Diaper Blowouts: What Causes Them and How to Prevent Them

Diaper blowouts aren’t just unpleasant; they’re messy, inconvenient, and a hassle. While they can happen to any baby who wears a diaper, they’re particularly common in newborns. We’re here to teach all about them: what causes diaper blowouts and how to prevent them.

What Is a Diaper Blowout? 

If you can picture an explosion of poop, that’s what a diaper blowout looks like. Diaper blowouts refer to any time your baby’s poop escapes their diaper, soiling their clothes, car seat, and more. 

Why Do Diaper Blowouts Happen?

Diaper blowouts can happen for several reasons, one of the most common being constipation. If your baby doesn’t have a bowel movement for a day or two, they’ll likely let everything out at once on day three. With more volume and the same amount of space to contain it, diaper blowout-causing spillage can occur. 

Newborns are most at risk of experiencing baby blowout since they stool very frequently– up to 8 to 12 times a day! And since newborn poop tends to be more watery, it tends to make a bigger mess. 

Diaper blowouts can also happen if your baby is wearing the wrong size diaper. If their diapers are too small and they have a watery stool, it can easily seep out. If their diapers are too big, small gaps between their skin and diapers can cause leaks around the leg cuffs.

How Do You Prevent Diaper Blowouts? 

To prevent diaper blowouts, it’s important to look at two different factors: the fit of your baby’s diapers and their health. If both are in the right place, diaper blowouts can be largely prevented. 

For optimal diaper fit, ensure their diapers are fastened comfortably around their waist, back, and legs. Check the position of the diaper’s leg cuffs when you put them on your baby. If it’s not pulled up to the right height, there’s a higher chance your baby will experience blowouts that leak out around the legs. 

If you find you can’t get the right fit with their current diaper, they may be wearing the wrong size. Verify that your baby is wearing the right size diaper for their weight range. Taking these steps should help to prevent diaper blowout. 

If your baby’s diaper fits well, but they still are experiencing diaper blowouts, it may be an issue with their digestive health. Chronic diarrhea or chronic constipation can result in diaper blowouts. Prevent diaper blowouts but addressing these health concerns with your pediatrician. They’ll improve your baby’s overall happiness, too! 

How to Clean Up a Diaper Blowout 

Unfortunately, diaper blowouts tend to happen at the most inconvenient times. Whether you’re out in public or in the middle of cooking dinner, your baby’s bowel movements can’t wait! If your baby has experienced a diaper blowout, read on to learn what tools to have on hand and how to clean it up.

First, it’s important to always have baby wipes on hand to clean up a diaper blowout. EcoPeaCo. natural bamboo baby wipes come in handy when diaper blowouts happen on the go. It’s also vital to have an extra pair of clothing with you at all times. you never know what will happen with a baby! 

Next, follow these steps to clean up your baby’s diaper blowout when you’re not at home:

• Find a changing table or private area to address the problem.
• Use as many baby wipes as you need to clean your baby’s body.
• Put your baby into a fresh, clean set of clothes.
• Wipe down surfaces that may have come in contact with the blowout.
• Place their soiled clothing in a sealed plastic bag.

If you have the good fortune of being at home when a diaper blowout happens, follow these steps: 

• Strip your baby down and get them in a warm soapy bath as soon as possible. 
• Rinse your baby with soap and water from head to toe. 
• Dry them off and dress them in fresh, clean clothing 
• Head back to the blowout scene and disinfect surfaces that may have been contaminated. 
• Treat the soiled clothes with a pre-wash stain remover and let them soak for about 15 minutes before washing. 

Best Diapers for Blowouts

Many diapers, like our EcoPeaCo. diapers, are designed to prevent diaper blowouts. Look for the following features to determine whether your diapers are made with blowouts in mind: 

• A snug fit to prevent leaks that still allows for lots of flexibility. 
• Elastic leg cuffs that create a good seal around your baby’s legs. 
• A high back to stop a diaper blowout from leaking out the top of your baby’s diaper. 
• Fast absorbing diapers with a high absorption capacity. 

FAQ

How do you properly size a diaper?

To properly size your baby’s diaper and prevent diaper blowouts, first, refer to the size chart to find the diaper that best corresponds to your baby’s weight. Next, check to make sure that the diaper fits correctly. Check these key areas to ensure fit: 

• The diaper should fit snugly, but not overly tight. Make sure you can fit 2 fingers at the waist and in each leg cuff. 

• Your baby’s diaper should sit just below the bellybutton and their diaper tabs should meet in the middle. 

• If your baby is left with red marks after wearing their diaper, it’s a sign that the diaper is too tight. 

What are the best overnight diapers?

EcoPeaCo. diapers are the best overnight diapers for a number of reasons. First, they’re extremely absorbent, meaning you’ll need to change your baby’s diaper fewer times throughout the night. They also feature a high back to prevent blowouts. 

Are diaper blow out extenders worth it?

A diaper blowout extender can be a big help if your baby is prone to frequent blowouts and even the best diapers just aren’t cutting it. They’re a good tool to use on long car rides or if your baby is experiencing gastrointestinal distress. That said, chronic blowouts may be signs of another problem, so it’s best to talk to your doctor if your baby is experiencing frequent diaper blowouts. 

What are some diaper blowout solutions for long car or plane trips?

In addition to packing a diaper blowout extender, consider some of these items: 

• Overnight diapers: Super absorbent overnight diapers aren’t regulated to the nighttime. Use them during long trips for their extra absorbency. 

• Ziploc bags: If a blowout does occur, it helps to have a sealable bag on hand for messes. 

• Hand sanitizer: You don’t always have access to a bathroom on the go. Hand sanitizer is a great tool to clean yourself up after a roadside diaper blowout.