Cloth Diapers Leaving Marks on Your Baby’s Skin?
Your little needs a diaper change.
You play with baby happily as you prepare them for a diaper change.
You have everything set up and begin the diaper change process.
As you open the cover, your face drops.
These Darn Red Marks!
You feel horrible thinking that maybe your baby’s diaper was hurting them. Don’t worry!! We are here to help you determine what is normal and what is not when it comes to leg marks. And what to do to ensure your baby’s diaper fit is not too tight.
What is Normal?
A) Any marks left on the thighs that look like sock marks are NORMAL! Depending on skin colour, marks will look redder on paler babies and appear as “indents” on babies with darker skin. Indents are also normal and don’t cause your baby any pain or discomfort. Remember, you’re in the green if any redness subsides after a few minutes.
B) Marks left by snaps is NORMAL. Yes in some cases snaps leave an imprint on your baby’s skin and these too are normal!
What isn’t Normal?
Any marks that are angry red, sometimes purple welts on the skin. These type of marks don’t subside after a few minutes and will cause discomfort to your baby. If this happens to you, take a deep breath.
It’s not your fault! These things happen during our parenthood journey. Give your baby some naked time while you figure out the fit and make adjustments as needed.
How to Prevent Marks
The only way to prevent cloth diapers leaving marks on your baby’s skin that will cause discomfort to your baby is to perfect your fit! I know this may sound challenging but here are some quick tips to guide you:
- Make sure the elastic is sitting in the knicker/underwear line and not around the thigh.
- Use the loosest setting possible without having a gap between the diaper and your baby’s skin.
- Remember hip and waist snaps don’t have to match.
See, you have nothing to worry about! As long as you keep these tips in mind, to avoid over-tightening your baby’s diaper, you will be fine. Remember to keep in mind what is not normal just in case you are faced with the need to recognize it. But for the most part, relax when you see normal elastic marks much like those left behind by hair bands on wrists. Don’t let marks on legs have you seeing red.
