The Complete Guide to Customising Night Nappy Absorbency

How to Build the Perfect Leak-Free Night Nappy for Your Baby

Getting through the night without leaks is all about having the right amount of absorbency in the right places. The good news? Our night nappies are totally customisable! You can add, fold, and layer inserts to create the perfect setup for your baby.

This guide will show you exactly how to customise your night nappy, troubleshoot leaks, and help everyone sleep better.

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Why Customising Matters

Every baby is different! Some babies:

• Wee more in the front, middle, or back
• Are tummy sleepers, back sleepers, or side sleepers
• Are heavy wetters or average wetters
• Wee a little bit all night or do one big wee
• Are boys or girls (yes, this matters for absorbency placement!)

That's why we designed our night nappies to let you customize the absorbency exactly where YOUR baby needs it most.

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The Basic Rule: Layer Where You Need It Most

Here's the golden rule for night nappy success:

For boys: Add extra layers at the FRONT

For girls: Add extra layers in the MIDDLE or BACK

Why? Because of body parts and sleep positions! Boys typically need more absorbency at the front, while girls often wet more in the middle or back, especially if they're tummy sleepers.

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What You Can Use to Customize

For the Mighty Minky Night Nappy:

1. Soft Touch Inserts (comes with your nappy)
   • Can be folded 2, 3, or 4 ways
   • Up to 12 layers of absorbency when folded
   • Made with bamboo cotton
2. Hemp Boosters
   • Add extra absorbency without bulk
   • Perfect for layering on top of your main insert
   • Great for growth spurts and heavy wetter nights
3. Bamboo Trifold Inserts
   • Quick-drying option
   • Easy to fold and layer
   • 6 layers when folded in thirds
4. Bamboo Snake Inserts
   • Super flexible
   • Can fold into specific shapes
   • Great for targeted absorbency

For the Heavy Wetter Fitted Nappy:

1. Heavy Wetter Soft Touch Inserts (come with your nappy)
   • Two included with each nappy
   • Fold different ways for different needs
   • Can create up to 18 layers in the wet zone
2. Hemp Boosters
   • Slim but powerful
   • Perfect for extreme heavy wetters
   • Layer inside or on top
3. Bamboo Trifolds
   • Add as much absorbency as needed
   • Can fold and layer multiple trifolds
   • Works great for toddlers

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How to Layer for Boys

Step 1: Start with your base insert (SuperSoaker or Snake insert)

Step 2: Fold it so more layers are at the FRONT of the nappy

Step 3: Add a booster or second insert at the front for extra protection

Example Setup for Heavy Wetter Boy:

• Bamboo Fitted Nappy
• One snake insert folded in thirds, placed at the front
• One trifold booster folded in 3 lengthways
• Wool cover over everything

Pro Tip: Point everything down when you change baby's nappy!

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How to Layer for Girls

Step 1: Start with your base insert

Step 2: Fold it so absorbency is concentrated in the MIDDLE or BACK

Step 3: If baby is a tummy sleeper, put extra layers toward the front-middle

Example Setup for Heavy Wetter Girl:

• Mighty Minky Night Nappy
• Small Booster folded to add layers in the middle
• Long Snake in the middle/back area folded in half
• Extra layers toward the back for back sleepers

Pro Tip: Tummy sleeping girls often need absorbency more toward the front-middle!

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Troubleshooting Night Nappy Leaks

Found a leak this morning? Let's figure out what's happening. Check the nappy when you take it off baby:

Problem 1: Nappy Leaked BUT Inserts Aren't Fully Soaked

If the absorbency isn't completely saturated, the leak is NOT because you need more absorbency. Here's what to check:

Cause A: Not Enough Washes

The fix: New nappies need 12 washes before they reach maximum absorbency!

Natural fabrics like bamboo and cotton have natural oils that need to wash out. Each wash makes them more absorbent.

✓ Pre-wash your new night nappies at least 12 times 
✓ Don't use fabric softener (it reduces absorbency!)
✓ Follow our washing guide for best results
✓ Be patient - it gets better with each wash!

Cause B: Fit is Wrong

The fix: Check these fit issues:

Gaps at the legs:

• Red flag for leaks!
• Tighten the leg snaps
• Make sure elastic sits in the crease where leg meets body
• Check that inserts aren't poking out

Gaps at the waist:

• Should be snug but not tight
• You should fit 2 fingers between nappy and baby's tummy
• Try a different rise setting

Inserts sticking out:

• Any fabric sticking out acts like a wick and pulls wetness OUT
• Tuck everything inside
• Make sure waterproof cover fully covers the fitted nappy (for Heavy Wetter Fitted only)

Cause C: Baby is Flooding the Nappy

What's flooding? When wee comes out SO FAST that the natural fabrics can't absorb it quickly enough. The wetness just runs right out instead of soaking in.

Signs of flooding:

• Leak happens right after baby wees
• Most of the insert is still dry
• Wetness is around the edges or legs
• Happens more with big overnight wees

The Fix: Cotton Face Washer Trick

Place a 100% cotton face washer directly on baby's skin in the wet zone!

How it works:

1. Put your regular inserts in the nappy
2. Add a thin 100% cotton face washer on top
3. Place it directly against baby's skin in the wet zone
4. The cotton absorbs the wee super fast
5. Then it transfers slowly to the absorbent layers below

Why this works: Cotton absorbs faster than bamboo or hemp. It catches the flood and holds it while the other layers soak it up gradually.

Pro Tip: Use a thin cotton face washer or a bamboo wipe folded thin. Don't use thick towels - they're too bulky!

