the Weight Range

#1 Leaks

Leaks can be caused by an incorrect fit, but they can also be a sign that baby needs more cloth around their bum! As your child grows, so does their bladder. This means they will poop and pee in greater quantities. Baby will need the additional fabric of a larger diaper to keep up with these changes in their body. If you are encountering more pee leaks, this is an especially good sign they need more absorbing fabric.

#2 Saturated Diapers

When diapers are fully saturated you may encounter the leaks described above. If you typically change your baby every 1.5-2 hours but are suddenly finding their diapers are soaking wet within this time window, you likely need a larger diaper. Obviously the diaper is going to be wet in all situations, but if you’re finding the diaper heavy to the point of dripping after 1.5 hours you need more absorption. If the diaper seems to fit well, then you may simply need to add some overnight layers. However, if there is a larger diaper size available, it is worth trying out.

#3 Too Tight

Cloth diapers are super adjustable with all the snaps on the covers. You’ll know the diaper is getting too tight when it’s leaving red indentations or seems to be cutting off circulation. Some red marks with cloth diapers are normal, like what socks leave on your ankle. But if it’s digging in too much you’ll know you need a larger diaper or to go onto the next snap adjustment.

All-in-Ones

Green Diaper Babies only offers two sizes of all-in-ones, so it’s not too big mystery when it’s time to move from the small diapers to the large ones. You’ll know it’s time to graduate from small to large when you’re at the largest snaps and the inner wings cannot lay flat and pulled back. When their little booty starts sticking out the back, you definitely knows it’s time for a bigger diaper! Teddy is wearing a preemie cloth diaper, but you can see the strain and bunching in the top middle caused by the diaper being pulled too tight.

Teddy bear with an all-in-one cloth diaper that is too small. The middle front of the diaper is bulging and straining.

 

Prefolds

When a prefold is too small you will notice that the corners no longer comfortable wrap all the way to the front. Take Teddy for example, this prefold is too small for him. The snappi should not be rubbing on the skin like that. He is ready for a larger diaper!

Teddy bear with a prefold diaper that is too small on him. The diaper does not wrap all the way around.

#4 Check the Weight Range

While baby’s age may not be helpful in determining a diaper size, the weight range is an essential factor! Check your baby’s weight to the according diaper size on this chart. These ranges describe prefolds and all-in-ones produced by Luludew and Nest disposable diapers, so these may not be applicable to all cloth diapers.

 

As a customer of Green Diaper Babies you can request to switch or test out the next size. If it appears you’re in the right diaper size but are having trouble with leaks or proper fit, we recommend reading these tips to get a good fit with a prefold cover or all-in-one diaper.