All parents have to deal with diaper blowouts but we all want them to happen as rare as possible, right? Choosing the best diapers for blowouts (and the right size!) can definitely help to minimize the chance of poop and pee getting onto your baby’s back and legs.
This article is not a substitute for medical advice. It contains affiliate links.
There’s nothing worse than trying to clean up a mess that has escaped your baby’s diaper and soiled their back or legs, while trying not to act horrified.
Diaper blowouts aren’t something you’d want to discuss in polite company, or discuss at all, but if you want to avoid yucky messes during diaper changes, it has to be done.
Can you prevent diaper blowouts? And if so, is this down to your behavior as parents, or are there any diaper brands that are blowout-proof? These are the questions I’m going to answer in this article.
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While some of us parents head for the diaper aisle and buy the cheapest diapers we can find in our baby’s size, there are a surprising amount of variables and options.
From brightly colored cloth diapers aimed at environmentally-conscious parents to super-absorbent disposable diapers and everything in between, there is a lot to consider.
Today the main thing we want to know is: which are the best diapers to help avoid blowouts and prevent leakages?
While accidents happen, choosing a diaper that is not the best quality will ensure you spend more time in blowout city than you’d like to. Let’s take a look at the best diapers for blowouts as well as what you can do as a parent to prevent blowouts, or at least decrease them.
Best Disposable Diapers To Prevent Blowouts – Reviews
What’s the right disposable diaper brand for preventing blowouts? I took a look at some of the best options for moms and dads who want a blowout-free existence.
1. Kudos Diapers
Once upon a time, parents had two choices: disposable diapers which are terrible for the environment, or cloth diapers which need to be washed constantly, wasting time and water (and forcing parents to deal with quite a bit of mess).
Things are changing, with Kudos offering a disposable option made from plant-based absorbent material.
They are fragrance-free and latex-free, with a core made from chlorine-free wood pulp and without any other potentially harmful chemicals such as phthalates.
They also have an inner liner made from 100% premium cotton and no plastic, which means it is the perfect diaper for babies with eczema or other skin conditions. It’s natural, breathable, soft and less likely to cause itchiness or diaper rash.
While they’re certainly an improvement on most diapers when it comes to sustainability, they still aren’t fully biodegradable, so those who won’t compromise when it comes to the environment may want to choose a cloth diaper instead (although the debate is still on about how eco-friendly cloth diaper truly is).
The only downside I can think of for these is that they may be a bit expensive for many parents, which is pretty common when it comes to natural diapers.
Sadly, you still pay a premium if you want to live sustainably, with less eco-friendly brands such as Pampers and Huggies diapers offering more affordable options.
I had a great experience using Kudos and I found the cute, colorful designs on the diapers a lovely addition. Kudos make some of the best-looking disposables out there, although Honest’s designs are slightly cuter in my opinion. But the big question is, will they help you avoid diaper blowouts?
Kudos diapers feature DoubleDry™ Tech, which the brand describes as a patent-pending double distribution layer that prevents blowouts and offers ‘unsurpassed’ leakage protection and great absorbency compared to other natural diapers.
I tried these on my toddlers and didn’t experience a blowout or any diaper leaks even at night. While this could be down to luck, the reviews I’ve read all seem to say that Kudos really work.
These natural diapers also feature a wetness indicator which will give you heads up when you should change the diaper before it gets damp.
| As far as disposables go, these are the most eco-friendly options, while also being the best option for babies with allergies and sensitive skin. And they are one of the best diapers to prevent blowouts. Kudos to Kudos! |
2. Huggies Snug & Dry
Huggies diapers are one of the most well-known brands on the market, but how are they when it comes to stopping baby’s diaper blowouts?
For me, Huggies Snug & Dry range turned out to be an extra-absorbent diaper, just as the brand claims.
These diapers boast a leak lock system that promises 12 hours of leak protection along with a wetness indicator. I certainly didn’t experience any diaper blowouts when testing them, but then my youngest is already a toddler, and by that stage, blowout issues are usually a whole lot rarer.
Reviews seem to indicate that these are perfect for pee, and pretty good for baby poops too. A mom or two reported a blowout (this seemed most common with parents of a newborn), while others praised the diaper as effective.
All I can report is that these kept our toddler dry, and most reviews say that Snug & Dry work equally well for younger babies.
They are scent-free and hypoallergenic too, so I would be inclined to trust this as one of the better diaper brands. The biggest drawback is the materials used, as these were one of the least soft diapers we tested.