Cause D: Cover Issues (Heavy Wetter Fitted Only)

For our Heavy Wetter Fitted Nappies, the cover is super important!

PUL/TPU Covers:

• Must completely cover all the fabric of the fitted nappy
• Check for gaps at legs and waist
• Should be snug but not tight
• No fabric should stick out

Wool Covers:

• MUST be lanolised to be waterproof!
• Lanolin needs refreshing every 3-4 weeks
• Check our lanolin guide for how to lanolise
• Wool should feel slightly waxy, not dry
• If wool leaks but fitted is dry, you need more lanolin

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Problem 2: Nappy Leaked AND Inserts Are 100% Saturated

If you take off the nappy and the inserts are completely soaked through - like wringing-wet, can't hold another drop - then your baby simply needs MORE ABSORBENCY!

Easy fixes:

1. Add a booster - Hemp boosters add tons of absorbency without much bulk
2. Add a second insert - Layer a bamboo trifold under or over your main insert
3. Upgrade your insert - Switch to the SuperSoaker Maxi for maximum absorbency
4. Change fitting - Maybe it's time to move from the Mighty Minky to the Heavy Wetter Fitted
5. Add more layers - You can stack multiple inserts! We've seen parents use 3-4 inserts for extreme heavy wetters

How much is too much? There's no limit! If baby is comfortable and it's not leaking, you're doing it right. Some toddlers need A LOT of absorbency.

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Sample Setups by Baby Type

Average Wetter (Most Babies)

Mighty Minky Setup:

• Mighty Minky Night Nappy
• Trifold folded in thirds + Small booster folded in 2 in the wet zone
• Placed with more layers at front (boys) or middle (girls)

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Heavy Wetter

Mighty Minky Boosted:

• Mighty Minky Night Nappy
• Trifold folded in thirds + Small booster folded in 2 in the wet zone
• One hemp booster on top
• Both layered where baby needs it most

OR Heavy Wetter Fitted:

• Heavy Wetter Fitted Nappy
• Two snake inserts folded strategically int he wet zone
• Wool cover on top

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Extreme Heavy Wetter

Power Setup:

• Heavy Wetter Fitted Nappy
• Two snake inserts
• Two hemp boosters
• Bamboo trifold for extra padding
• 100% cotton face washer on top (for flooding)
• Wool cover that's freshly lanolised

Yes, it's bulky. But it WORKS!

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Long Sleeper (12-14 Hours)

Marathon Setup:

• Heavy Wetter Fitted Nappy
• Maximum inserts in the wet zone
• Hemp boosters for extra capacity
• Change before bed AND when baby wakes for feeds
• Wool cover for breathability

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Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

Use this when you get a leak:

□ Check the inserts: Are they 100% soaked?

• YES = Need more absorbency
• NO = Keep checking...

□ Count washes: Has this nappy been washed 12+ times?

• NO = Keep washing, it will get better!
• YES = Keep checking...

□ Check the fit:

• Gaps at legs? Tighten leg snaps
• Gaps at waist? Adjust rise setting
• Fabric sticking out? Tuck everything in
• Cover fully covering fitted nappy? Adjust cover

□ Think about timing: Did leak happen right after a big wee?

• YES = Might be flooding, try the cotton face washer trick
• NO = Keep checking...

□ For Fitted Nappies: Is your wool lanolised?

• Wool should feel slightly waxy
• Re-lanolise every 3-4 weeks
• Check our lanolin guide

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Tips for Success

1. Don't give up too soon! Night nappies take practice. Give each setup at least 3-5 nights to see if it works.

2. Keep notes Write down what you tried and what happened. This helps you figure out patterns!

3. Join our community Our Facebook group is full of parents sharing their successful setups. You're not alone!

4. Layer strategically More layers doesn't always mean better. Put absorbency WHERE your baby needs it.

5. Prep new nappies properly Remember those 12 washes! New nappies get better over time.

6. Check fit every few weeks Babies grow fast! What fit perfectly last month might need adjusting now.

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Common Questions

Q: Can I use too much absorbency? A: As long as baby is comfortable and can move, there's no such thing as too much! Bulkier is fine if it keeps everyone dry.

Q: How often should I boost my nappy? A: Start with the basic setup. Only add boosters if you're getting leaks with saturated inserts.

Q: My baby is between sizes. Should I size up or down? A: Usually size down for a snugger fit. Gaps cause leaks more than tightness.

Q: Do I need to replace inserts when baby grows? A: Nope! Our inserts work for all sizes. Just keep adding more as needed.

Q: Can I mix and match different inserts? A: Absolutely! Mix hemp, bamboo trifolds, and SuperSoakers however works best for you.

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When to Ask for Help

If you've tried everything in this guide and still getting leaks, we're here to help!

• Post in our Facebook community with photos of your setup
• Email us with details about the leaks
• Check our FAQ page
• Read our washing guide - sometimes it's a wash routine issue!

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The Bottom Line

Customizing absorbency is like finding the perfect recipe. It takes a little trial and error, but once you figure out YOUR baby's needs, you'll have leak-free nights for months (or years!) to come.

Remember:

• Layer where you need it most (front for boys, middle/back for girls)
• Give new nappies 12 washes to reach full power
• Check fit carefully - gaps cause leaks
• Use the cotton face washer trick for flooding
• Add more absorbency if inserts are fully saturated
• Make sure covers fit right and wool is lanolised

You've got this! Sweet dreams ahead! 💤

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Ready to build your perfect night setup?

Shop Night Nappies →

Shop Inserts & Boosters →

Shop Wool Covers →

Browse All Covers →

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Need more help? Check out our complete washing guide, troubleshooting tips, and join our supportive Facebook community!