If you’re a new parent, you have plenty of special moments to look forward to. Diaper blowouts aren’t one of them. However, you’ll quickly realize that these are an inevitable part of parenthood. If your little one just had a blowout of epic proportions — one so bad you’re not sure where to start — follow these helpful tips to contain the mess while cleaning it up.
How to Clean a Diaper Blowout
Keep calm and follow these tips to recover from a major diaper explosion.
Clean the Baby
If you’re at home, whisk your little one off to the bathroom. Strip off your child’s outfit and set it aside. A quick spray with a handheld showerhead rinses your baby off without waiting to fill the tub. Wash the child from head to toe with soap and warm water like you would for a regular bath.
If you’re out and about, things are a little trickier. That’s why you should never leave home without an extra outfit, a full container of wet wipes, extra diapers, and a plastic bag to contain poopy clothes. Run to the nearest public restroom – preferably one with a changing table – and wipe down your baby the best you can with wet wipes. Change the diaper and put on the spare clothes. For now, place the soiled outfit in a plastic bag.
Clean the Clothes
- Remove as much excess poop as possible with a plastic spoon or knife. Wet wipes work too, but the goal is to avoid rubbing it in.
- Spray with a pre-wash stain remover.
- Soak the clothes in warm water for at least 15 minutes.
- Throw the clothes in the wash with mild detergent and oxygen-based bleach.
- If the stain doesn’t come out, don’t dry the clothes, or the stain will set. Instead, treat them with a 30-minute soak in OxiClean Baby Stain Remover before rewashing them.
Clean Surrounding Surfaces
- Use disinfecting wipes on hard surfaces, including the changing table and bathtub.
- Use carpet cleaner and deodorizer formulated for cleaning up pet accidents.
- Pre-treat and launder changing pads, bedding, car seat covers, and other fabrics with the same techniques you used when washing baby’s clothes.
Tips to Prevent Diaper Explosions
Diaper blowouts are extremely common, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prevent them! Here are some tips to try:
- Change your baby’s diaper frequently. A blowout is more likely to occur when it’s too full.
- Put the diaper on securely. Not too tightly – just snugly enough to reduce gaps where poop can escape.
- Assess the fit of the diaper and determine why it blew up. Is it too big? Too small? Or was the load just larger than usual? If blowouts are frequent, look for a different diaper size or brand.
- Experiment with cloth diapers. These are thick and absorbent and have elastic on the back that may better contain large loads.
- Check with your pediatrician. You may want to alter what the baby eats. And if you’re breastfeeding, your diet might need adjusting.
- Use a blowout blocker diaper extension to catch explosions, save your baby’s outfit, and make cleanup fast and easy.
Get More Cleaning Help from Molly Maid
The professionals at Molly Maid may not be able to rush to your rescue the instant a diaper blowout occurs, but we can help you tackle deep-cleaning and day-to-day chores around the house. Our services allow you to spend more time doting on your precious little one.
To arrange professional house cleaning services near you, please contact your local Molly Maid or call today to request a free estimate.
FAQs
Soak the clothes in warm water for at least 15 minutes. Throw the clothes in the wash with mild detergent and oxygen-based bleach. If the stain doesn't come out, don't dry the clothes, or the stain will set. Instead, treat them with a 30-minute soak in OxiClean Baby Stain Remover before rewashing them.
Is it normal for babies to have blowouts all the time? ›
For the most part, though, diaper blowouts are a normal part of being a baby, especially in the early months.
Do frequent blowouts mean diaper is too small? ›
One of the most obvious signs of a too-small diaper is when your little one is constantly leaking through diapers or having "blow outs." While parents may sometimes jump to the conclusion that the problem lies with the brand of diaper they're using, but in reality a diaper that is too small won't be able to contain ...
How to keep poop from leaking out of the diaper? ›
There are three main leak sources: waistband being too low, leg cuffs being tucked inwards, and diaper not being properly wrapped. To avoid leaks, ensure your baby wears diapers with high, snug waistbands, and leg cuffs pulled out. Furthermore, diapers should not be too tight on the legs and waist.
Are diaper blowouts messy? ›
Blowouts aren't just super messy, they can also be super irritating to baby's skin so make sure to completely clean off every bit of poop. But be gentle. If there's a bathroom nearby you can rinse your baby's bottom with lukewarm water and use baby wipes to clear it all away.
What to do when baby keeps having blowouts? ›
If blowouts are frequent, look for a different diaper size or brand. Experiment with cloth diapers. These are thick and absorbent and have elastic on the back that may better contain large loads. Check with your pediatrician.
Do bigger diapers prevent blowouts? ›
Blowouts up the back or around the legs often suggest the diaper is too small or not properly fitted. If it's happening up the back, it may be time to size up.
What is a blowout blocker? ›
This is where the Blowout Blocker would come in handy. According to the email that recently landed in our inbox, the product is made of a soft, absorbent fabric with a waterproof outer layer that velcros around baby's waist and acts as a barrier to catch any mess between the diaper and baby's clothes.
How to clean a baby blowout? ›
How to Save the Outfit After a Baby Blowout
- Remove as much of the offending material as possible. ...
- Begin lifting the stain. ...
- Soak clothing and changing pad covers. ...
- Transfer to washer. ...
- Dry clothes and be amazed! ...
- Spot treat. ...
- Take preventative measures.
Fecal incontinence (accidentally having bowel movements) is a very common problem in children. It can be caused by medical conditions like chronic constipation or congenital conditions that may disrupt bowel control, including: Spina bifida. Anorectal malformations.
Final Conclusion: Huggies vs Pampers
In this conclusion, we summarize the key points of the comparison and declare Pampers as the preferred choice based on the following reasons: Pampers offers slightly better leak protection with features like Dual Leak-Guard Barriers and a Blowout Barrier.
Should you wipe after every pee diaper? ›
Constant residues of urine on baby skin have the potential to interact with poop and accelerate damage to the skin barrier. To help minimize the interaction between urine and poop residues on baby's skin, it is important to effectively clean baby's skin at every diaper change.
How damaging are blowouts? ›
Does a regular blow-dry damage your hair? Yes, hot air beats up your strands, makes them feel dry, and leads to the appearance of breakage and frizz.
Why does my baby keep having poo explosions? ›
If there are a lot of poos which are explosive, green and/ or frothy, this may indicate lactose overload which is a result of an oversupply. If your baby appears in pain, has wind/colic in the bowel and has bowel motions with mucus and/or blood in them, this may be a sign of food intolerance or allergy.
Why does my baby keep blowing air? ›
A completely normal part of infant development between two and five months, blowing bubbles is a highly significant action in which bub is experimenting with their mouth and readying themselves for speech, using their tongue, chewing and drinking.
What causes constant pooping in babies? ›
Food allergies, lactose intolerance, fructose intolerance, and sucrose intolerance are common causes of chronic diarrhea. Milk, milk products, and soy allergies are the most common food allergies that affect the digestive tract in children. Food allergies usually appear in the first year of life.
