How Do You Know If a Diaper Is Too Big?

Are you worried your little one might be wearing a diaper that feels more like a parachute than a cozy cocoon? It's a common concern — after all, we all strive for cleanliness and comfort for our precious babes. The parents here at Hello Bello have put our heads together to come up with an easy way to help you figure out if you’ve got the right diapers and fit for your baby. Let’s get into it!  

Is It Bad to Use Diapers That Are Too Big?

There are so many reasons you don’t want your little sweetie in a diaper that’s too big:

1. Accidents. If a diaper is too big, those unexpected leaks become a regular occurrence.
2. Rashes. Proper absorption requires a close fit, which is crucial for keeping skin irritation at bay.
3. Appearance. There’s nothing cute about a saggy, baggy diaper.
   

So, in short, the right diaper size helps your baby stay comfortable, dry, and free from any skin irritations and infections that might happen from having the wrong diaper size.

A Step-By-Step Guide to Picking the Right Diaper Size

Step 1: Consider your baby's weight.

Baby diapers are categorized by weight. While this guideline is a solid starting point, it's important to remember that babies come in all shapes and sizes, which can also influence how well a diaper fits.

Step 2: Know how a diaper should fit.

Easy guidance for finding the perfect fit:

• Restraints: Do the tabs pull closed easily at the tummy, no tugs necessary? The tabs shouldn’t meet or overlap in the middle.
• Rise: Does the top of the diaper sit just beneath the belly button? Those tabs shouldn’t cover the belly button.
• Ruffles: Are the leg hole ruffles out and sitting comfortably? Avoid tucking the ruffles under, doing so can cause red marks which can mean circulation issues and skin irritations.
• Rear: Does the diaper cover your baby’s bottom? We don’t want sagging, puffing, or excess material here.
• Range of motion: Is your baby moving and grooving freely? A diaper shouldn’t fall off or hinder normal everyday activities.

Step 3: Be mindful about the frequency of blowouts.

While the occasional blowout is an inevitable rite of passage for every parent (we sympathize, truly!), if you find yourself summoning the hazmat squad more frequently than you'd like, it might be a sign that the diaper size is to blame. Try sizing down and see if that resolves the issue.

Step 4: Look for red marks.

If you notice your baby tugging at the leg bands or you regularly spot red marks in the groin area — even after adjusting the tabs — it’s probably time to consider a larger diaper size. (And in the meantime, a dab of soothing, natural diaper cream might provide some relief!)

Here’s The Bottom Line...

It’s worth noting, fit can also vary by brand. And hey, speaking of brands, did you know that every parent has their personal favorite? With our “Try Before You Subscribe” pack, Hello Bello introduces you to a new size, a pack of luxuriously soft hypoallergenic baby wipes, and a sweet $20 discount on your first subscription if you decide to make it a regular thing.

We’re delighted to be part of your journey towards comfort and confidence during these wonderfully chaotic early years.