Monday, October 1, 2012

How to Size Your Cloth Diapers: Sizing Tips for that Perfect Diaper Fit


This month and the next, we’ll be focusing on some of the basics of cloth diapering that can often confuse and overwhelm a new parent. Yes, while cloth diapering is definitely a great way to keep baby dry, comfy and rash-free, getting started with it needs some prep and education. For instance, how do you find the right cloth diaper size? How do you ensure that the diaper will fit baby snugly but not too tightly? Sizing cloth diapers can be confusing and here at Smart Baby, we’re all about simplifying the process, answering your questions and helping you make cloth diapering an effortless part of your life. Here is how to ensure you get the best fitting bumGenius or Flip cloth diaper for your little one:

Snaps for a Snazzy Fit

All our cloth diapers, both bumGenius and Flip, come with 3 rows of snaps and each row has 3 snaps. This unique 3x3 snap-py design helps each diaper to provide a Small, Medium and Large setting. That’s right. One diaper can help baby go through 3 different size stages. Yes, money saving too!

Stretching It Sweetly

Our unique diaper design also includes ‘stretch to fit’ tabs in both bumGenius and Flip diapers. Stretch-to-fit means that your diaper gets the best fit around the front and it is as easy-fitting as a disposable! Best of all, stretch to fit tabs come with a choice of hook and loop fasteners OR snaps. You can choose depending on whether you want quick and easy fastening or more secure fastening for your baby’s diaper.

Weighing Them Right

While our snaps make it possible for diapers to grow with baby, we do have some weight guidelines as well:
  • The small size setting can be used when baby weighs approximately 8 to 16 kgs.
  • The medium size setting can be used when baby weighs about 17 to 22 kgs.
  • The large size setting can be used when baby weighs 23 to 35 kgs.

Testing the Fit

How do you ensure that the diaper is fitting baby properly and that it wouldn’t just slide off or that it wouldn’t be too tight or uncomfortable?

Here’s how:

Pick up your baby's legs after putting the diaper on and observe how it fits around the legs and bottom. Is it snug? If you can see air between the diaper and their skin, then you need to refine the fit. Trying a smaller snap setting and fasten the tabs snugly. When your child stands up, notice how the insert or soaker is positioned relative to the back elastic. If the insert or soaker is higher than the back elastic, lay your child down, release the tabs, pull the diaper slightly towards the front and refasten the tabs. If you notice that the front of the diaper is positioned low over your baby's thighs or that it is difficult to fasten the diaper around your baby's waist, try using a larger snap setting. This will increase the rise of the diaper and improve overall fit. Fitting and sizing your bumGenius and Flip diapers is easy and ensures that baby gets the perfect fit at different ages and stages, while you get a diaper that actually keeps up with your baby’s growth and saves you money in the long run. Win-win! Questions? Ask the Diaper Guru or Join the Smart Baby Community on Facebook and ask away. We look forward to making cloth diapering happy for both baby and you.