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Diaper blowouts are an all-too-common rite of passage for parents—especially during the newborn stage when babies are on a liquid diet and have frequent, runny bowel movements. While occasional blowouts are inevitable, there are some strategies you can employ to minimize the mess. Here’s what you need to know about why diaper blowouts happen, how to prevent them, and what to do when one strikes.

What is a diaper blowout?

First of all, if you’re asking this question, congratulations on never having had to contend with a five-alarm poop-up-the-back emergency! A diaper blowout is exactly what it sounds like: A poop explosion that leaks out of your baby’s diaper and up their back, down their legs, or—if you’re extra unlucky—both. Blowouts don’t discriminate, either! Blowouts happen with both breastfed and formula-fed babies and are especially common in the early months when poops are more liquid-y.

What causes diaper blowouts?

There are a few reasons why diaper blowouts happen:

  • Your baby’s poop is runny. Newborns and young infants tend to have soft, sometimes explosive stools, especially if they’re breastfed. As your baby grows and starts solid foods, poop usually becomes more solid, which can help reduce blowouts.
  • Your baby is gassy or constipated. Built-up pressure from gas or constipation can force a poop out with such force that even a good diaper can’t contain it. (Learn more about how to help a constipated baby!)
  • Your baby has diarrhea. If your baby has diarrhea, it’s tough for any diaper to keep the mess in. In this case, it's a good idea to call your pediatrician, especially if diarrhea lasts more than a day or two.
  • Your baby’s diaper is the wrong size. An ill-fitting diaper can cause poo to leak out the sides or up the back.

Do blowouts mean the diaper is too small?

Often, yes. If your baby is consistently having blowouts, it could be a sign that the diaper size is too small. Diapers that are too tight don’t have enough absorbency and may not fit snugly around your baby’s thighs and waist, leaving gaps where poop can escape.

How to Make Sure Your Diaper Fits Well

  • The waistband should sit just under the belly button without gaping or leaving red marks.
  • The leg cuffs should wrap around baby’s thighs without any gaps. (Make sure the ruffles are pulled out—they help contain messes!)
  • If you’re frequently experiencing leaks or blowouts, size up!

How to Prevent Diaper Blowouts

Make sure you’re using the right diaper size.

A well-fitting diaper is your first line of defense against blowouts. If a diaper is too small, it may not have enough absorbent material, increasing the risk of leaks. Conversely, if it's too big, gaps around the waist or legs may allow leaks before the material can absorb moisture.

To get that just-right size:

  • Check the diaper's weight range and consider sizing up if leaks are frequent.
  • Ensure the diaper sits snugly around your baby's waist and thighs without leaving red marks.

Make sure you’ve fastened the diaper correctly.

Even if you have the right fit, things could go very wrong if you haven’t the diaper on correctly.

Your diaper fit checklist:

  • The diaper should be is snug around the waist and legs.
  • Ensure the waistband is at or just below your baby's belly button.
  • The back of the diaper should sit higher than the front. Some parents even roll the back waistband outward to create a "poop pocket."
  • You should be able to fit one finger between the diaper and your baby's skin.
  • Pull out the leg cuffs (the ruffled edges) to prevent leaks.

Change diapers on the reg.

Leaving a diaper on for too long can lead to blowouts, especially if it's already saturated. A good rule-of-thumb: Change diapers every 2 to 3 hours or as soon as they're soiled. And be vigilant during and after feedings, since meals give a baby’s bowels movin’.  

Pick the right diaper brand.

Not all diapers fit all babies the same way. If one brand doesn’t seem to contain your baby’s messes, try another that may fit their body shape better. Experiment until you find a match fit- and absorbency-wise. And consider diapers with elastic waistbands and leg cuffs for better containment.

Think about diaper covers or blowout blockers.

Some parents swear by diaper covers, cloth diaper shells over disposables, or special "blowout blockers" like waterproof back pads. This might be a smart move during naps or outings when blowouts are the most inconvenient. If you use a diaper cover, make sure it fits snugly over the diaper without being too type.

Monitor diet and digestion.

As babies start solid foods, their digestion changes, which can affect stool consistency and frequency.  Introduce new foods gradually and keep an eye out for patterns (do blowouts always seem to follow a certain food or food group?). Chat with your pediatrician if you notice persistent diarrhea or constipation.

How to Handle Diaper Blowouts

Despite your best efforts, blowouts will happen. Here are some parent-tested strategies for dealing with them:

  • Stay calm. Blowouts can be messy and frustrating, but they’re totally normal. Take a deep breath (okay…maybe not too deep if you’re dealing with an extra stinky load) and get cleaning.

  • Have a blowout kit on hand. Keep a stash of diapers, wipes, a change of clothes (for baby and you), plastic bags, a portable changing pad, and a zip-top waterproof bag in your diaper bag and/or trunk.

  • Remove clothes carefully. Use envelope necks to pull onesies down over baby’s body rather than over the head to minimize mess.

  • Use a warm washcloth. Some parents find that reusable washcloths clean better than wipes.

  • Protect your changing area. Lay down a waterproof pad or towel before you start cleaning up.

  • Reset with a bath. If the blowout is extensive, skip the wipes and head straight for the tub.

  • Learn and adjust. Note what baby was wearing, how the diaper was fastened, and whether they were due for a change. These clues can help prevent future blowouts.

More Diapering Tips:

 

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.