Overall, this is one of the most inexpensive options and in most cases it will prevent diaper blowout.
| PRO TIP: To prevent the smell from spreading in your baby’s nursery, I recommend you to invest in a good diaper pail. Lots of parents uses Diaper Genie, but for some it’s a bit too pricey. If you’re on tight budget, here are the best Diaper Genie alternatives & cheap diaper pails that I recommend. |
3. Pampers Baby Dry
Pampers is a trusted name when it comes to diapers and the best-selling diaper brand in the world, according to Google.
As the name suggests Pampers Baby Dry diapers are designed to be super-absorbent and prevent leaks and blowouts, using absorbent materials and wetness indicators to tell mama (or daddy) when it’s time for a change.
This brand of nappy features a flexible, stretchy waistband and tape fasteners, and a special liner that the brand says helps to keep your baby’s skin dry.
While this product wouldn’t be my first choice (particularly if money wasn’t a factor), I didn’t have any problems when using these with my oldest.
However, a look at the most recent reviews does not paint a flattering picture, with many saying that it has changed for the worst and is now nowhere near leak-free.
Why and how it was changed is unclear, but with many parents all saying the same thing in the reviews, I would be remiss not to mention this.
A few reviews complained of blowouts up the back of the diaper, more than one suggested that when it comes to avoiding mess Pampers Swaddlers are a superior product due to its BreatheFree liner, and a few complained of irritation to their baby’s skin.
| PRO TIP: If you are going to go with Pampers but are worried about your baby’s skin and diaper rash, this Pure Protection range could be your best bet. It offers an unscented and hypoallergenic diaper that a dermatologist tested. Pampers Pure diapers are infused with shea butter in its diaper liner to protect your baby’s sensitive skin. |
4. Honest Diapers
Another brand leading the pack when it comes to more sustainable disposable diapers is Honest, with their Clean Conscious brand.
Like Kudos, these are made from plant-based materials, with an absorbent core made from plant-based fluff pulp.
They are elemental chlorine, latex, and paraben-free, as well as hypoallergenic, and highlight that they don’t test their product on animals. They also boast awesome, colorful designs, so if you don’t feel like putting pants on your baby they will still look cool.
Despite the similarities to Kudos, these don’t seem to be quite as good when it comes to leak protection.
When I used them as overnight diapers, there was a small amount of leakage in the morning or the diaper felt a bit damp. I didn’t experience a diaper blowout, and I didn’t see any reviews from other parents who did either. This is probably due to double poop pockets at baby’s back, that trap all messes inside.
I found many great reviews, with most feedback seeming to indicate that Honest has plenty of fans. Reviews praised these diapers’ stretchy waistband, the cool designs, and plenty say they work just as good as Huggies.
A couple of reviewers suggested that these are currently only really designed to fit snugly on skinny babies, so parents of bigger babies may want to look at a different diaper brand.
| PRO TIP: Even with the best and most natural diapers your child may still get the diaper rash. You should keep in mind that lots of over the counter creams for diaper rashes contain irritants and toxic ingredients that can only make the rash worse. The best solution, especially if your little one has sensitive skin, is to get a natural diaper rash cream that is made from organic ingredients – that are safe for babies’ bums. |
5. Bambo Nature Baby Diapers
Another natural disposable diaper choice with an emphasis on being eco-friendly, Bambo Nature’s baby diaper has won awards.
Like its peers, these diapers are hypoallergenic, and there is no chlorine, latex, or parabens, with a core made from chlorine-free fluff pulp.
Of all the natural diaper brands, Bambo seems to place the highest emphasis on certifications, with their product carrying stamps of approval indicating that they’re certified by the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), the Nordic Swan Eco Label, and have an ‘Asthma Allergy Nordic’ and ‘Dermatologically tested’ badge too.
Bambo Nature diapers boast a thinner design than many other diapers, but the result still appears to be comfortable diaper.
While this product has a lot going for it, the one area they seem lacking in, is the one I’m discussing today.
While I had no issues at our home, reviews seem to indicate that Bambo isn’t completely blowout-proof or the best when it comes to leak control.
They may not be the best option for nighttime, but I do recommend them to all all eco-conscious parents as regular daytime diapers.
| PRO TIP: If you’re looking for the safest and more eco-friendly diapers, check out my ranking of the best non-toxic & biodegradable baby diapers. |
Best Cloth Diapers For Blowouts
Cloth is a good option for those worried about the impact of disposable, non-biodegradable diapers on the Earth.
They come in bright colors and awesome design, will save you money in the long run, and are the best diapers for blowouts. Especially these options:
6. Nora’s Nursery Baby Cloth Pocket Diapers
Nora’s Nursery makes one of the best cloth nappies, which have been getting rave reviews.
