Every mom dreads it – the unexpected “Diaper Blowout” when you least anticipate. It’s messy, inconvenient, and seems to always happen at the worst time. We chatted with experienced moms, consulted pediatricians, and tested countless methods.
Dive into this article to discover effective and easy Diaper Blowout solutions that will save your day. Say goodbye to unexpected messes with these pro tips!
What Are Diaper Blowouts and Why Do They Happen?
For first-time parents, it can be alarming to see the mess it made. However, it’s also important to be aware of the situation to avoid panicking. A blowout diaper is the last thing you want to see when you glance at your little munchkin, so, what is it?
A diaper blowout is simply when your baby’s stool and/or urine go outside of their diapers, thus the term, blowout.
Blowouts happen for many different reasons – you can’t just blame a single thing. We’ll dive deep into understanding the usual causes of blowout diapers so you get a better sense of it!
What Are Some Warning Signs of a Blowout Diaper?
When you notice these warning indicators, you know you’re in for the infamous diaper disaster.
Be on the lookout for the following possible warning signs that your baby’s diaper has blown out:
- Bloated or bulgier diaper than what you’re used to seeing
- Heavier and weighted diaper, saggy or loose diaper
- Dirty or stained leg cuffs
- Poop stains on their clothing and/or back
What Causes a Blowout Diaper?
It’s no secret that diaper blowouts can become extremely messy, especially if you come unprepared. However, there are a couple of causes that can help you identify and recognize the usual causes of a blowout diaper.
Constipation
One of the most common causes of blowout diapers is constipation. Think about it, if your baby doesn’t poop for a day or two, they’ll most likely let out their excretions all at once, thus, their poop exploding from their diapers.
Incorrect Diaper Size
This comes next in the most common causes of a blowout, as incorrect sizes tend to lead to the diaper being improperly fastened or locked. A diaper too big can be extremely loose on the legs of your baby, while the one too tight can cause it to close from within and break out when force enters.
Diaper Has Not Been Fastened Correctly
Incorrect diaper fastening can also be a culprit. I mean, with the laws of physics, it’s clear why any form of liquid flows out of things that aren’t securely placed – the same thing applies with diapers. If the diaper isn’t fastened properly, then either poop or pee (or both) can actually seep outside of the diaper, causing a blowout.
Extremely Tight Clothing
And last but most definitely not least would be tight clothing. Babies are babies – if they’re feeling uncomfortable, they’ll move around. Have you ever seen a baby be so calm and gentle? That is because they’re comfortable – but, with tight clothing, they’ll tend to move around.
This can cause the diaper not to be in a correct position, which may lead to leakage.
How Do You Prevent Diaper Blowouts? Diaper Blowout Hacks
Preventing diaper blowouts is not rocket science – you just have to have a better understanding of how it works. Many parents say that they couldn’t care less when blowouts happen, but, let me tell you – they do.
There are many ways of preventing diaper blowouts, but the best and most effective tips that will work right away are the following:
- Ensure that your baby’s diapers are the “perfect fit.” Too loose or too tight can mean “too many problems.”
- Fasten and lock the diaper properly. A little “mistake” can go a long way.
- Is the brand not treating you well? Try other brands out! It’s not like they’ll condemn you or anything.
- Make it a habit to check your little one’s nappy once every few hours. Pediatricians and physicians recommend checking diapers once every four hours.
- Avoid clothing that’s extremely tight. Going loose is not bad, but tight clothing could mean many unnecessary movements from your baby.
- Observe your baby on the food they react to. If you notice that they poop badly when they eat certain food, it’s best to avoid it immediately.
Mastering these things can lessen diaper blowouts more than you expect. Before you use external things to help you, try fixing it from the causes first – that gives better and longer-term solutions.
How Do You Clean a Blowout Diaper?
Cleaning diaper blowouts can seem tedious, I mean, who wants to see fully-blasted feces on their baby’s bum? The good news is, diaper blowouts aren’t that difficult to clean, if you know what to do.
Here’s a quick and easy step-by-step process on how you can clean a diaper blowout:
- Prepare all things you’ll need for a nappy change. Whatever you use, prepare them and ensure that you add a few to avoid shortage in the middle of cleaning.
- Calm your baby down if they’re fussy. You don’t want to constantly flatten their legs out.
- Carefully remove your baby’s diaper. Unstrap the Velcro or the fastener and carefully pull it down.
- Start by carefully and gently scrubbing the poop out of your baby’s legs; clean it inward. You want to make sure that the legs are clean first.
- Then, cleanse the bum area. Ensure that no spot will be left uncleaned.
- After that, move to the groin. Clean the nooks and crevices of your baby’s groin.
- Pat the groin area dry using a clean hypoallergenic microfiber cloth.
- For stained clothes, soak them using baby formula for at least 15 minutes before washing them.
NOTE: If you have someone who can help raise their legs, it’ll be better and faster, because you have both hands to do the cleaning. Otherwise, it’s fine if you do it by yourself.
FAQs
Feel like you need to be equipped with more knowledge about diaper blowouts? Here are a few of the most asked questions about a blowout diaper that are “great-to-know!”
Is Blowout Diarrhea?
No, not necessarily. Not all blowouts are because of diarrhea. Some babies won’t poop for days, but, once they do, it’ll be a blowout – this is due to their stored feces.
You can find it to be blowout diarrhea if it happens more times than it should.
How Many Blowouts Are Normal?
Dr. Jonathan Jassey, DO, FAAP, and Allied Pediatrics Pediatrician, said that more than 10 blowouts a day can be linked to diarrhea. This can go well with accompanied mucous-like, bright red color and texture on your baby’s feces.
Can Certain Foods Contribute To Diaper Blowouts?
Yes, certain food, especially those that your baby’s tummy doesn’t respond to well can be the reason why they’re experiencing a blowout. It’s important to observe your baby’s reaction to certain foods and diet and adjust accordingly.
What Age Do Babies Have Blowouts?
Blowouts can happen within the baby’s first year. Since their only source of food is either breast milk or formula, it can be a culprit on why the poop is liquid and soft.
Are Diaper Blowout Blockers Effective?
Yes and no – let me explain.
Diaper extenders, also known as blowout blockers can help create a strong barrier of clothes and skin. However, if it happens frequently, there’s always a strong chance of it happening or occurring again.
Why Does My Baby Have Blowouts Everyday?
Blowouts don’t necessarily mean unruly texture and number of excretions. It can be as simple as the diapers not being fastened and used correctly. So, if you “think” your baby is experiencing a daily blowout, you might want to check how the diaper is fastened and secured. That could be where the problem is.
Final Verdict
Blowout diaper prevention is one of the key things to master in order to make parenthood more like a walk in the park. It’s something you want to focus on because newborns aren’t the only ones that can experience blowout diapers.
So, the next time you find yourself in need of information like this, don’t hesitate to go back to this guide!
