Nighttime diapering can feel like one of the trickiest parts of baby care. Between longer sleep stretches, late-night feeds, and the occasional 3 a.m. leak, many parents wonder how to keep their little one dry, comfortable, and well-rested till morning.
With the right tips and a little preparation, you can minimize disruptions, prevent rashes, and help everyone in the family get more restful sleep.
Why Overnight Diapering Needs Extra Attention
Babies typically go for much longer stretches without a change at night — often six to eight hours or more. During this time, they naturally urinate more, and if the diaper cannot handle the volume, it can quickly lead to leaks and discomfort.
Beyond the mess, moisture trapped against the skin, especially in Singapore’s warm and humid climate, can increase the risk of diaper rash or irritation. A wet or poorly fitting diaper is also one of the most common culprits behind night wakings, interrupting both your baby’s and your own rest.
Night Time Diapering Tips
When it comes to keeping your baby dry through the night, a few simple steps can make a huge difference. Here are some strategies to improve overnight dryness and comfort:
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Change Right Before Bed
Always put on a fresh diaper just before your baby’s last sleep stretch. Even if the current diaper seems okay, changing can help maximize dryness through early night hours. -
Use Overnight / Extra-Absorbent Diapers
These diapers are designed for longer durations. They often include thicker absorbent cores, special leak guards, or added absorbency in the back. Aiwibi’s diapers are made with gentle, breathable materials designed with longer wear in mind — something especially useful for overnight comfort.
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Limit Fluids Right Before Bed (when feasible)
For older babies or toddlers who take formula, water, or milk before bedtime, slightly reducing the amount just before the last feed can help, while ensuring they’re still well hydrated. For younger infants, this may be less applicable; always follow pediatric guidance. -
Protect the Mattress & Bedding
Use waterproof mattress protectors or layered sheets (sheet + protector + sheet) so that even if leaks happen, cleaning is easier and the mattress remains protected. -
Night-time Change with Minimal Disruption
If a diaper change is needed during the night, keep lights dim, voices low, avoid stimulation. Wipe and change quickly so your baby can go back to sleep more easily. -
Use a Barrier Cream or Ointment
Applying a thin layer of protective ointment or cream before bedtime can help prevent irritation from prolonged exposure to urine or moisture. Singapore’s HealthHub advice for diaper care also emphasizes keeping the diaper area clean and dry to reduce skin irritation. For more information on diaper rashes, check our CradleNest’s article here.
Choosing the Right Diaper Size
Choosing the right diaper size is just as important as choosing the right diaper type. A diaper that’s too small can cause
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The side tabs of the diaper to pop often
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The leg bands to feel tight
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The waistband to feel tight (you should be able to fit two fingers underneath it)
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Irritation or red marks around the diaper
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Your baby’s bottom to not be covered fully
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Recurring issues with leakage
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Discomfort for your baby
On the other hand, one that’s too big may gape at the waist or legs, slide out of place during sleep, and cause messy blowouts from a loose fit.
While most parents start with the weight ranges printed on packaging, it’s equally important to pay attention to your baby’s unique build. Some babies have slimmer waists or chunkier thighs, and fit can vary between brands.
In Singapore, most newborns start with Newborn (NB) or Size S diapers, which generally fit babies up to around 5–6kg. Since newborns are changed very frequently — often 8 to 10 times a day, according to HealthHub Singapore — absorbency is less of a concern than comfort and fit in those early weeks.
Image: Aiwibi Diapers Now Available – Lovey Dovey (Instagram)
As your baby grows and becomes more active, they will graduate to larger sizes such as M, L, XL, and XXL, which are widely available on the market. Mother & Baby Singapore notes that finding the right fit becomes especially important once solids are introduced at 5–8 months, since diaper changes can get messier and good leak protection is crucial. Larger sizes also tend to have more absorbent material, giving extra protection for longer wear.
Most children in Singapore remain in diapers until about age 2 to 3, when toilet training typically begins. At this stage, toddlers are constantly on the move, so parents often look for diapers with stretchy waistbands, strong tabs, and good flexibility to support active play. Frequent changing is still essential to avoid diaper rash, which can worsen in our humid climate if the diaper is left on for too long. For older toddlers, pull-up style pants (sometimes in Size 7 or above 18kg) can be a helpful step toward toilet training.
For a more straightforward and convenient guide for diaper sizing, Aiwibi advises the following:
Choosing the Right Size Based on Your Baby's Growth Stage
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Newborn Stage (0-1 month): Usually, size NB is chosen. At this stage, your baby needs about 8-12 diapers daily.
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Early Infant Stage (1-3 months): Size S is suitable. At this stage, your baby will need about 8-10 diapers daily.
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Mid Infant Stage (3-6 months): Size M is suitable. The demand for diapers ranges between 8-9 diapers daily.
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Late Infant Stage (6 months and above): Size L and above are suitable. At this stage, the baby starts moving a lot, so leak-proof diapers should be chosen. Expect about 6-7 diaper changes daily.
Image: How to Choose The Right Diapers - Aiwibi
Small Actions, Big Differences
With the right routine and the right diaper size, you can keep your baby dry, comfortable, and well-rested — which means better sleep for the whole family. Remember that every child is different, so it may take a little experimenting to find what works best, whether that’s using an overnight diaper, sizing up at night, or adjusting your bedtime routine.
What matters most is staying responsive to your baby’s needs, watching for signs of discomfort or leaks, and making small changes along the way. Snug but not overly tight diapers help prevent irritation, while comfort and fit are key to happy, rash-free nights. For more diaper care tips, check out our article “Diaper Decisions: What Really Matters for Your Baby”.
Download the CradleNest app to check out the various diapering options from Aiwibi, available on CradleNest’s Marketplace. At CradleNest, we believe that small parenting tips can go a long way. Follow us on Instagram @cradlenestsg for more baby care guides, practical resources, and encouragement as you navigate each stage of your parenting journey.
This article was informed by resources from the following:
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HealthHub Singapore — The Beginner’s Guide to Taking Care of Your Baby (0–6 months
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HealthHub Singapore — Baby: Care of Your Newborn – To Have and To Hold
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Mother & Baby Singapore — Changing Diapers
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Parents.com — Diaper Sizes: How to Find the Right Fit for Newborns, Babies, and Toddlers
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Aiwibi — How to Choose the Right Baby Diaper