From Leaks to Sleep: How to Stop Nighttime Diaper Leaks for Better Baby Sleep

This article is sponsored by Coterie, a supporter of Peanut and women alike.

We’ve all been there – just as you’ve nestled your babe in their cozy crib, ready to catch up on some well-deserved shut-eye, a familiar frustration strikes: the dreaded nighttime diaper leaks.

Ah, the joyous surprise of discovering that your babe has transformed their crib into a mini swimming pool overnight! 🥲

But fear not, mama!

We’re here to offer you a lifeline, a beacon of hope amidst the sea of soggy sheets.

Get ready to bid farewell to those leaky mishaps and say hello to fewer wakeups and drier nights.

With the help of our friends at Coterie, we’ll unveil a treasure trove of tips and tricks that will transform your nights from chaotic leak fests to peaceful slumber parties.

In this article: 📝

Why is my baby waking up soaking wet?

If baby’s peeing through their diaper at night, why and how does that happen?

Well, it’s not always just as simple as the diaper not performing ‒ there could be a few reasons:

• Diaper size change: It’s possible that your babe has outgrown their current diaper size, leading to leaks and nighttime dampness, or they’re a little too loose. Time to give them a promotion to the next diaper size on the baby career ladder, or reassess their correct diaper size.
  
• Big appetite: If baby’s going through a growth spurt or cluster feeding, they might be drinking more breast milk or formula than usual, which can lead to more nighttime peeing than you’re used to. So you might just need a higher-performance diaper, especially during these phases.
  
• Midnight acrobatics: Got a baby who squirms in their sleep? Those nighttime dance moves might be causing the diaper to shift, resulting in unfortunate leakages. It’s a delicate balance between peaceful slumber and Olympic-level twists and turns.
  
• Not all diapers are created equal: Some brands might not provide the necessary leak protection for your babe to last the night.

How many wet diapers overnight?

It depends ‒ on how old your babe is, how much they drink during the day, and even how they’re feeling, but here’s a general guideline on how many wet diapers you can expect:

• Newborns: In the first few days of life, newborns typically have just one or two wet diapers per day. However, by the end of the first week, they should have at least 6-8 wet diapers per day, with 2-3 of them happening overnight.
  
• 1-6 months: As babies grow, their bladder capacity increases, and they tend to produce more urine. At this stage, it’s normal for babies to have 6-8 wet diapers per day, including overnight.
  
• 6-12 months: Around 6 months of age, babies may start sleeping for longer stretches at night. It’s normal for them to have around 4-6 wet diapers per day, including overnight.

But it’s important to remember that every baby is unique, and these guidelines are just that – guidelines.

Some babies might pee more often, while others might pee less.

As long as your baby is producing wet diapers throughout the day and showing no signs of discomfort or dehydration, you’re doing great.

Do babies wake up because of a wet diaper?

Yes, babies can wake up because of a wet diaper.

They have this incredible knack for sensing even the tiniest hint of dampness.

It’s as if they have a built-in moisture detector that alerts them to the presence of a wet diaper.

They might not have mastered the art of speech yet, but their squirming and fussing are their way of saying, “Hey, mom, I need a diaper change ASAP!”

Babies have delicate skin, and that dampness can be quite uncomfortable for them.

Imagine you’re wearing a wetsuit ‒ you’re in the water, and it’s blissfully warm.

But as soon as you get out of the water, the chill sets in.

That’s what it can be like for baby wearing a diaper that doesn’t wick away moisture quickly.

So it’s no wonder they wake up seeking relief from the wetness.

Is it OK to let baby sleep in wet diaper?

While it may be tempting to let your baby sleep a little longer, it’s generally best to avoid leaving them in a wet diaper for an extended period.

Here’s why:

• Comfort is key: Just like us, babies appreciate being comfortable while they sleep. A wet diaper can cause skin irritation and discomfort, which might disrupt their peaceful slumber. After all, nobody wants to wake up feeling like they’ve been caught in a sudden rain shower!
  
• Diaper rash risk: Moisture, coupled with friction, can create a prime environment for diaper rash to rear its head. To minimize the chances of this pesky rash making an appearance, it’s best to keep your baby’s butt as dry as possible.
  
• Skin sensitivities: Babies have sensitive skin, and prolonged exposure to wetness can lead to skin irritations and even potential infections. So, it’s best to prioritize their skin health and provide them with a clean, dry diaper whenever possible.

But there may be moments when you find your baby in a wet diaper during their slumber, and disturbing their sleep for an immediate change isn’t practical or feasible.

If this is the case, don’t fret!

A few wet nights won’t cause any major harm.

