How to Prevent and Handle Diaper Blowouts

Diaper blowouts are one of the messiest challenges new parents face, especially during those early months when your baby’s diet is mostly liquid. A diaper blowout happens when poop escapes the diaper, often up the back or out the legs, and usually means a full outfit (and car seat!) change. The most common causes of diaper blowouts and leaks include poor diaper fit, the wrong size, or infrequent changes. 

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll learn in this guide to managing diaper blowouts:

• Common causes. Wrong diaper size or poor fit

• Prevention tips. Use snug-fitting diapers, change frequently, and try diapers with a blowout barrier, like Pampers Swaddlers

• When to switch. Consider different sizes if blowouts are frequent

• Diet matters. Food sensitivities (yours or baby’s) may increase blowouts

• Be prepared. Always carry extra clothes, wipes, and a wet bag.

Understanding the causes and trying a few simple adjustments can help reduce diaper leaks and blowouts. Let’s explore the best solutions to keep the mess contained and your baby (and you!) clean and happy.

What are Diaper Blowouts?

A diaper blowout occurs when a diaper is unable to contain poop or pee, resulting in leaks that may spill out the back, from the leg openings, or through the waistband. These messy situations are quite common. Although they can be frustrating, diaper blowouts can often be reduced by ensuring the diaper is the correct size and fit and by making timely changes.

Why Do Diaper Blowouts Happen?

Are you wondering, “Why does my baby’s diaper leak out the back?” There are several factors that can lead to diaper leaks and blowouts:

If your newborn frequently experiences blowouts or leaks, it may be time to size up diapers.

How to Handle Diaper Blowouts

No parent enjoys dealing with a diaper blowout, but when it happens, staying calm and prepared can make cleanups easier. So, what should you do if your baby has a blowout? 

Follow these steps to handle the mess efficiently:

Diaper blowouts can be messy, but with the right approach, you can clean up quickly and reduce the chances of future mishaps. In the next section, we’ll explore how to prevent diaper blowouts so you can avoid dealing with them as often.

3 Top Tips to Prevent Diaper Blowouts

A diaper blowout can be a messy surprise, often caused by the wrong size or an improper fit. So, how to prevent diaper blowouts? 

To help prevent diaper leaks and blowouts, Pampers Swaddlers and Cruisers 360° feature a Blowout Barrier, designed to close gaps at the back and waist for up to 100% leak protection. Combined with Dual Leak Guard barriers at the legs, this extra layer helps keep messes contained while providing a snug and comfortable fit.

Here are some more ways to help prevent blowouts and leaks:

1. Choose the Right Diaper Size

Size is a crucial factor in finding the perfect diaper fit for your little one. As you know, babies come in all different shapes and sizes. And just like clothing, diapers fit every baby differently. 

Pampers diaper sizes are organized by weight, and since no two babies are the same shape, you will notice some overlap between sizes. In most cases, your little one should be within the weight range for the size you are using. For example, Pampers Swaddlers come in the following sizes:

• Preemie (Weight range: <6 lbs)

• Size 0 (Weight range: <10 lbs)

• Size 1 (Weight range: 8 - 14 lbs)

• Size 2 (Weight range: 12 - 18 lbs)

• Size 3 (Weight range: 16 - 28 lbs)

• Size 4 (Weight range: 22 - 37 lbs)

• Size 5 (Weight range: 27+ lbs)

• Size 6 (Weight range: 35+ lbs)

• Size 7 (Weight range: 41+ lbs)

• Size 8 (Weight range: 46+ lbs).

2. Ensure the Diaper Fits Well

If you’re experiencing constant diaper blowouts, nighttime diaper leaks, or a diaper leaking from one side, it may be due to the size and fit of the diaper. A well-fitting diaper helps prevent diaper leaks and keeps your baby comfortable. When you change your baby's diaper, you should also check for:

• Snug waistbands. The diaper should sit just below the belly button.

• Leg cuffs. Make sure they wrap neatly around the legs and are pulled out, as tucked-in cuffs can cause diaper leaking from behind.

• Secure Fastening. Tapes should be symmetrically placed on the waistband. Pampers diapers stretch for a custom fit. Make sure they are not fastened too tightly or too loosely. 

If your little one is still a newborn, you’ll need to be extra careful around the umbilical cord area until it heals completely. Check out this article about umbilical cord care for more on caring for your baby’s delicate skin as you change their diaper.

3. Check for Changes in Your Baby’s Diet

Occasional diaper blowouts and leaks are normal and not always linked to their diet. However, a baby’s stools may change depending on what they eat and their stage of development.

Breastfed babies typically have softer stools than formula-fed babies, which may make blowouts more likely. Switching from breast milk to formula, or changing formulas, can also affect stool consistency. If your baby is around 6 months old and starting solids, their digestion will naturally shift as they adjust to new foods. 

Since every baby is different, frequent diaper blowouts or noticeable changes in poop color may warrant a check-in with your baby’s healthcare provider to rule out any concerns.

Quick Fixes for Diaper Blowouts

Diaper blowouts can happen anytime and anywhere, unfortunately. But we have a few tips to help you feel prepared for those messy moments.

• Diaper blowouts at home. Even with a snug, well-sized diaper, blowouts can still happen, especially with newborns. When constant diaper blowouts become a messy reality, keep a clean-up kit in every room: include diapers, wipes, a waterproof changing pad, and a change of clothes for your baby. Onesies with envelope shoulders make it easy to slide messy clothing down instead of over the head.

• Diaper blowouts in public—when you’re out and about. A diaper blowout in public can be stressful, but preparation is key. Pack a “blowout bag” with extra diapers, wipes, plastic bags, and two full outfit changes. Portable changing pads help contain the mess. Choose diaper styles with a good blowout barrier to minimize leaks while you're on the go, especially around the back and legs.

• Car seat diaper blowout. A car seat diaper blowout often happens when your baby is sitting for long periods. Before strapping in, ensure the diaper is fully opened and properly adjusted, especially at the back. Use a diaper with a high rear waistband and a snug fit around the thighs to help prevent leaks. Lining the car seat with a washable, waterproof pad offers added protection for unexpected messes.

Best Diapers for Blowouts

When dealing with constant diaper blowouts or diaper leaks at night, choosing the right diaper makes all the difference. Pampers Swaddlers are often considered our best diaper for blowouts and nighttime leaks, thanks to their built-in Blowout Barrier, which helps prevent leaks up the back—one of the most common blowout zones. Their contoured fit, soft materials, and stretchy sides offer a snug, comfortable seal that helps keep messes contained, keeping your baby comfortably dry all day and night. 

Pampers is widely recognized as one of the best diaper brands for blowouts, and the Blowout Barrier isn’t exclusive to Swaddlers. You’ll also find this clever design in Pampers Cruisers 360° and Pampers Swaddlers 360°, both of which combine secure waistbands and 360° stretchy fits that flex with your baby’s movement while maintaining excellent leak protection. These options are great for active babies or those transitioning to sitting and crawling, when leaks from shifting diapers become more common.

Whether you're battling blowouts during tummy time or nighttime leaks that interrupt sleep, Pampers has a range of trusted solutions designed to keep your baby dry and comfortable.

The Bottom Line

Diaper blowouts are a common part of babyhood, but choosing the right diaper size, ensuring a snug fit, and making frequent changes can help prevent leaks. If blowouts happen often, checking the Pampers diaper size chart can help you determine if it’s time to size up diapers.

While stocking up on diapers and wipes, don’t forget to earn rewards! Download the Pampers Rewards App to turn your purchases into exclusive savings on baby essentials.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}