Let’s be real—there’s a lot to learn when you start cloth diapering. Washing, stuffing, snapping...Talk about information overload! But one thing can make or break your cloth experience and make you want to quit out of frustration: the fit.
At Redwood Cloth Co., we design our diapers with thoughtful details, premium materials, and growing babies in mind. But even the most beautifully made diaper can’t do its job if it’s too tight or too loose. That’s where this guide comes in—consider it your personal fit-check cheat sheet!
🌲 Why Fit Matters (More Than You’d Think!)
A great fit isn’t just about avoiding leaks (although—yes, please). It’s about:
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Keeping baby comfy through all the wiggles, naps, and snack-time squats
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Protecting delicate baby skin from irritation or chafing
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Getting the best performance out of your diaper—after all, these are a long-term investment!
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And yes—saving your sanity (and laundry pile)
Think of it like hiking boots: even the best pair won’t work if you’re laced too tight or flopping around too loose.
🌿How to Nail the Just-Right Fit
Here’s what to look for when you’re putting on a cloth. diaper:
✅ Waist
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Snug but never squeezing—this is different from disposables. While disposables can be secured tighter, with a fit that is too tight in cloth, your diaper will have no room for waste to go, and be at greater risk for blowouts. There will be no room for the tummy to expand as they get full and hungry throughout the day. And too loose a fit can lead to the diaper shimmying down and be too low and/or create gaps, which leads to greater risk of leaks.
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You should be able to comfortably slip two stacked fingers between the diaper and baby’s belly without pushing their tummy in or stretching the waist of the diaper.
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The front panel should sit flat across the waist (from hip bone to hip bone)—no bunching, bulging, or drooping. Don’t forget to snap those hip snaps to secure the wings and achieve a better fit!
✅ Legs
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The elastic should sit in the underwear line (like your own underwear!), not down on the thigh (we call this the “taco” method, meaning you hold the crotch of the diaper like a taco while bringing it up to ensure the elastics don't encase any of their little thigh rolls and sit correctly.)
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No visible gaps—if you can see into the diaper leg hole, it needs to be readjusted.
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Indentations (sock marks) are normal, but deep red marks or irritation? Loosen that baby up a bit!
✅ Rise + Coverage
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Baby’s bum should be fully covered—no plumber’s diaper over here! Cloth diapers do naturally sit lower in the back than disposables, so there will be some adjusting your perception of fit when switching for the first time.
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Make sure the rise snaps are set appropriately for your baby’s size. Smaller babies = lower rise; bigger babies = more room.
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And watch out for “wing droop” (when the tabs sag downward). That’s usually a sign to tighten the waist or check your snap alignment.
🌿Wrong fit? Here’s What Happens...
Too Tight:
It’s tempting to over-tighten to avoid leaks, but trust us—tight isn’t right. Over-snapping can lead to:
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Deep red marks or pressure points
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Grumpy babies (and who can blame them?)
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Compression leaks (especially if you’re using microfiber)
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Restricted movement or circulation
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Blow-outs (no where for poo to go)
And let’s not forget—babies have round bellies that expand when they eat, wiggle, and exist. Leave them some space to be squishy in peace.
Too Loose:
We want our babies to be comfy, but a loose diaper? That’s a recipe for disaster (and cleanup!)
When your fit is too roomy:
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Inserts can shift = leaks from no coverage
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Gaps around the legs or waist let moisture escape
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You’re one squat away from a blowout situation (been there—not fun)
Try snapping the waist or leg elastics one snap tighter, or adjusting the rise to keep everything right where it should be.
🌿 Fit Tips from the Redwood Fam
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Don’t over tighten just because baby has rolls! Those thighs are glorious, but they still need room to breathe.
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Every baby is unique. Some need looser legs and tighter waists—or vice versa. Test, tweak, and trust yourself!
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I love symmetry as much as anyone, but sometimes the snap placement just needs to be lopsided to work! Don’t be afraid to play around to find what’s right for your babe!
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Still unsure? Check our graphics for a visual guide, or post your fit check pics in our Facebook VIP for real time help!
🌿The Bottom Line
With the right fit, your baby is set for all the rolling, crawling, snack-stealing, and sleepy snuggles ahead. The perfect fit means less stress, fewer leaks, and way more confidence.
You’ve got this—and if you ever need help, we’re just a message away. Happy diapering!
Tag us @redwoodclothco showcasing your perfect fit—we LOVE seeing those happy fluff bums!