5 Signs your baby’s nappy is too small

Is my baby’s nappy too small?

When you finally get to bring home your brand new bundle of joy, it’s hard to imagine them ever growing out of their adorably tiny newborn nappy size. So it often comes as a surprise to most parents just how quickly they graduate to size 2 nappies, with no signs of slowing down! But how do you know when it’s time to size up? We’re here to answer all of those burning questions, including how long babies stay in size 1 nappies, and when to move to pull up nappies.

To make it even more confusing for new parents, size guidelines on nappies tend to overlap quite a bit, and it can sometimes be difficult to know what nappy size might fit your baby best. We recommend looking out for these top 5 signs that your baby’s nappy is too small.

And remember, we’ve got those growth spurts covered - if you’re a Kit & Kin nappies subscriber, you can exchange any unopened packs of nappies free of charge!

1. Baby’s nappy is leaking

Does your nappy not last as long as it used to between changes, or are you suddenly finding yourself with more leaks to clean up? Moving up a nappy size is usually the culprit, as bigger nappy sizes offer even more 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. For any sore spots, give our Magic Salve a go - it works miracles on chapped or irritated skin!

2. Baby had red marks around tummy and thighs

Does your little one seem uncomfortable in their nappy? Are you noticing red marks on their tummy where the waistband of the nappy sits or on their thighs around the nappy’s leg cuffs? Are you suddenly noticing sweat around the waistband? This could be a sign that the nappy is too tight, and moving up a nappy size will likely resolve this.

3. The nappy is a poor fit

While a nappy should fit snugly around waist and legs, you want a loose fit at the front and back. You’ll also want to make sure the nappy is big enough to cover the lower part of your baby’s tummy, to just below their belly button. Finally, double check your baby’s buttocks are completely covered. For simple steps to a perfectly fitted nappy, have a look at our Ultimate Size & Fit Guide. It also answers any questions you might have on nappy sizing.

4. Nappy tabs don’t close in the middle

Are you having to pull the nappy side tabs to get them to close? Are they sitting quite far apart on your baby’s tummy when fastened? As soon as you are unable to fasten them without any pulling or wiggling, give the next nappy size up a go.

5. Baby has started to crawl or walk!

When your baby starts to walk and crawl, or is starting to become interested in potty, some parents prefer switching to pull up nappy pants. There’s no set age for this, but they do make for extra-quick changes and allow little one to pull them down themselves when getting used to potty. They’re also a great way to make toddlers feel more confident and boost their independence. Our eco nappy pants start at size 4, and go up to size 8.

Generally speaking, if your little one is on the lower end of the scale for the next nappy size up, making the jump is a good idea. And when in doubt, always go for the bigger size! Trust us, it might just be the perfect solution to your nappy woes.

TLDR? Here are 5 signs your baby’s nappy is too small

Nappy is leaking
Baby has red marks on tummy and thighs
The nappy is a poor fit
Nappy tabs don’t close in the middle
Baby has started to crawl or walk

FAQs

How do I know if my baby’s nappy is too small?
There are a few ways you can tell if your baby’s nappy is too small. If the nappy generally looks and feels a bit tight on your baby’s waist, then it might be time to go up a size. Here are a few more signs to look out for:

Nappy is leaking
Baby has red marks on tummy and thighs
The nappy is a poor fit
Nappy tabs don’t close in the middle
Baby has started to crawl or walk

How do I know if my nappy is tight enough?
You’ll know if your baby’s nappy is tight enough by looking at the fit on their waist, and around the tops of their legs. If the nappy is fitting snugly without gaps below the belly button but you can still run two fingers underneath the waistband and leg cuffs, then it should be tight enough.
Should a nappy be tight or loose?
A nappy shouldn’t be too tight or too loose! Too tight and your little one will be uncomfortable, too loose and you might experience leaks, leading to more frequent changes. Your baby’s nappy should fit snugly below the belly button with no gaps on the leg cuffs. You can check the fit of the nappy by running two fingers underneath the waistband and leg cuffs. If your fingers fit, you’re good to go!
Should nappy tabs meet in the middle?
Yes, nappy tabs should meet in the middle. If you find that you’re having to really tug on nappy tabs, or that they’re sitting closer to the edges of the nappy, then it’s time to size up.
Should a nappy cover the belly button?
No, your baby’s nappy should fit snugly just below their belly button, with enough of a gap to run two fingers underneath the nappy’s waistband.
What size nappies to buy before baby is born?
We recommend stocking up on our size 1 nappies for your newborn. However, if you know your little one is going to be on the small side or are expecting a premature baby, some nappy brands do come in size 0 and smaller for newborns.
Will size 1 nappies fit a newborn?
Yes, Kit & Kin size 1 nappies should fit your newborn. Our size 1 nappies are suitable for babies weighing from 2-5kg, or 4-11lbs - with the average newborn baby weighing somewhere between 5-8lbs, this size should be more than enough for your new arrival.
How long do babies stay in size 1 nappies?
This depends on how big your baby was at birth and how fast they’re growing! Our size 1 nappies are suitable from 4-11lbs, which should take you from newborn to around 2 months old.
What age do babies go into size 2 nappies?
Our Kit & Kin size 2 nappies can be used from 4-8kg, or 9-18lbs. On average, this is when your baby is around 2 months older - but it depends on your little one’s birth weight and how fast they’re growing!
What size nappies should my 12 month old be in?
This really does depend on your baby’s height, weight, and how fast they’re growing! On average, around size 4 nappies will fit a 12 month old, but there are no hard and fast rules. Remember you can check your baby’s nappy is the right size by looking out for red marks on their tummy and legs, frequent leaks, and the tabs not meeting in the middle. At one year old, most babies will be crawling or starting to walk - so it could be a good time to upgrade to pull up nappy pants for easier changes!