Getting a good fit might seem a bit tricky, but it's simpler than you think. Follow our guide below and you'll be sorted in no time. It's important to make sure the nappy fits snugly and won't leak around the legs or at the back.
First, adjust the height of the nappy if it's a One Size nappy. These nappies are designed to fit babies of different ages and sizes, so adjusting the height is important for a good fit. Cloth nappies generally sit a little lower than disposable nappies, so it's normal for them not to come up as high. At the back, the nappy should sit just above the baby's bottom, and at the front, the edge should be a little below the navel. This provides a comfortable fit without pressing on the baby's tummy.
To adjust the height, use the poppers on the front of the nappy. These allow you to customise the size so the nappy fits your baby well. If there is any excess fabric when you adjust, tuck it upwards towards the poppers used to adjust the waist. This helps to avoid creases that can cause leaks.
Whether you use flat diapers, pockets or the SIO (Snap-In-One) system, a cloth nappy should fit snugly around your child’s legs. It is important to ensure that the elastic sits securely in your child’s groin to prevent leaks. A cloth nappy should fit like a pair of comfortable knickers or briefs. Once you’ve fastened the nappy, check that the elastic around the legs is tucked snugly into the groin without leaving any gaps.
If the nappy is not a snug fit, you can adjust it by tucking in the elastic and double-checking the fit. This step is particularly important to ensure the nappy functions as intended, regardless of the type of cloth nappy you are using.
The nappy should not be too tight around the tummy. If the baby is lying down during the nappy change, there should be enough space to easily slide two adult fingers between the nappy and the baby's tummy. It doesn't matter if there's a bit of looseness around the tummy – it's more important that the baby can move comfortably. Once the nappy is adjusted, fasten the poppers in a way that feels snug but doesn't press too hard on the baby's skin.
If you notice that the nappy leaks anyway, it might be due to the fit. Read our Guide Here to get tips on how you can troubleshoot and fix common problems. Please also see the illustration below for further help.
If it still seems unclear, please watch our video below from the Green Poppy YouTube channel on how to get the ultimate fit for your cloth nappies.
Green Poppy is run by entrepreneur and midwife Emma Kajmo, entirely from home in Eskilstuna.
Founded in 2023 during parental leave, born from a love of reusable and sustainable alternatives, Green Poppy came to life. After a few evening courses and a million Google searches (“how to start your own business”), we were up and running.
Read more about Green Poppy here
