When is nappy too small

After each change, you'll want to make sure you're covering all the right spots, including the backside and hips. No coverage on these areas can lead to leaks or an uncomfortable baby.

Check that the fit is straight and symmetrical, front and back and side-to-side. Make sure the waistband is right at the waist, not too high in front or too low in back or vice versa. Diapers with re-sealable tabs will allow you to make any adjustments for a snug, flexible fit. Even with the most attentive diaper-changing schedule, diaper rash can happen - and despite the name, the rash isn't actually caused by the diaper. Irritant diaper dermatitis the medical term for diaper rash is caused by babies' skin being in contact with urine and stool.

The acidity, frequency and consistency of the stool, as well as the pH of the urine, all play a role in the development of red, often painful areas on the skin. If your baby still develops a rash, talk to your pediatrician. Some foods and medications can lead to diaper rash, so you'll want to inform the doctor of anything that might be contributing to irritation. When a "blowout" happens, your first thought may be to blame the diaper. If the diaper is too small, it may chafe and cause a rash.

It also might cause red marks from being too tight. If the diaper begins riding up her hips or bunching at the hips, this is a sign that the diaper is too small, It should fit straight across her hips without pulling upwards in a bikini underwear-esque way. Similarly, if any of the elastic from the tabs is exposed to the skin, the diaper is too small. This is a great place to start when choosing a diaper size.

Size guidelines on nappies overlap by quite a bit and it can sometimes be difficult to know what nappy size might fit baby best. Leaking Does your nappy not last as long as it used to between changes or do you suddenly experience frequent leaks?

Moving up usually resolves this because bigger nappy sizes offer increased absorbency. If your baby develops a rash overnight, this might also be due to a saturated nappy and the wetness being close to the skin. After the nappy is on, run two fingers around just inside the leg cuffs to get them in the proper position to help prevent leaks. After the nappy is fastened, you should be able to fit two fingers under the waistband.

This means the nappy is fitted properly — not too snug, not too loose. To weigh your baby, you can use your normal bathroom scales. Make a note of the number. Then put your baby down in a safe place preferably the cot or give him or her to someone else to hold. Now, step back on the scale without your baby.

The nappy may be too small if your baby shows signs of discomfort for example, pulling at the nappy.