This is particularly when it comes to value, with many of their fans suggesting that these are better than other diaper brands which cost up to double the price.
Like many cloth options, they seem to do a great job when it comes to preventing blowouts for babies, especially for parents who are used to disposables.
I loved these, finding that they are thicker and more absorbent than most cloth brands I’ve used, without looking bulkier than the competition.
While I haven’t had ours long, a lot of reviews say they wash well and will still be going a year or two down the line.
The only faults I can think of, are the ones which are true of all cloth options — it’s yucky washing dirty diapers, though a good liner can help minimize this yuckiness.
7. ALVABABY One-Size Cloth Diapers
Another seriously affordable option as far as cloth diapers go, ALVABABY’s also has its fare share of fans.
This option is great value. Both blowouts and diaper rash are extremely uncommon with them, as with most cloth diapers.
On the flip side, I found that putting these back together after a wash was a bit more complicated than most cloth brands.
I also found them slightly bulkier, and found that the material was a bit of a lower quality than some of its competition.
If you can’t get your hands on a pack of Nora’s Nursery Down to Earth diapers, these are a great second choice at more budget-friendly price.
| PRO TIP: If you’re into cloth diapering, you will need a few accessories that will make your life easier. Because cloth diapers are more bulky, you will need the best diaper bag for cloth diapers that has more room to fit them all. And to keep the mess contained when you’re out and about, make sure to always keep a few wet bags for cloth diapers at hand. |
Ultimate Decision: Which Diaper Is Best For Blowouts?
If you’re going for a disposable, you can’t do better than Kudos. If it’s cloth you’re after, we recommend the Nora’s Nursery cloth diaper collection.
What About The Rest?
Other disposables which have some great reviews but which I didn’t personally test include LUVS diapers, Costco’s Kirkland Diapers, and Mama Bear. Other cloth options which score high include Esembly, Thirsties, and Oso Cozy Organic.
How To Choose The Best Diaper For Blowouts
Here are the most important features that you should look out for in the best diaper against blowouts.
Absorbency
When buying diapers to prevent blowouts, make sure you buy a brand that uses absorbent materials and is equipped to soak up moisture and designed for preventing leaks, especially when you’re using them overnight.
Fit (Size)
As I’ll discuss in a bit more detail shortly, diapers that are the wrong size are a one-way ticket to blowout-ville.
You have some control over this (you are, after all, the one choosing the size), but it’s also true that not all baby diapers fit well, especially in the newborn phase or for small babies.
So to avoid blowouts try choosing one that is stretchy and will be a good fit for your baby’s body. As a general rule, the back of the diaper should be level with your baby’s belly button.
Waistband & Leg Cuffs
You want a diaper with a nice, elastic and tight waistband for a snug fit.
Leg cuffs, meanwhile, are your main line of defense against keeping your baby’s legs clean and diaper blowout-free. It isn’t advisable to choose a diaper which doesn’t have leg cuffs.
Make sure the leg cuffs on each of the leg holes are pulled out rather than tucked in, though. If you can’t see those ruffles on each leg cuff, it may as well not be there.
Softness
If you’re concerned about your baby’s skin, the ideal is a super-soft, comfortable diaper designed to keep your baby snug and dry. While this may be more for comfort than to prevent diaper blowouts, it’s an important factor when choosing a diaper brand, especially for babies with sensitive, itchy skin.
Scent
Whether your diaper is scented or not, won’t prevent blowouts, but if you want to protect your baby’s delicate skin, it always makes more sense to choose a diaper that is unscented (and, for that matter, hypoallergenic and lotion-free).
This could even protect against more serious problems like liver malfunction or (believe it or not) infertility for male babies in later life.
So choose unscented! After all, they’re all going to smell like poop and pee in the end.
Best Diapers For Preventing Blowouts – FAQ
You already know what are the best diapers to prevent blowout, now it’s time for general information about baby blowouts.
How Do I Know If My Baby’s Diaper Is The Right Size?
A diaper that fits properly is one way to reduce the chances that you’ll have a diaper blowout.
- Make sure you’re using the right diaper for your baby’s weight range.
- Make sure the diaper is tight but not uncomfortable.
- Check the fit of the elastic band around the waist. You should be able to fit a finger between your baby’s back and the back of the diaper.
Are Diaper Blowouts Normal?
The short answer is yes. Any parents that can get through the diaper phase without at least one diaper blowout or two are either extremely lucky or know all the tricks about keeping the dreaded blowout at bay.
