The ultimate guide to beating night-time nappy leaks

Few things ruin a good night's sleep faster than a 3am wake-up for a full outfit and sheet change. If leaks have become a regular guest in your house, you're not doing anything wrong, it's usually just a matter of a few small tweaks. Here's where to start.

Check the fit first

Leaks are often less about the nappy brand and more about fit. A nappy that's too loose around the legs or waist gives wee an easy escape route. Run a finger around the leg and waistband before bed. Snug but not tight is what you're after, and double-check you're not still using last month's size out of habit.

Size Up for Overnight Only

Plenty of parents keep babies in their daytime size around the clock, but a lot of night leaks disappear the moment they try one size up just for overnight. More room means more capacity to soak up everything that happens over eight or nine hours.

Get the layering right

Smooth the nappy flat against the skin before fastening — bunching creates gaps

Tuck singlets in under the nappy rather than over it, so the waistband seals properly

Double-check the leg cuffs are flipped out, not tucked in

Avoid overly tight sleepsuits that put pressure on the nappy from outside

Think about absorbency, not just size

Some nappies are simply built to hold more without feeling bulky. If you're sizing up and still getting leaks, it might be time to look at a different nappy altogether rather than just going up another size.

The Babylux nappies are ultra-thin but still designed for maximum absorbency, which makes them a solid overnight option without the bulk of some heavier brands. They're hypoallergenic too, so they're gentle on skin that's sitting in a nappy for a long stretch overnight.

A couple of nights of tweaking fit and sizing usually sorts most leak problems out. If they're still happening after that, it might be worth trying a different brand or style to see what actually works for your baby's shape.