Just make sure to change their diaper as soon as they wake up to provide them with the comfort they deserve.

And there are other ways you can minimize the risks of an overnight wet diaper ‒ like using diapers that wick away more moisture, more quickly than other brands (here’s looking at you, Coterie).

How long can you leave a wet diaper at night?

Ideally, it’s best to change your baby’s wet diaper as soon as you become aware of it.

Regular diaper changes help maintain their comfort and promote healthy skin.

But we’re living in the real world, not the ideal world.

We understand that nighttime can be a delicate balancing act between preserving your baby’s precious sleep and attending to their diaper needs.

In reality, it depends on the type of diaper, how much baby is peeing overnight, when they’re peeing, and how sensitive their skin is.

If you have a diaper that wicks away moisture quickly and can hold a lot of liquid, like The Diaper by Coterie, you can often leave a wet diaper on for a bit longer than you would most typical diaper brands.

How do I stop my baby’s diaper from leaking overnight?

So what can you do to diaper leaks at night?

Well, here are a few tried-and-tested tips, according to our Peanut mamas:

• Size matters: Ensure that you’re using the correct diaper size for your baby. A diaper that’s too small might not have enough coverage and could lead to leaks. On the other hand, a diaper that is too big might not fit snugly, leaving room for unwanted leaks.
  
• Absorbency is key: Consider using overnight diapers or those specifically designed for extended wear. These diapers are often more absorbent, providing better protection against leaks during those long, peaceful nights of slumber.
  
• Strategic changing times: Plan a diaper change right before your baby’s bedtime routine. This ensures they start the night with a fresh, dry diaper. If your baby tends to wake up for feedings during the night, take advantage of those moments to check and change their diaper if needed.
  
• Positioning is everything: Pay attention to how you position the diaper on your baby. Make sure it sits snugly around their waist and thighs, creating a secure seal. You can gently pull out the leg cuffs to ensure a good fit, helping to prevent leaks from sneaking out. If in doubt, check the manufacturer guidelines, as they may vary a little.
  
• Nighttime feeding routine: If your baby tends to have a feeding session during the night, you can consider splitting the feeding into two parts. Feed them halfway through the night, followed by a diaper change to minimize the risk of leaks from a fuller bladder.

What diapers are best for leaking at night?

Well, when it comes to preventing leaks and ensuring a comfortable night’s sleep, The Diaper by Coterie is the go-to choice.

They’re designed to outperform other diapers on the market ‒ ticking practically every box: most absorbent (holding up to 70% more liquid than other diapers), fastest at moisture-wicking (up to 4 times faster), quickest to dry, most comfortable, dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and paraben-, phthalate-, fragrance-, and dye-free.

And when we say “most comfortable”, we mean it.

Gone are the days of tissue-thin diapers that feel like sandpaper, or wrestling a wriggly baby out of a soggy diaper while you’re trying to keep your eyes open.

So if soggy overnight diapers are waking up your babe, or diaper rash is the bane of your mamahood, The Diaper is here for you.

The best part? They’re available on subscription, so you won’t get caught short when you need them!

How long can a baby wear a diaper at night?

Well, with the right diaper, baby can wear it all night long.

But it also depends on how old they are, how often they use their diaper, when they last had a feed, and how well they slept overall.

If you’re woken up to feed your newborn and you notice a blowout or some leakage ‒ sorry, mama, we feel you ‒ it’s best to change baby right then.

But if you can’t see or feel any leaks, you can leave them in the same diaper overnight.

Saying that, it does depend on the type of diaper ‒ some, like The Diaper by Coterie, hold more liquid and absorb faster than other brands, so more often than not, it’s capable of preventing leaks and blowouts, while keeping baby dry,

But others might not be so successful ‒ while you might not see any leaks, baby might be feeling uncomfortable in other diapers that don’t wick the moisture away as quickly.

If baby’s crying and looking uncomfortable, it’s worth checking their diaper and changing them, so they can sleep more soundly and comfortably.

At what age do babies stop peeing overnight?

Sorry, mama, there could be a few years left of wet diapers greeting you in the morning.

Very generally, most children start to develop bladder control and have dry nights between 2 and 5 years old.

But it’s important to remember that every child is unique and develops at their own pace.

So, don’t worry if your toddler is still a nighttime pee-er even beyond these ages.

So if baby’s peeing through their diaper at night, know you’re not alone.

But with the right diaper, proper fit, strategic diaper changes, and some help from our friends at Coterie, they could be a thing of the past.

Together, we can conquer those nighttime diaper leaks for better baby sleep all round!

Here’s to dry nights and peaceful slumbers!