Why Does My Baby Have So Many Blowouts?
If you’re dealing with frequent blowouts, this could be down to one of a few causes. If you’d like to keep messes contained, ask yourself the following questions…
- What is the size of the diaper?
As we’ve mentioned, incorrect diaper size is often a factor. Check my handy guide on choosing the right size diaper, it’s just a couple of questions above.
- What is the quality of the diaper?
As the reviews in this blog post prove, some baby diapers are better at minimizing mess than others.
While not every parent has the luxury of choosing the best diapers, you can investigate and choose the best diaper to prevent blowouts in your price range.
- How are you using the diaper?
If you don’t make sure the diaper is on properly, tight but not too tight, with each leg cuff out rather than in, you may find yourself dealing with poop, even if you’re using the best diapers.
Do Blowouts Mean The Diaper Is Too Small?
Making sure you choose the right size diaper for your baby can help prevent blowouts, many of which are caused by using a diaper that is too small.
This is, however, only one of a few possible causes of your baby’s blowouts.
What Diaper Is Best For Blowouts Up The Back?
As we’ll discuss in more detail shortly, diapers made from cloth have a sturdier waistband than disposables, making them your best bet for preventing a diaper blowout up the back.
If you prefer disposables, then go for an option with a strong, stretchy elastic waistband, and elastic straps are a definite bonus. Diapers designed for active babies are also usually a safe bet.
Some disposables have a ‘poop guard’, a small, pocket tab at the back of the diaper, acting as as an extra precaution against baby poop going up your baby’s back.
Why Does My Baby’s Poop Keep Going Up His Back?
Blowouts up the back of the diaper are usually caused by your baby’s mess escaping the waistband of the diaper.
When diapers leak or blowout the back, this could be because you’re not using the right diaper size, because it’s simply too full to keep the mess contained, or because the waistband isn’t strong enough.
How Do You Keep Diapers From Blowing Out?
No matter how well-designed a diaper is, blowouts can happen. If you want to take additional measures at an extra cost to prevent the dreaded diaper blowout and increase leak control, here are some things that could help.
- A diaper extender pad
Diaper extenders are a type of absorbent pad that come in the form of soft, flexible, absorbent pads you use as a diaper insert, offering extra absorbency above the diaper’s existing absorbent layers, and to help reduce the chance of blowouts.
- A baby blowout blocker
These are attached to your baby’s waist with velcro and are especially useful for stopping blowouts up the back, preventing moisture leakage onto clothes, or baby blankets, duvets, and furniture, for that matter.
- Cloth diaper cover
Some brands offer a cloth diaper cover that you can place over a disposable diaper to prevent moisture leakage or blowouts, which can come in handy, especially for overnight diapers.
How To Prevent Diaper Blowouts?
While diapers that stop 100% of blowouts may be a figment of our fantasies, there’s a lot you can do to ensure that blowouts become far more occasional and uncommon.
While diaper extenders and other products can help, not all of it is about which diaper you pick. Two of the main things to look at are:
- Regular changing
If you’re going to let mess pile up in your baby’s diaper, no brand will be able to stop an eventual diaper blowout (not to mention inevitable rashes on your baby’s skin).
- Diet
There could be something in your baby’s diet that is causing diarhea, which in turn would cause blowouts. Or, if they’re breastfeeding, it may be something in your diet, mom.
There also may be something making your baby constipated. When the constipation finally ends, a massive blowout is often the result.
After you introduce solids and your baby starts eating foods and stops exclusively bottle or breastfeeding, blowouts should decrease, although if your baby has a food sensitivity they could increase, too.
Do Cloth Diapers Help With Blowouts?
I’ve used a mix of cloth diapers and disposables for our kids, and I found that cloth diapers are the best at preventing diaper blowouts.
While I hadn’t given the reason why cloth brands are the best diapers for blowout-prevention much thought before, Google indicated that the back elastic waistbands of cloth diapers are tighter, and that this creates a snug fit that helps prevent blowouts.
The purpose of this article is informative. It’s not a substitute for medical consultation or medical care. Remember: safety first! Consult your doctor/pediatrician in case of any doubts. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here.
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Sources of pictures: Kudos, Huggies, Pampers, Honest, Bambo, Nora’s Nursery, ALVABABY
Hello Moms! I am Zooey. I am a wife and a mother of three amazing kids: almost 5-year-old Haley and 2-year-old twins Jesse and Matthew. I am a jogger, cooker and blogger.If you have a question or a comment, do not hesitate to write to me! 🙂